Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2028
The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy welcomed 146 new Doctor of Pharmacy students at its annual White Coat Ceremony held Aug. 10 at the UGA Performing Arts Center.
Sponsored by Kroger Pharmacy, the ceremony was highlighted with members of the Class of 2028 donning white coats, which they will wear in various capacities throughout their four-year tenure at the college.
“These 146 individuals will make a mark on our college, their chosen profession, and the communities where they will eventually serve,” said Kelly Smith, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “They will spend the next four years working diligently to prepare for the provision of patient care in such settings as community pharmacies, hospitals and health care facilities, government organizations and agencies, and more. We are proud they have joined our college and look forward to their accomplishments and service to others.”
Statistically, members of the Class of 2028 had a 3.47 cumulative GPA upon entering the College of Pharmacy, and 82.2% had previous pharmacy experience. Most of the students matriculated from University System of Georgia institutions, including UGA (46.6%), Georgia Southern University (6%), Georgia State University (5%), and North Georgia College (4%) with undergraduate degrees in such majors as Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, and Chemistry. More than 20% are first-generation college students.
Demographically, 87% of the class are Georgia residents representing 58 counties; 13% are from another state or country. For every three female classmates, there is one male (75% vs. 25%). The class is diverse with 54.8% of the students listed as White, 22.6% Asian, 11.6% Black/African American, 6.9% Hispanic, and 4.0% representing other ethnicities.
According to Duc Do, assistant dean for Student Affairs at the college, the annual White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that marks the beginning of a student’s professional studies in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Said Do, “When students put on their coats for the first time, they pledge their commitment to the lifestyle, attitudes, and behaviors befitting a healthcare professional. Such a commitment involves effort, sacrifice, and dedication; it should not be entered into lightly. Worn to classes, labs and practical training experiences, the white coat serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities our student pharmacists must embrace as critical members of healthcare teams, whose primary concerns are the health, comfort, and welfare of humanity.”
The ceremony, which was attended by more than 1,100 students, family members, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters, featured remarks by Dean Smith; DeeDee McEwen ’99, Health and Wellness Pharmacy Practice coordinator for the Kroger Company; and Anthony Scott ’10, director of Pharmacy Services for Emory University Hospital.
