From icebreakers to white coats: PharmD Class of 2030 Integration week
On August 18, the PharmD Class of 2030 kicked off their pharmacy career with P1 Integration, three days filled with essential information, community-building activities and opportunities to connect with peers, faculty and staff.
Each day of Integration was designed to support a different aspect of a successful PharmD experience. Day one focused on building a strong foundation through curriculum overviews, lunch with Peer Leader Scholars (PLS), financial aid guidance and community-building activities.
The second day centered on understanding the path ahead, with students meeting faculty advisors, learning College of Pharmacy policies and receiving a BuckIPE overview.
The final day focused on supporting the PharmD journey through study skills sessions, a student success panel, a student organization fair and wellness resources.
Together, these experiences introduced students to the academic, professional and personal support systems that will guide them throughout pharmacy school. With a strong foundation in place, the class was ready for its next milestone: the White Coat Ceremony.
The ceremony commenced at 4 p.m. on August 21 with welcome remarks from Dean Deanna Kroetz, PhD, BS Pharm '85, who greeted the 120 members of the PharmD Class of 2030, including 70 students who transitioned from the college's Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) program.
Students were also welcomed into the profession by Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) President-Elect Jeff Steckman, RPh, PharmD, who shared remarks on behalf of the organization and extended his congratulations to the incoming class.
Maria Coyle, FCCP, BCPS, BCACP, CLS, clinical professor and advisor to the PharmD Class of 2030, delivered the convocation address, followed by an introduction of the college's Peer Leader Scholars by Alex Azarov, Class of 2028 PharmD candidate.
The presentation of the white coats was led by David Matthews, PharmD, BCACP, assistant dean of PharmD Studies and associate professor of practice. As family, friends, faculty and staff looked on, members of the PharmD Class of 2030 proudly crossed the stage to receive their white coats, marking the beginning of their professional journey in pharmacy.
Following the presentation of the white coats, students recited the Pledge of Professionalism, affirming their commitment to integrity, ethical behavior and the responsibilities of the profession. The pledge was led by Pharmacy Council President Adriana Ricciard, Class of 2028 PharmD candidate.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Dean Kroetz.