COP Recognizes students in ceremony

The Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy recognized 87 pharmacy students entering their second year of studies in a White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2015 on Sept. 8 at the Edward N. Jones Auditorium on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) campus.

The ceremony is a meaningful tradition in which the college welcomes those students who have completed their first year of study as colleagues dedicated to patient care. It is considered a rite of passage in the journey toward a pharmacy career. Through the ceremony, first-year pharmacy students gain a sense of the college’s core values focusing on professionalism, respect, integrity and caring.

Indra K. Reddy, Ph.D., founding dean of the TAMHSC-Rangel College of Pharmacy, recognized the Class of 2015 and acknowledged family members and spouses in attendance. He also recognized distinguished guests, honored faculty and preceptors, staff, and friends and supporters of the college.

“We are gathered not only to honor their achievements of successfully completing the requirements to receive the white coat but also to honor the educational process they will continue to follow,” Dr. Reddy said.

Linn J. Danielski, M.S., RPh, former president of the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists, was keynote speaker, offering remarks regarding change and involvement in health care as a pharmacist.

“Keep your minds and options open. Pharmacy is changing,” Danielski said. “To change history, to change health care, to change pharmacy it takes many things: constant, persistent action; organizations; money; leadership; followership; and many many people.”

The Class of 2015 then walked on stage where they were presented with their white coats and recited the Pledge of Professionalism in unison. A reception followed at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center, also on the TAMUK campus.