COP prepares for inaugural commencement

(KINGSVILLE, TX) — The Texas A&M Health Science Center Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy will host its inaugural commencement at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 at the Edward Jones Auditorium on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Seventy-four students will walk the stage and make a mark in history as the first to receive their Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from the college.

“This historical commencement marks the culmination of the dreams of so many, including the late Representative Irma Lerma Rangel,” said Indra K. Reddy, Ph.D., dean of the HSC-Rangel College of Pharmacy. “Remembering all those whose efforts made this day possible and applauding them and these graduating students for their achievements, we invite everyone to rejoice with us on this exciting day.”

Texas Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-District 26, is keynote speaker. A pharmacist for 30 years and in her fifth term as state senator, she currently is chair of the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee and serves as a member of the Senate committees on Education, State Affairs, and Business and Commerce.

Introducing her will be Nancy W. Dickey, M.D., president of the Texas A&M Health Science Center and vice chancellor for health affairs for The Texas A&M University System.

Coinciding with the inaugural commencement ceremony is the birthday of the late State Rep. Irma Lerma Rangel. Born May 15, 1931 in Kingsville, Rangel was dedicated and committed to focusing on minority and education issues and instrumental in bringing the first professional school to South Texas.

Tickets are required for attendance at the commencement ceremony.