Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy celebrated American Pharmacists Month with its annual white coat ceremony Oct. 4, honoring its class of first-year Doctor of Pharmacy students.
During the ceremony, which marks the first of many steps toward becoming a licensed pharmacist, students were presented their white coats by Dean Michael Crouch and a pharmacist, faculty member or fellow pharmacy student of their choice. Coaters included several alumni, as well as parents, siblings, employers and other professional and student mentors.
Valerie Prince, a professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and immediate past president of the American Pharmacists Association, served as the keynote speaker. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of learning through experience. She encouraged students to go beyond the classroom and clinical rotations to hone their professional skills and engage with professional organizations. “Beginning pharmacists’ perspective can be widened by attending a pharmacy organization, chapter, regional or national meeting and connecting with pharmacists who have had successful and fulfilling careers in many different areas of pharmacy,” said Prince. Urging students to maximize their education and training over the next four years of study, she added, “Remember, you only get to do it once.”
As has been done for the past several years, McWhorter School of Pharmacy asked alumni and friends to sponsor a student’s white coat by making a financial gift that covered the cost of the coat and contributed to student scholarships. The school’s alumni responded enthusiastically; every white coat was sponsored. When students arrived at the ceremony, they received a personal note from the individual who sponsored their coat, offering words of encouragement and congratulations.
One noteworthy sponsor was Tyler Grogan, a second-year student who demonstrated a commitment to student philanthropy by sponsoring a white coat for a member of the Class of 2028. McWhorter takes pride in fostering a culture of philanthropy and leadership among its students. Grogan’s actions embody these values and reinforce the school’s mission to develop compassionate, service-oriented professionals.
Crouch explained the history of the white coat, noting its humble beginnings “as a protective garment when caring for patients or working in a lab, but now it is undoubtedly an emblem of health care.”
“We know these students did not reach this significant milestone alone. I very much appreciate your continuing support,” said Crouch. “I hope this ceremony marks the start of a rewarding career filled with passion and purpose.”
Each first-year student also received a pair of olive-green scrubs sponsored by Walgreens. The reception, held after the ceremony in the College of Health Sciences, was made possible with the support of McKesson Corporation.
