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Ceremony highlights professionalism, service, and the growing role of pharmacists in healthcare

The �㽶�� School of Pharmacy celebrated its incoming Class of 2029 at the 16th annual White Coat Ceremony, a symbolic rite of passage marking the beginning of their journey toward becoming pharmacists.

The ceremony included the presentation of white coats to first-year students, pins given to first-generation graduate students by �㽶��’s Presby First+ program, the signing of the school’s Roll of Honor, and the administration of the Pledge of Professionalism.

The President’s Charge

�㽶�� President Dr. Anita Gustafson welcomed the new class with words of encouragement and a reminder of �㽶��’s motto: While we live, we serve.

“Pharmacy has become an essential part of healthcare and profoundly impacts patient care and outcomes,” Gustafson said. “You will learn all the technical skills and scientific knowledge in the PharmD program, but at �㽶�� you will learn more. You will also learn, embrace, and demonstrate the vital skills of empathy and compassion that will set you apart from others.”

She urged the students to recognize both the privilege and responsibility of donning the white coat, which will culminate in their hooding ceremony four years from now.

“We are grateful that you have chosen to be part of the �㽶�� School of Pharmacy community, and I wish you all the best in your journey to become skilled, knowledgeable, kind, and caring pharmacists,” Gustafson said.

A Warm Welcome from the Dean

Dr. Giuseppe Gumina, dean of the School of Pharmacy, congratulated the students for earning a place in the program and emphasized the academic strength and service-oriented mission of the school.

“You are an exceptionally qualified group of students,” Gumina said. “We know you had choices, and we are thankful that you chose �㽶�� School of Pharmacy. Four years from now, you will belong to a growing number of �㽶��SP alumni who make us proud every day.”

Gumina noted the school’s strong track record, citing the highest five-year average in South Carolina for first-time pass rates on the national board exam and a postgraduate residency placement rate in the mid-80 to 90 percent range. Yet, he stressed that numbers alone do not tell the full story.

“The competence and professional success of our graduates stands as the most important testimony to the quality of our program,” he said.

The dean reminded students that the white coat represents more than a uniform. “Today, you receive more than a white coat to wear during labs and professional experiences. Today, you receive professionalism, care, trust, and responsibility,” Gumina said.

Preceptor of the Year’s Perspective

The keynote address came from Dr. Eileen Ward, a pharmacist at Heritage Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at Prisma Health Upstate and an adjunct professor at the School of Pharmacy. Ward, who was named 2024–25 Preceptor of the Year, offered a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt advice.

She reflected on her own White Coat Ceremony, admitting she had once underestimated its significance. 

“I remember sitting at the White Coat Ceremony and hearing the speeches, and I distinctly remember being struck with the significance of the moment and the symbolism behind it. And I hope each of you feels that right now,” Ward told the students.

Ward shared a series of lessons for the new class, comparing healthcare teamwork to NASCAR pit crews: “Let those who diagnose do the diagnosing. Let the medication experts handle selecting the proper treatment regimen. Everyone has a role, and when we work together, the team is efficient.”

She urged students to remain humble, value every role in the profession, and avoid comparing themselves to others. 

“Pharmacy school is a tough journey,” Ward said. “Don’t make it harder by comparing your accomplishments and achievements to others. Focus on ensuring that you finish the race.”

Ward closed by reminding students that their patients are more than prescriptions or lab results. 

“Please never lose your compassion or empathy for patients, because that is what sets you and your abilities apart from a computer database,” she said.

A Rite of Passage

The ceremony concluded with the administration of the Pledge of Professionalism, a solemn commitment to uphold ethical standards, patient care, and service to the community.

With white coats draped over their shoulders, pins recognizing first-generation graduate students on their lapels, and signatures inscribed in the Roll of Honor, the Class of 2029 took its first step into the pharmacy profession.

“Each time you wear your white coat, know that you are not only representing �㽶��, but also the many that have come before you,” Gumina said in closing. “Wear it with compassion and humility. Wear it with confidence and pride.”

The Class of 2029

• Sidney Margaret Adicks
• Emma Katherine Beheler
• Whitlee Morgan Behie
• Ariel Hannah Bishop
• Adam Heath Fields
• Brianna Lee Helms
• Maddison Elizabeth Hogue
• Trevor Dale Madden
• Joshua Ngonidzashe Mazaiwana
• Corey Scott Reynolds
• Emily RexAnn Seay
• Garret Michael Smith
• Celeste Jasmine Telemaque
• Nadia Simone White
• Riley Kathryn White