The 126 members of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ PharmD Class of 2016 took their first, public step toward becoming pharmacists when they participated in the school’s annual White Coat Ceremony, held Aug. 23 in the Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, North Campus.

The White Coat Ceremony symbolizes passage into the initial stages of the profession of pharmacy practice and represents a contract for excellence in providing compassionate patient care.

The event also highlights the importance of scientific scholarship and emphasizes the highest principles of moral, ethical and legal conduct. Students taking part in this tradition are welcomed to begin study among the ranks of pharmacy professionals.

During the “Calling of the Class,” each student was called to the stage to be presented with a coat while his or her hometown was identified by Karl D. Fiebelkorn, associate dean for student affairs and professional relations.

Dean Wayne K. Anderson gave the welcome; Keith Wagner, PharmD, ’00 & MBA, ’03, director of trade and specialty accounts for Eli Lilly and Co., gave the keynote address.