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71 Doctor of Pharmacy students, along with their friends and family, entered the Osterhout Concert Theater in ����AV��Ƶ’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday to officially receive their white coats. The annual White Coat Ceremony marks the students’ entrance into the profession of pharmacy.

“As first-year pharmacy students — you’ll be called P1s — you are embarking on an exciting path,” said Dean Kanneboyina Nagaraju. “We pledge to educate and prepare you to become patient-centered pharmacists who will practice at the top of your license. When you graduate from here in four years, you will be prepared to take any path in the field of pharmacy that you are drawn to — and excel!”

Nagaraju shared with students that they’ll learn from highly accomplished faculty, who are national leaders in pharmacy education and pharmaceutical sciences research. But more importantly, they’ll learn from each other.

“These experiences will prepare you for your clinical experiences and for the ever-evolving world of modern healthcare,” he said.

“Your decision to join the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences identifies you as smart, motivated individuals and as people who are committed to improving the world through innovative discovery and service to your communities,” said President Harvey Stenger. “I’m confident that you’ll excel here because we have the best teachers and scientists who work closely with students to ensure that they succeed in their academic careers.”

Stenger continued by sharing that students who join the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are noted for their passion and commitment.

“They are dedicated to serving their communities and working to improve health outcomes for the people around them,” he said. “In just a few years, this school has developed and achieved a reputation for outstanding career preparation and for providing an academic setting that is rewarding and supportive.”

Stenger added that he is proud of all the students, who are taking their first steps on this journey of service and stepping into the white coats that identify them as members of the healthcare profession.

“This is a great tradition because it reinforces the idea that you are donning a new role with new responsibilities,” Stenger said. “It’s a call to recognize the duty you have to the people you’ll treat and to accomplish your tasks with professionalism and high ethical standards. I’m confident that you’ll rise to these responsibilities and make ����AV��Ƶ, this community and the communities.”

Provost Donald Hall mentioned that while some of the students may be nervous about starting this pharmacy journey, he is confident in every one of them.

“You are taking a big step today, beginning a challenging program that will test your stamina, commitment, intellect and compassion,” Hall said. “We know that you have everything it will take to succeed. Your academic preparation and character have been assessed by our faculty, who believe that you will flourish here at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and in the profession.”

, dean of the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, then took the stage and explained his connection to the ����AV��Ƶ area.

“For my wife, Lorraine, and me, this is more than just a professional occasion — it’s a personal homecoming,” he said. “Both of us are proud natives of the ’Triple Cities’ area. I grew up in Endicott, just a few miles down the road. My roots here are deep — this is where I spent my childhood and adolescence, surrounded by a strong sense of community, hard work and resilience. Lorraine and I met here, and shortly after we were married, she earned her MBA from ����AV��Ƶ — so we have a meaningful connection to this very institution. To stand here today, back in a place that shaped our early lives, and to speak with you at such a pivotal moment in your journey — it’s incredibly humbling.”

Hritcko added he understands the importance of this ceremony and has the privilege of seeing students grow into confident, competent and compassionate practitioners.

“I can tell you this: there is no greater responsibility — and no greater honor — than earning the trust of a patient,” he said. “You’re not just studying pharmacy; you are preparing to become stewards of health and wellness in your communities, in hospitals, in clinics, in industry and in research. The work you will do will touch lives in ways you can’t even imagine yet.”

Hritcko closed his remarks with a message to the new pharmacy students: “Wear your white coat with pride, but also with humility,” he shared. “Recognize the responsibility it carries. Know that your education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about cultivating wisdom, compassion and integrity. You are the future of pharmacy. And from where I stand — in a place so close to my heart — that future looks very, very bright.”

Following the keynote address, James “JJ” Brice, director of student affairs, asked the students to cross the stage one at a time to be coated by Clinical Associate Professor Erin Pauling and Clinical Assistant Professor Anthony Hopkins, PharmD ’22.

“White Coat ceremonies have traditionally been used by schools of pharmacy as an outward sign of an inward and personal commitment to the profession,” Brice said. “As our students walk across the stage today, they will receive their white coat and take the first step to a lifelong commitment to the pharmacy profession.”

Brice then led the students through the passing of the light of knowledge, which “symbolizes a very real exchange between you, your mentors, faculty members and colleagues.”

The ceremony concluded as Lamiyah Kamal, SOPPS ‘21, president of the Pharmacy Alumni Leaders group (PALs), led the students and all pharmacists in the audience in the Pharmacy Oath.