More than 100 students will take their first, public step toward becoming pharmacists today when they participate in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Annual White Coat Ceremony.

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.

This event, being held in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, North Campus, also highlights the importance of scientific scholarship and emphasizes the highest principles of moral, ethical and legal conduct. UB PharmD students who take part in this tradition are welcomed to begin study among the ranks of pharmacy professionals.

During the traditional “Calling of the Class,” each of the 125 students in the Class of 2019 will be called to the stage to be presented with their coat while their hometown is identified by Karl D. Fiebelkorn, senior associate dean for student, professional and community affairs, and associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice.

Amanda McEvoy, PharmD '08, director of the Community Pharmacy Residency Program and clinical coordinator at Middleport Family Health Center, will give the keynote address. McEvoy also is president-elect of the Pharmacists Association of Western New York.