Each Doctor of Pharmacy student at the Washington State University begins their journey with the donning of their white coats. This simple coat is symbolic. It represents professionalism, caring and trust that each future pharmacist must earn from their patients.
While this year’s celebration looked a little different, the symbolism is all the more significant in these world-changing times. For the first time, the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences took to the web to welcome over 100 incoming pharmacy students with a virtual white coat celebration on Friday, August 21. Over 600 people attended the event online. This year’s incoming students received their white coats ahead of the virtual celebration in an orientation box as part of Pharmacy Prep Week.
The white coats for the class of 2024 were donated by Walgreens and Pharmacy Prep Week orientation boxes were made possible with support from QFC. Nick Bruck, class of 2004, represented Walgreens and virtually “coated” the students and led them in their Pledge of Professionalism during the celebration streamed via YouTube.
A message of adaptation and the importance of embracing the challenges of the times we live in were threaded throughout the ceremony as faculty and staff welcomed the students to the college and celebrated their entry into the pharmacy profession. Students were met with virtual applause from their families and loved ones.
“Be relentlessly proactive, curious, and observant as you are truly in a unique position to change the course of this pandemic and chart a new course for our profession,” said college Dean Mark Leid. “We can’t wait to see the personal and professional growth that you will experience in our program and I hope you take great pride in joining our cougar family as we are honored to have you.”
Class of 2022 pharmacy students and campus orientation directors Trevor Schultz and Crystal Lewis shared some tips with incoming pharmacy students as they begin on their four-year WSU pharmacy journey:
- Adapt a growth mindset: Always be willing to improve or learn in any given situation. This is especially relevant during a pandemic when we all continue to be presented with new challenges on a regular basis.
- Be kind to yourself: It is important to find time to do the little things that instill happiness. The things you do for yourself not only help you stay motivated throughout pharmacy school but become the memories you will hold onto after graduation.
- Take this opportunity to connect: The transition to distance delivery provides a special opportunity for the two campuses to connect in a way that hasn’t previously been possible. Take advantage of this and continue to make as many genuine connections as you can.
Welcome, class of 2024!
Thank you to all of the students who submitted information and photos for these profiles, featured on the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Instagram.