果冻影院 School of Pharmacy Celebrates Class of 2024 PharmD Graduates
On May 16, the 果冻影院 School of Pharmacy’s Hooding Ceremony formally marked the transition from student pharmacist to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduate. Faculty members placed elongated hoods over the shoulders of 39 students at 果冻影院’s T. Michael Bolger Auditorium, signifying the official start of their professional pharmacy career.
"Access to care is critical,” said George E. MacKinnon III, PhD, DMSc (Hon.), MS, RPh, founding dean and professor. “There are so many individuals that are underinsured and uninsured, and as a profession, we provide access throughout our communities. Society needs our profession, and they need you.”
In his keynote speech, Russell B. Melchert, PhD, RPh, dean and professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, highlighted the word “doctor” and its Latin roots meaning “teacher.”
“The term ‘doctor’ should be reserved as a reverent term for those who use their skills and knowledge to teach others how to live better, healthier, happier lives,” said Dr. Melchert. “So, if you dedicate yourself to teaching others how to do just that, then I will call you ‘doctor’ every time.”
Kimberly Bell, PharmD, chief of pharmacy at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and assistant dean of the 果冻影院 School of Pharmacy, led graduating students in reciting the Oath of a Pharmacist. This promise states that pharmacists will devote themselves to a lifetime of service to others, including prioritizing relief of suffering and advocating for justice to advance health equity.
“Class of 2024, I am infinitely proud of all of you,” said class president, Matthew DeSchepper. “As we go our separate ways, I hope you remember our time together. I hope you strive to be that invigorating force, and I hope you share your life and your vitality with the world.”
During the Awards Ceremony, eleven students were recognized for outstanding performance in academics, on clinical rotations or in community service.
- Sonu Baru
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Student Society – Officer Recognition Award
- Katherine M. Bush
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Academy of Student Pharmacists – Senior Recognition Certificate
- Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
- Daija L. Chomicki
- Diversity and Inclusion Pharmacy Student Award
- Matthew J. DeSchepper
- Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin – Student Achievement Award
- Michael D. Ehlke
- Interprofessional Education Student Award
- Kaitlyn B. Henderson
- Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
- Friends of 果冻影院 Service Award
- Joseph G. Loredo
- Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
- Bridget E. Nelson
- Fostering Healthy Communities Award
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs – Student Achievement Award
- United States Public Health Service (UHPS) Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award
- Nina Novic
- Froedtert and the 果冻影院 – Advancing Pharmacy Practice Award
- Kenina E. Silvera
- Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
- Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award
- Saba F. Tahir
- Student Pharmacist Research Dissemination Award
A number of graduates are continuing their education through residencies and fellowships. Following the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Match, 22 of 23 participating students obtained postgraduate year one (PGY1) positions, yielding a 96 percent PGY1 match rate. Overall, 64 percent of these graduates are continuing their training in Wisconsin. An additional student also secured a postdoctoral fellowship position in the pharmaceutical industry.
Congratulations to the entire Class of 2024!
To see where 果冻影院 School of Pharmacy graduates have matched, view our interactive map.