As members of the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy’s Class of 2027 continue to settle into their new home, we hope you’ll take a moment to learn more about this excellent group of scholars.
A snapshot of the P1 Class shows that 23 students are from West Virginia; 14 are from Pennsylvania; three are from Illinois; two each are from Delaware and Ohio; and one each is from Maryland, New York, South Carolina and Virginia. One student is from outside the U.S., hailing from Baskinta, Lebanon.
Sixteen Class members already have bachelor’s degrees in areas such as Biology, Biochemistry, Public Health, Music Performance, Business Administration, and Chemistry. Several of those degrees came with cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude Latin Honors designations. Two students already have master’s degrees. The average overall college GPA for the Class is 3.5
On Saturday, August 12, the School officially welcomed its newest group of student pharmacists with a White Coat Ceremony. The annual tradition signifies a student's entry into pharmacy school and a commitment to be future healthcare professionals who will develop, deliver, and monitor medications to improve their patient's health, well-being and quality of life.
The WVU School of Pharmacy Dean, Dr. William Petros, addressed the new cohort before the presentation. He encouraged them to “dream big of their future pharmacy careers but not to be surprised if what they achieve goes well beyond their dreams.”
Dr. Ronald Reed, professor and Arthur I. Jacknowitz Endowed Chair, led the students in the pledge of professionalism.
Dr. Betsy Elswick, associate professor and coordinator for the WVU School of Pharmacy Alumni Association, delivered remarks on behalf of the Association.
Assistant Professors Dr. Sharan Bobbala and Dr. Sabina Nduaguba, along with Dr. Reed, assisted student pharmacists with their coats. Jennifer Clutter, program coordinator in the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, provided closing remarks.
The coats are donated by loved ones, faculty, staff, alumni, student pharmacists and friends. A note of encouragement from the sponsor is placed in the pocket of each one. If you are interested in sponsoring a white coat for a future ceremony, contact the School's Director of Development, Kevin Tephabock, at kevin.tephabock@wvuf.org
To view photos from the ceremony, click this link. https://wvusop.smugmug.com/2023-White-Coat-Ceremony-Class-of-2027
To view the video, click this link. https://youtu.be/Z55yfQj30ls
To view the program online, scan the QR Code.
