Pacific University School of Pharmacy Welcomed Two New PharmD Classes & Second Student Cohort in the Stand-Alone MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences

The School of Pharmacy welcomed newly matriculated students, Class of 2027 and Class of 2029, to our 3-year and 5-year PharmD program pathways during fall semester induction week on Monday, August 5th. We also welcomed our new cohort for our new 2-year standalone MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which is the second cohort in the history of our School and currently represented by Class of 2025 and Class of 2026.

This year the White Coat Ceremony for newly matriculated PharmD students was held on Saturday, August 10th at our beautiful Forest Grove campus at Taylor Meade Performing Arts Center. Newly matriculated PharmD students received their crispy white coats in a happy and pride-filled space in front of the School’s faculty, staff and administrators and distinguished guests, along with about 250 family members and friends. 76% of the matriculated students are coming from Oregon or Washington with students also representing 7 other states: Hawaii, California, Nevada, Florida, Utah, Montana, and Connecticut!

This was the second time in the history of our School and now something that is becoming a normal part of this celebration, to welcome and coat two different Doctor of Pharmacy student cohorts. Since 2006, we have offered our 3-year PharmD degree pathway and since Fall 2023 we also offer our new 5-year PharmD degree pathway and coated our second class.

The iconic white coat signifies a student pharmacist’s status as a health care profession within a tradition of care and service.  This ceremony is more than just receiving a coat, it symbolizes the students’ commitment to the profession of pharmacy and caring for the needs of others, and to the values of integrity, compassion, honor, and lifelong learning.

The ceremony was initiated by Dr. Brandon Nuziale, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, who welcomed everybody to the ceremony and addressed the students. The ceremony was also attended by the new Pacific University Provost, Dr. Barbara May, who provided her short welcome and address that was followed by Dr. Mary Von on behalf of the College Health Professions.  

Then Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Dr. Marketa Marvanova delivered her address to both classes emphasizing the importance of the ceremony as a critical professional milestone, and that the white coat and this special moment is about the past, present, and future. She also welcomed students to the pharmacy community highlighting the supportive community in our School that is commonly highly valued and cited by our students, stating, “I hope you already discovered, over the last 5 days, that you have entered a lively, challenging, diverse, warm and supportive community. I want you to know that the entire School, College and University community is here to support, sustain, and encourage you as you commit to study at the Pacific University School of Pharmacy and take one step after another on the path of pharmacy excellence and achievement.”

A special guest, Kelle Miyama, PharmD, BCACP (PUSOP Class of 2021) currently serving as a Clinical Pharmacist in Legacy Health, welcomed the students to the Profession from the SOP Alumni.

Dr. Brandon Nuziale (Assistant Dean for Student Affairs) and Dr. Maddie Fry (Assistant Dean for Experiential Education) then coated the Class of 2027 and Class of 2029. 

After an emotional celebration filled with smiles and excitement, newly coated students recited the Pledge of Professionalism that was led by C’Rel McAllister Whatley, PharmD, RPh, who serves as the Healthcare Supervisor for Walgreens Company. We would like to thank Walgreens for their generous sponsorship of this year’s ceremony and also the white coats. We appreciate this partnership and support to make this day very special for our students and their families.

Before we departed for the reception and refreshments served on the patio during a warm and sunny afternoon and beautiful surroundings on our campus, two current students, Lila Bloss (President, Class of 2025) and Krysten Padasdao (President, Class of 2026) delivered their welcome.

It was a beautiful day and beautiful ceremony. We are very excited for the students to be joining our community and to having a role in their aspiring, professional lives. We know our students will wear their coats proudly and will be able to make a difference.

- by Marketa Marvanova, PharmD, PhD, BCGP, BCPP, FASCP | Dean and Professor | School of Pharmacy