This spring, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduated 45 Doctor of Pharmacy, two Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, and three Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical and Molecular Medicine degrees. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) candidates are anticipated to work as pharmacists in health care throughout hospitals, clinics and pharmacies across Washington state and the country, while PhD candidates typically go on to work in pharmaceutical companies researching and developing new drugs and therapies.
Already, the Doctor of Pharmacy class of 2026 is celebrating significant wins with a 90% American Society of Health-System Pharmacists residency match rate. Six PharmD students also completed their Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) along with their PharmD degree, and four PharmD students have made the commitment to practice in rural and underserved areas as the second cohort of the Rural Health Initiative. The college also graduated its inaugural Bachelor in Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences class since its launch in fall 2024.
The makeup of our graduating class is a testament of our commitment to serving the health and wellbeing of Washington and beyond. Most, if not all, of these students succeeded thanks to generous donors who helped offset costs through scholarships and travel funds
Julie Akers, Interim Dean of the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
“The makeup of our graduating class is a testament of our commitment to serving the health and wellbeing of Washington and beyond. Most, if not all, of these students succeeded thanks to generous donors who helped offset costs through scholarships and travel funds,” said Interim Dean Julie Akers. “We thank our donors for continuing to support our students every step of the way.”
The graduating class represents a diverse, driven, and dynamic group—one-third are male and two-thirds are female—with ages ranging from 23 to 38. Nearly one-third of these future pharmacists are multilingual, one-fifth are the first in their families to attend college, and almost half hail from towns with populations under 50,000. A true reflection of the communities they will serve, 78% are Washington residents, while others bring perspectives from across the U.S., including California, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. Those not from the U.S. come from Canada, China, India, Mexico and Nigeria.
During the commencement ceremony, keynote speaker Michael Hogue, CEO of the American Pharmacists Association, concluded his speech with a focus on excellence: “[Excellence] is a series of daily decisions. It’s choosing preparation over shortcuts, integrity over convenience, and growth over comfort.”
Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2026 Awards
Graduates received the following awards during the ceremony:
Larry G. Bettesworth Health Systems Pharmacy Student Award
The award was established to honor Larry Bettesworth and his legacy as an outstanding pharmacist leader, teacher and mentor of many. The award recognizes students who are pursuing continued professional training in a health-system pharmacy residency program and that have demonstrated significant contributions in health-system pharmacy, pharmacy professional associations and have actively engaged in student leadership/volunteer opportunities.
Abby Scott
Merck Award for Academic Excellence
For the students with the highest academic achievement in the class.
Carmen Gwinn
VIATRIS™ Excellence in Pharmacy Award :
For being in the top 25 percent of the class, demonstrating high personal motivation, possessing a unique ability to communicate drug information, and the intent to enter practice upon graduation.
Todd Johanson
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Excellence in Clinical Communication
For being in the top 25 percent of the class and demonstrating superior verbal and written clinical communication skills.
Sydney Clark
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Award
For a student from each campus who are voted by faculty who exhibit outstanding grades, membership and participation in professional organizations, and strong work characteristics in the classroom and community.
Nathan Taylor
Graduating Veterans
Three graduating veterans were also recognized during the celebration with a challenge coin gifted to them by the University.
Edward Kim
Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates with Rural Health Track Curriculum Distinction
Four Doctor of Pharmacy students graduated with the Rural Health Track Curriculum distinction. Their training during pharmacy school equipped them to work in rural and underserved areas and they have committed to serving rural and underserved areas following their graduation from the WSU Doctor of Pharmacy program.
Kate Leffel
Elaina DeMerritt
Todd Johanson
