On Friday, August 14, the UIW Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) proudly hosted its 21st White Coat Ceremony at 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 enthralled by UIW music major, Marisa Mejia, as she sang the National Anthem. Julie Flores, current pharmacy student, Class of 2029 President-Elect of Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International, led attendees in opening prayer. 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. Following receiving the coats, the Class of 2030 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 2030 in the Oath of Professionalism,” remarked Maize. “This is the beginning of their journey to becoming practicing pharmacists and the beginning of my last year as Dean at FSOP—as I am retiring at the end of the school year. I wish them the best of luck during their next four years of coursework.”
Alyssa Saenz, PharmD Candidate, Class of 2029, and President-Elect of Phi Lambda Sigma, introduced the guest speaker, Brent Thacker, PharmD, a retired pharmacist and longtime supporter of the Feik School of Pharmacy. During his presentation, Thacker reflected on key milestones throughout his distinguished career, including his roles as HEB Senior Director of Pharmacy Operations and HEB Pharmacy Regional Director. He concluded by putting on his original white coat, symbolizing his enduring commitment to the students, UIW, and the pharmacy profession that has provided him with countless opportunities and rewards throughout his career.
Hailey Lawson, a first-year pharmacy student, reflected on the impact of the ceremony, “The Feik School of Pharmacy white coat ceremony helped me identify what is important to me as a P1 student. It gave me insight into the responsibility and compassion required to be a great pharmacist one day. I will carry with me the love and support I felt in that room through this journey and find strength in it, even when things are difficult.”
Stephen Cheney, chair of the Feik School of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony Committee, reflected on the significance of the event stating, "This ceremony is a testimony to the impact the community has on Feik and the impact Feik has on the community." Ostensibly, the ceremony is where Feik hands off white coats to the students. But symbolically, the preceptors and families are handing off the students they’ve developed to our faculty to be further molded and sculpted. It takes a village to raise a pharmacist, and it’s really touching to see the whole village in one place at one time. I’m grateful to the faculty, Sky Room staff, and my committee for the hard work they put into this. But most of all, I’m grateful to the students who chose Feik as their home.”
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.
This year, 91 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 2030 will be offered throughout their respective journeys.