White Coat Ceremony 2025

The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy Class of 2026 celebrated its transition from academic coursework to advanced clinical training during the annual White Coat Ceremony at Centennial Hall on Friday, April 4.

During the ceremony, 133 students received their white coats from faculty members. These students have completed their third year of academic coursework and will begin clinical rotations for their final year. Members of the Class of 2025, due to graduate in May, led the group in reciting the Oath of Professionalism.

John Musil, PharmD, a 1994 alumna of the Coit College of Pharmacy and National Advisory Board Member, was the keynote speaker. He spoke of the value and importance of continuing to learn and that opportunities present themselves when least expected. "Taking the time to sit and reflect on the day, every day, is an important skill.  I am often reminded that opportunities present themselves when we least expect them, and it teaches us to be listening. Taking the time to sit and reflect on the day, every day, is an important skill. Learn and understand how you communicate with others to achieve clarity and change your habits (some might call them bad ones) when the outcomes are not meeting your intention.  Being thoughtful in your responses comes from active listening and it can change the way you see the world and opens doors that you may never have imagined.  Never stop pursuing your dreams and be open to new doors you never thought imaginable," Dr. Musil said.

Dean Rick Schnellmann, PhD, shared the importance of finding opportunities in challenging times. “As you embark on this next chapter, I want to leave you with a guiding principle: Look beyond the moment of adversity and recognize the opportunity for growth. I encourage you to look for opportunities to make a difference. Seek out ways to lead, to inspire, and most importantly, trust yourselves to become the change you wish to see in our profession.”