Congrats PharmCATS Class of 2024!
The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy honored its spring 2024 graduating class at Centennial Hall on May 10.
The Coit College of Pharmacy celebrated its second graduating class of its Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences by conferring 72 bachelor degrees. The four-year degree was launched in fall 2018 and offers a curriculum aimed at preparing graduates for employment in a variety of biomedical research settings, as well as preparing them for post-baccalaureate education in graduate or health-professional studies.
Layne Wright gave the undergraduate response and will pursue her doctor of pharmacy degree with the Coit College of Pharmacy in fall 2024.
"I can’t wait to see us change the world of healthcare. Today, we are one step closer to changing the world. Just keep swimming, we are almost there," she said.
The graduate programs celebrated and hooded two Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and one Master of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology graduates, four Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates and four Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology and Toxicology graduates.
Kevin Hurtado a doctor of philosophy in Pharmacology and Toxicology, gave the doctoral student response during the ceremony. "I learned how important our work can be. I learned how important we can be. I learned that we have the potential for greater things."
The College conferred doctor of pharmacy degrees to 111 graduates. Some of the graduates choose to accept positions in community or health-system settings. Others continue their education by pursuing a graduate degree. Among the Class of 2024, 47 students have applied and successfully matched for postgraduate pharmacy residency training.
Alexander Duong and Karishma Deshpande were selected to give the PharmD Tucson Cohort class response and Nicole Unwin and Sabrina Lamere were selected to give the PharmD Phoenix Cohort during the ceremony. "Our paths may differ after we leave here today, but remember–wherever any of us end up, this doctorate degree is something nobody can ever take away from us. You should all be so proud of yourselves today," Deshpande said.
Dean Rick Schnellmann, PhD, encouraged graduates to expect change and to seek out new opportunities.
"As you transition from students to practitioners or scholars, I am reminded of the only constant, change. Too often people are afraid of change because it’s uncomfortable or daunting, and they resist it. However, without change though, nothing happens. Recognize change as an opportunity. When the unexpected happens, as it always does, view it as a chance for growth and greater fulfillment," Schnellmann said.