UMSOP Celebrates PharmD Class of 2026 at Convocation Ceremony

Graduates reflect on perseverance, leadership, and purpose as they prepare for careers across pharmacy practice, research, public health, and industry.

By Pam Carder
May 19, 2026

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) celebrated the achievements of the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2026 during a convocation ceremony held May 14 in Baltimore.

Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, preceptors, and classmates, graduates reflected on the challenges, growth, and community that defined their four-year pharmacy school journey while looking ahead to careers in patient care, research, public health, industry, and residency training.

A Class Defined by Community and Leadership

“What stands out about the Class of 2026 is their desire to help each other – an important characteristic of a pharmacist,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “You are dedicated and compassionate leaders, not only supporting each other through your four-year PharmD experience but also supporting and mentoring our younger classes.”

Members of the class pursued internships, research, leadership positions, dual degrees, and community outreach initiatives while balancing the rigorous demands of the PharmD curriculum.

Class president Reginald Briscoe III reflected on the discipline, perseverance, and leadership required to complete the program, sharing memories of late-night study sessions, leadership experiences, and the close-knit culture of the class.

“Leadership isn’t just about being the spokesperson of an organization,” he said. “It’s also about inspiring others and serving as a role model.”

Briscoe also highlighted the class’s service and leadership accomplishments, including national recognition earned by student organizations, vaccine clinics, Narcan education efforts, and community initiatives throughout Baltimore.

Jace Jones, PhD, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences and faculty advisor to the Class of 2026, encouraged graduates to lead with both humility and ambition as they enter the profession.

“Your degree opens doors, but your character will define your legacy,” he said. “Be humble in your authority, stay hungry in your purpose, and never forget the responsibility and the privilege of caring for others.”

A Message About Purpose and Passion

The Class of 2026 selected former UMSOP faculty member Sandeep Devabhakthuni, PharmD, BCCP, FASHP, as keynote speaker. Devabhakthuni, who is now a safety evaluator in the Division of Pharmacovigilance at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, reflected on his professional journey and encouraged graduates to embrace change and pursue purpose-driven careers.

“Standing here looking out at all of you feels like coming home,” Devabhakthuni said.

In deeply personal remarks, he reflected on overcoming imposter syndrome, leaving academia, and finding renewed purpose through his work in public health at the FDA.

“You don’t have to choose the highest position to practice at the top of your license,” he told graduates. “You just have to find the position that allows you to practice at the top of your passion.”

Graduates Reflect on Their Journeys

Before the ceremony, graduates shared their perspectives on the significance of reaching the milestone.

“Graduating means a lot to me,” said Oluseyi Olasupo, who will begin a residency at a children’s hospital in St. Louis. “I am the first pharmacist in my family.”

Olasupo said her passion for pediatrics and neonatal intensive care pharmacy was inspired by her own experience as a NICU patient. “I’ve always had a really soft spot for pediatrics and the NICU population,” she said. “Matching to a children’s hospital for my residency was just amazing.”

Daniel Butz, who will begin a PGY1 residency with Kaiser Permanente, said his interest in pharmacy began while working in health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I really fell in love with pharmacy while working in health care during COVID,” he said. “That experience inspired me to change directions and pursue pharmacy school.”

Alejandra Caban described graduation as “a day that represents perseverance, growth, and every challenging step that it took to get here.”

Recognizing Excellence

The ceremony also recognized students, faculty, and preceptors for excellence in leadership, academics, patient care, and service.

Jill Morgan, PharmD BCPS, BCPPS, FNAP, professor and chair of the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, was named Teacher of the Year by the Class of 2026.

Presenting the award, Briscoe praised Morgan for her lasting impact on students throughout the PharmD program, from first-semester coursework in pediatric patient management to advanced pharmacotherapy instruction.

“She has always gone above and beyond for the support of her students in class,” Briscoe said.

Accepting the award, Morgan encouraged graduates to “go out and be great” and reminded them – “don’t forget to take care of those kids.”

• Leadership Awards
  • Sana Behdin
  • Reginald Briscoe III
  • Nana Esi Bray
  • Rachel Hall
  • Jiwon Oh
  • Oluseyi Olasupo
  • Jamie Padilla
  • Vraj Patel
• Maryland Society of Health System Pharmacy Student Achievement Award
  Vraj Patel
• Maryland Pharmaceutical Society Award
  Oluseyi Olasupo
• Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award
  Zachary Geesaman
• Maryland Pharmacists Association Award
  Sana Behdin
• Maryland-American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Award
  Sara Oh
• U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award
  Mehak Muneer
• Alfred Abramson Entrepreneurship Award
  Jiwon Oh
• Andrew G. DuMez Award for superior proficiency in pharmacy
  Vraj Patel
• Terry Paul Crovo Award in Pharmacy Practice for performance and promise to uphold the highest standards of the profession
  Christine Rojas
• Lambda Kappa Sigma, Epsilon Alumnae Chapter – Cole Award for proficiency in pharmacy administration
  Jiwon Oh
• William Simon Memorial Prize for superior work in the field of medicinal chemistry, practical and analytical chemistry
  Derek Lai
• Wagner Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence Prize for meritorious academic achievement in pharmaceutical jurisprudence
  Nour Elsheemy
• John F. Wannenwetsch Memorial Prize for exceptional performance and promise in the practice of community pharmacy
  Daniel Butz
• Conrad L. Wich Prize for exceptional work in medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy
  Zachary Geesaman
• L.S. Williams Practical Pharmacy Prize – highest general average in basic and applied pharmaceutics
  Sana Behdin
• Academic Excellence Award
  Jin Wen Wang

Preceptors of the Year were also recognized.

• Outstanding New Preceptor of the Year: Andrew Rubio, PharmD, BCIDP, AAHIVP
• IPPE Preceptor of the Year: Sara Alizai, PharmD
• APPE Preceptor of the Year: Michael Francis, PharmD
• Faculty Preceptor of the Year: Amy Howard, PharmD, MS

The ceremony concluded with the hooding of graduates and administration of the Pharmacist’s Oath, formally welcoming the Class of 2026 into the profession.

As graduates begin their careers, Michel encouraged them to carry forward the compassion and leadership they demonstrated throughout pharmacy school.

“Whatever path you take, continue to be resilient, tenacious, and altruistic,” Michel said. “Continue to lead.”

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