“Professionalism - it conveys activity not passivity. Get engaged. It goes beyond your education. Start now as a student.”   
-Dean Letendre

Ninety-one Doctor of Pharmacy students recited the Oath of the Pharmacist and were officially welcomed into the profession and College during the annual White Coat Ceremony Aug. 20 at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City.

Dean Donald Letendre emphasized the importance of professionalism and encouraged students to know their 'why.’  “Profess - what is your why? Why do you want to become a pharmacist? What is your public declaration?”

During the ceremony, students were coated by Associate Professor and Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Erika Ernst, Clinical Associate Professor Shellie Fravel, and Professor and Executive Associate Dean Gary Milavetz. Diane Reist, chair of the Board of Trustees, Iowa Pharmacy Association, provided Welcome to Iowa Pharmacy remarks. Jose Rodriguez, past president of the Student Leadership Council and a fourth-year student pharmacist, presided over reciting the Oath of the Pharmacist. 

The event marked the end of the course, "Engagement: Professional Skills and Values," during which students were introduced to the college community and profession, curriculum highlights, student resources, service, and outreach opportunities, and participated in self-development and awareness activities. 

The Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2026….

• 70% identify as female, 30% as male
• 17% indicate they are First Generation
• 66% are from Iowa
• 4% are international students
• Represent nine different states and countries
• 21% identify as African American, American Indian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Asian, Latinx/a/o, or two or more ethnicities
• Average age: 22
• Age range: 19-35
  

The College also welcomed 10 new graduate students last week. They will enter one of the following interest areas; Pharmaceutics (five), Health Services Research (three), Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry (one), and Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences (one). During their orientation week, they met with faculty and graduate students already in the program, toured the pharmacy buildings, and received a College of Pharmacy overview.