Pinning Ceremony Recognizes Class of 2025 Completing Didactic Coursework
The MCW School of Pharmacy awarded school pins to 42 second-year students during the Class of 2025 Pinning Ceremony, recognizing their completion of didactic coursework and transition to full-time clinical rotations. During their third and final year of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum, students will be immersed in the practice setting for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), where they'll be exposed to various pharmacy specialties.
“Please use this pin and today’s ceremony as a cue to remind you of your purpose and your plan to achieve it,” said Ehab Abourashed, PhD, MS, BPharm, assistant dean for academic and curricular affairs and professor. “Be proud of what you’ve achieved so far and make us proud as you move closer to your goal.”
Stacy Reid, PharmD, BCPS, assistant dean of experiential education and assistant professor, encouraged the Class of 2025 to be role models for younger students and to keep an open mind throughout their upcoming clinical rotations.
“While some of you may know exactly what you want to do with your career, others of you may have no idea. Both of those and anything in between is okay,” added Dr. Reid. “Every rotation is a chance to try something new and maybe find something unexpected that you’re passionate about. While pharmacy is a small world, there are endless possibilities.”
Several exemplary students were recognized during the ceremony. The Pharmacist of the Future Award, recognizing a student who their peers would trust to be their own pharmacist, was awarded to Zoe Green. The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Outstanding Student Chapter Member Award was awarded to Sage Orlowski for enhancing student engagement in the ACCP student chapter and expanding the presence of ACCP through community engagement, education, promotion, research opportunities or professional stewardship. The Diversity and Inclusion Pharmacy Student Award, recognizing accomplishments in contributing to diversity, equity and inclusion through exemplary leadership and demonstrating behaviors that positively impact MCW or the community, was awarded to Soriene Ozcan.
A group of 11 student ambassadors received an additional pin, recognizing their commitment to recruiting and retaining future pharmacy students. Adrianne Bartolini and Adam Crouse received the Outstanding Student Ambassador Award.
The MCW School of Pharmacy also celebrated the 2024 Instructors of the Year. In the biopharmaceutical sciences department, first- and second-year students selected Abir El-Alfy, PhD, assistant dean for student affairs and professor. Student nomination statements read, “Dr. El-Alfy is always willing to go the extra mile for students. She’s an advocate for our academic needs as well as our personal well-being. Her lectures always have the highest attendance due to her unique ability to explain concepts and gauge our understanding in the moment.”
In the clinical sciences department, first-year students selected Michael DeBisschop, PharmD, professor. “Dr. DeBisschop has always been there for our class. He brings a positive attitude to every class, making sure we are mentally in a good spot, and always brings a positive vibe to the room,” wrote students.
Second-year students selected Matthew Stanton, PharmD, BCPS, DABAT, assistant professor. Student nomination statements read, “Dr. Stanton had a very hands-on approach to teaching students, which engraved the learning into my brain. He is very knowledgeable in his field and is always engaged with students.”
Award recipients are invited to attend an honorary Instructor of the Year Luncheon at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy annual meeting, being held this July in Boston.