Professional Pharmacy Organizations Recognizes 2022 Graduating Members

Each year, the professional pharmacy organizations within the college’s PharmD program recognize a graduating member for their instrumental leadership and outstanding contributions made during their time with the organization. Their commitment to their organization and to the field of pharmacy is well-noted in the comments below.

Please help us to congratulate these graduating PharmCAT leaders.

APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists Award Recipient: Brooke Whittington
The mission of the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists is to be the collective voice of student pharmacists, to provide opportunities for professional growth, to improve patient care, and to envision and advance the future of pharmacy.

APhA writes, “Brooke Whittington is worthy of recognition for her past leadership roles serving as APhA-ASP president and president-elect. She worked diligently to lead e-board and promote member involvement and participation while navigating COVID restrictions. Her actions and words inspired members to be active participants in APhA-ASP and our organization will continue to benefit from her contributions.

American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Award Recipient: Alison Weygint
The mission of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) is to encourage pharmacists and other members of the health care team to improve the quality of care for our aging population through medication management.

ASCP writes, “Alison is an active member of ASCP. As President, she organized lunch meetings, fundraisers and collaborated with colleges for interprofessional clinics at St. Luke’s Home. She entered ASCP in the “Script Your Future Challenge,” planned game night with St. Luke’s Home, promoted Pima Love Notes, and the Alzheimer’s Association Walk. We are grateful for her love for older adults and are excited to see her journey after graduation. Congratulations, Alison!"

National Community Pharmacists Association Award Recipients: Briana Jarrell and William Leung
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) is dedicated to the continuing growth and prosperity of independent community pharmacy in the United States.

NCPA writes, “NCPA would like to honor Briana Jarrell and William Leung for their leadership and dedication to our organization. As past president, Briana proudly represented NCPA’s missions and goals and was an excellent role model for the NCPA E-board team. William’s dedication for proper recordkeeping made our fundraiser events successful. We would like to thank both of them for their hard work. We wish Briana and William all the best wishes in their future endeavors.'

PediaCATS Award Recipient: Elizabeth Vuong
PediaCATS is committed to improving the health of children and promoting pediatric education among healthcare professionals.

PediaCATS writes, “PediaCATS would like to honor Elizabeth Vuong. As former president, she contributed time and effort into the student organization and led by example in excelling in every aspect. Elizabeth was highly involved within the community. She coordinated fundraising campaigns for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Banner University Medical Center Diamond Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Pulmonary Center and more. We would like to thank her for all that she has done for PediaCATS!"

Phi Lambda Sigma Award Recipient: Caress Bernardo
The Mission of the Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society is to foster and recognize leaders and to support leadership commitment.

Phi Lambda Sigma writes, “Caress remained a positive president even in the midst of a pandemic. She found ways to engage with our students, and provide opportunities for developing leadership skills. She has been a great guide for, and member of, this year's executive board, and we wish her the best as she begins her PGY-1 after graduation!"

Rho Chi Award Recipient: Lauren Rimsza
The Rho Chi Society, pharmacy's academic honor society, encourages and recognizes excellence in intellectual achievement and fosters fellowship among its members.

Rho Chi writes, "Lauren served as president of Rho Chi during the 2021-2022 academic year. She has made invaluable contributions to the ongoing success of Rho Chi and most notable was her ability to adapt and persevere during a time of uncertainty. Lauren used her resources to ensure that all students were recognized and appreciated while using the virtual platforms available. We are thankful for the leadership Lauren provides our college and community!"

Student College of Clinical Pharmacy Award Recipient: Shienna Braga
The Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP) educates members on clinical and interprofessional practice, clinical research, residencies and specialized pharmacy practice.

SCCP writes, “Shienna served as president of SCCP during the 2021-2022 academic year. During her time in leadership Shienna demonstrated her commitment to pharmacy education and the advancement of clinical skills as a student. Shienna was able to transition our organization through a virtual learning environment and has been instrumental to our success both before and after this experience. Our organization will miss her, but we are beyond excited for her future."

Industry Pharmacist’s Organization Award Recipients: Tim O’Neill, Chloe Grace, Nicholas Little, Anisa Kamel and Broderick Moore
IPhO is the organization whose pharmacist members are universally recognized within the pharmaceutical industry as being the most professionally equipped to contribute to the development, commercialization, promotion, and optimal use of medicines.

IPhO writes, "We would like to recognize Tim, Chloe, Nick, Anisa, and Broderick for their initiative in founding the Industry Pharmacist’s Organization (IPhO) chapter at the UofA. This club has allowed students interested in the industry to learn from guest speakers and gain experience through participating in national case competitions. Their contributions will continue to inspire and support industry focused PharmD students. Thank you, Tim, Chloe, Nick, Anisa, and Broderick!"

R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy Student Society of Health System Pharmacy Award Recipient: Dillon Yup
The Student Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (SSHP) is an organization of pharmacy students who feel passionately about pharmacy as a clinical profession. The mission of the organization is to provide students with programs and services which add to the educational experiences of the college curriculum, to promote pharmacy as an integral part of the healthcare team, and to represent its members before private and public agencies as well as other health care organizations.

SSHP writes, "The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy Student Society of Health System Pharmacy (SSHP) would like to recognize Dillon Yup for his incredible work as former president of the organization. His commitment to consistently being a kind, resourceful, and effective leader is inspiring, and SSHP would not be the same without all of his hard work!  We would like to wish Dillon all the best on the next chapter of his pharmacy journey!"