UIW Feik School of Pharmacy Hosts 20th White Coat Ceremony

On Friday, August 8, the UIW Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) proudly hosted its 20th White Coat Ceremony in the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room. This annual tradition honors first-year pharmacy students as they begin their journey toward becoming skilled and compassionate pharmacy professionals dedicated to serving others in need.

To begin the ceremony, attendees were serenaded by first-year students Elda Cobos, Jasmine Holmes and Ashli Resendez as they harmoniously sang the National Anthem. In alignment with this traditional ceremony, each student was presented with a personalized white coat that was then placed on them by an FSOP faculty member, invited pharmacist or a personally significant licensed healthcare professional. After this, the Class of 2029 recited the Pledge of Professionalism, led by the Dean of FSOP Dr. David F. Maize.

“I was very proud and excited to present the white coats and lead the Class of 2029 in the Oath of Professionalism,” remarked Maize. “This is the beginning of their journey to becoming practicing pharmacists. I wish them the best of luck during their next four years of coursework.”

Additionally, Founding Dean and Professor Emerita Dr. Arcelia Johnson-Fannin joined as the ceremony’s guest speaker, where she recalled significant moments in her career as a black female pharmacist, including the opening of FSOP. While reminding students of the importance of choosing this profession, she also called on students to share why they want to be pharmacists.

“The creation of a pharmacy school at UIW was a brave, bold pivotal change for the University’s academic roadmap,” shared Dr. Johnson-Fannin. “I am humbled, proud and excited to be the founding dean of this exceptionally successful pharmacy school. In my opinion, there is none other like the FSOP at UIW and I welcome the new students into our sphere.”

This year, 89 students were honored at the ceremony, as they were surrounded by more than 600 guests who attended the ceremony in-person and more than 500 who attended virtually. Whether applause and cheers were given by partners, family, friends, peers or mentors, each gesture collectively demonstrated the vast support the Class of 2029 will be offered through their respective journeys.

Ultimately, the day embraced new beginnings and honored history. As the next generation of future pharmacists dedicate themselves to being a healing presence in the world, pharmacy experts and leadership witnessed as new students joined the legacy of FSOP that has been ongoing since its founding in 2004.

“The White Coat Ceremony is an important initial milestone in their educational journey, a visual display of a room filled with supporters, and a glimpse of their professional futures,” shared Dr. Rheaclare Fraser-Spears, FSOP associate professor and White Coat Ceremony chair. “This 20th ceremony means that through changes and struggles, our program thrives. It shows our Feik leaders, faculty and staff are dedicated to student success and living the vision of pharmacy excellence, which was started by Dr. Johnson-Fannin.”

Veteran and honored first year student Isacc Marquez shared, “All our hard work and sacrifices, the accomplishments and failures and our shared experiences were celebrated as we start the beginning of our new journey … The ceremony was more than just about us students.  This ceremony was also a display of gratitude for all those who have supported us along the way. Our success is their success. As a father, I enjoyed the way my son showed his pride in me.  He got to personally see a ceremony where intelligence and knowledge were celebrated and not belittled. He now goes around calling me soon-to-be-doctor daddy.”