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School of Pharmacy Celebrates the Class of 2014 at Convocation

170 PharmD and graduate students receive degrees and embark on the next phase of their lives.

School of Pharmacy Celebrates the Class of 2014 at Convocation

By Malissa Carroll
May 16, 2014

Family, friends, faculty, preceptors, and staff watched proudly as the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s newest Doctors of Pharmacy walked across the stage to receive their doctoral hoods at the School’s annual convocation ceremony held at the Hilton Baltimore Hotel on May 16.

In her opening remarks, Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FAAPS, FCP, dean and professor of the School of Pharmacy, told the Class of 2014 that they hold a special place at the School, as they have witnessed many changes since walking through the doors in Fall 2010.

“As first-year student pharmacists, you were the first class to enjoy the benefits of a new building,” said Eddington. “The new Pharmacy Hall opened in August 2010, just in time for the start of your first semester. While students in previous years endured noise during early-morning exams, less than ideal classroom spaces, and the presence of dozens of contractors working throughout our building, you helped us celebrate that opening and were able to spend all four years of the program in the new building.”

Eddington also addressed the personal challenges that many students encountered as they progressed through their pharmacy education, including new marriages, children, and other obstacles such as illnesses.

“But none of you gave up,” she commended. “In fact, many of you pursued additional opportunities on top of the challenge that is the PharmD curriculum. You sought out internships at prestigious organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration, pursued dual degrees, and spearheaded projects that benefitted fellow students and the local and global community. These remarkable achievements highlight your dedication and perseverance – qualities that will serve you well in your career.”

She added, “I see today as the beginning of a celebration of what is to come for each of you as members of one of the most rewarding professions – pharmacy.”

Robert Michocki, PharmD, BCPS, professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science (PPS) at the School of Pharmacy, was chosen by the Class of 2014 as the keynote speaker for convocation in honor of his upcoming retirement and the impact that his teaching has had on student pharmacists throughout his career. In his speech, Michocki offered his reflections about the time he spent with the Class of 2014 and provided words of wisdom and inspiration for the class as they begin their new careers.

“Today is the culmination of many years of hard work — you have successfully completed all of the requirements for your PharmD, and I congratulate you, as well as all of those who have supported you throughout your time at the School,” said Michocki. “As you embark on the next phase of your lives, remember that caring for your patients should be your highest priority. In order to remain competent in your profession, you must continue to be lifetime learners. Education is a lifelong process, and the new knowledge and skills that you acquire will help you become a better provider to your patients.”

Following Michocki’s remarks, Eddington surprised the professor with a framed letter commemorating his status as professor emeritus at the School in honor of his more than 40 years of service to the University.

Richard Dalby, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs and professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC); Cherokee Layson-Wolf, PharmD, CGP, BCACP, FAPhA, associate dean for student affairs and associate professor in PPS; and Peter Swaan, PhD, associate dean for research and graduate education and professor in PSC, joined Eddington in presenting graduates with their doctoral hoods to signify their completion of the highest professional degree in pharmacy.

“Donning the traditional olive colored pharmacy hood represents the fact that you have entered a caring profession that depends upon your proper use of scientific and clinical knowledge,” said Eddington. “You must care for your patients with compassion as well as intelligence. You will be trusted by patients – do not underestimate the importance of that trust, nor treat it lightly. You will have an impact on peoples’ lives.”

Ten graduating PhD students from the School’s PSC and pharmaceutical health services research (PHSR) departments received their hoods during the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Graduate School ceremony on May 15. The School’s Master of Science in Pharmacometrics program also celebrated its first graduating class, which included seven students.

Following the School’s morning convocation ceremony, graduates assembled in the afternoon for a campus-wide graduation ceremony at the Baltimore Arena, where Wes Moore, a youth advocate, Army combat veteran, social entrepreneur, and author of the New York Times bestseller The Other Wes Moore, delivered the keynote address.

To view photos from this momentous occasion, please visit the School of Pharmacy’s Facebook page.

Class of 2014 Awards and Prizes:

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