UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences hosts 2024 Welcome Week for incoming students

One hundred and forty-three PharmD students from the Class of 2028, one of our largest PharmD classes on record, began their journey to becoming pharmacists at our 22^nd annual White Coat Ceremony, held on August 22 in the Center for the Arts on North Campus.

The White Coat Ceremony marks a significant milestone, signifying entrance into the initial stages of the profession of pharmacy practice. It symbolizes a commitment to excellence in providing compassionate patient care and emphasizes the importance of scientific scholarship. The ceremony also reinforces the highest standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct, officially welcoming our UB PharmD students as they embark on their journey to becoming pharmacy professionals.

During the “Calling of the Class,” Nicole Albanese, PharmD, assistant dean for Student Success and Engagement, recognized students as they crossed the stage wearing their time-honored white coats.

“White Coat Ceremonies are milepost events for academic programs as well as for the students in those programs,” said Gary M. Pollack, PhD, dean, UB SPPS. “For us, it marks our embrace of a new cohort of student pharmacists, students who are going to be future professionals and colleagues. For students, it marks the transition from being an undergraduate or graduate student to being a professional doctoral student.”

Kari Mergenhagen, PharmD, infectious diseases pharmacy manager, VA Western New York HealthCare System, delivered the keynote address. “As you accept your white coat, let this serve as not just a commitment to our profession, but also to our future patients. The white coat is a symbol of what it means to be a healthcare professional. It represents compassion, integrity and dedication. It is a symbol of the trust that society places upon us as pharmacists.”

On August 22-23, our incoming PharmD and pharmaceutical sciences students engaged in orientation sessions to familiarize themselves with school policies, meet representatives from student organizations and connect with faculty and staff who will provide essential support and mentorship throughout their academic journey.

Students were introduced to our supportive Office of Student Success and Engagement, heard valuable success tips from our current students and learned about advising and professional development opportunities.

New undergraduate pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students also visited the pharmacy school as part of UB’s undergraduate welcome weekend. Students enjoyed an ice cream social and participated in pharmaceutical sciences and goal setting activities.

Welcome Week for our incoming students concluded with our annual school-wide picnic, hosted by our School of Pharmacy Student Association on the Pharmacy Building lawn for all faculty, staff and students.

Our Non-Pharmacy Options club organized lawn games, friendly competitions and a kickball game as a way for everyone to reconnect and celebrate the start the fall semester.