The Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy’s newest graduates officially became pharmacists during the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony and Commencement in Belk Auditorium on Friday, May 10. 

Dr. Anita Gustafson, president of Presbyterian College, reminded the graduates of what the hoods and diplomas represent.  

“These physical items represent long hours of hard work, great accomplishments, probably some frustrations, and the realization of reaching a very important goal in your lives—one that few are able to achieve,” she said. 

“You enter the healthcare profession in a role to be advocates and leaders for those you serve in your communities and contributions to the profession of pharmacy.” 

High-Achieving Pharmacy Graduates

Dr. Gumina speaking at the eleventh hooding ceremony

Dr. Giuseppe Gumina, dean of the PC School of Pharmacy, told the graduates to be proud of all they’ve accomplished in pharmacy school. 

“Be proud of who you are, knowing that you are graduating from the top pharmacy program in South Carolina,” he said. “Be humble, but celebrate the fact that in the past four years, our students have achieved the highest first-time board exam pass rate in the state.”

Gumina shared recent scores posted by PC School of Pharmacy graduates, including the state-best first-time North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) pass rate as well as the state-best first-time Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination

(MPJE) pass rate, which was 14 points higher than the national average and tenth best reported score in the nation. 

“These are not one-time scores,” Gumina said. “They have been repeated over and over in the past years and often put our graduates in the company of the top programs in the nation.

“Success does not happen by chance. It is the result of an excellent faculty committed to excellence and a student body, you, selected for the unique qualities that make you PC material.”

Pharmacy Graduates Reach Their “Desired Destination”

Dr. Katie Peacock ’19, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and the 2024 Teacher of the Year, asked the Class of 2024 to think back to 2019 during her keynote address. It was then that the graduates were preparing for pharmacy school. 

“When asked, ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’, your response includes this very moment, a version of ‘completing my PharmD, becoming a pharmacist, and serving my community by caring for patients,'” she said. 

“You were excited and nervous for the next chapter to unfold as you chase this professional dream.”

Peacock said that no one included the “unprecedented times” that the graduates encountered in their five-year plan. The pandemic presented its challenges as the graduates faced challenges common to pharmacy school students, like learning the new language of drug names and pharmaceutical calculations like the aliquot dilution. 

“Every obstacle you faced shaped you into the resilient individuals you are today,” Peacock said. “Maybe the last version of your five-year plan unfolded precisely, just as you intended. Maybe it didn’t. 

“Let me be the first to reassure you that a path riddled with detours still leads you to your desired destination.”

Distinguished Graduating Speaker Advises Classmates to Keep Learning

Ryan McCall, selected by his classmates to deliver the class address, reflected on his experiences at the PC School of Pharmacy and what makes the school stand out. 

“My experience here has shown me how much the school has worked to help us achieve our goals,” McCall said. 

He recalled a time one of his professors supported him during a clinical rotation and the many research opportunities he was afforded during pharmacy school. 

“What is so special about this place is that my experience here is most likely wildly different from everyone else’s experience because of how personalized the school has made each of our learning paths,” McCall said. 

McCall urged his classmates to be proud of their accomplishment but to keep learning. 

“As we enter a new chapter of our lives, I want to challenge us to remember what all we have been through as individuals. We all have achieved an incredible feat, graduating with a doctorate,” he said.

“While our time in the classroom is over, our learning should not be. Our world is constantly evolving, and the role of the pharmacist has never been more important.” 

Pharmacy Awards

The School of Pharmacy recognized distinguished members of the Class of 2024 and others. Honors presented at the hooding ceremony included:

• Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award: Martine Abouchabki
• Wolters Kluwer Health Award of Excellence in Clinical Communication: Caleb Knight
• Presbyterian College Mortar & Pestle Award: Adrianna Cody
• Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Gresham Hindman, Jamal Noble, Nyesha Tyler
• Certificate in Research Achievement: Adrianna Cody, Ryan McCall, Anna Pacheco, Nyesha Tyler
• Alumnus of the Year Award: Dr. Don Viets ’18
• Preceptor of the Year Award: Dr. Amber Wilson, Pharmacist-in-Charge, Clear Skye Treatment Center
• Faculty Preceptor of the Year Award: Nancy Taylor
• Student Advocate of the Year Award: Melissa Rhodes
• While We Live, We Service Faculty Award: Dr. Julie Cash 
• While We Live, We Service Staff Award: Deborah Caruso
• Faculty Researcher of the Year Award: Dr. Laura Fox

The Opportunity to Serve Others

Brian Clark, chief executive officer of the South Carolina Pharmacy Association, welcomed the Class of 2024 to the profession. While doing so, he stressed that being a pharmacist means serving others. 

“Being a pharmacist means service to your patients, service to the healthcare team you are joining, service to your community, service to your colleagues, service to those that support your work, service to your families and friends, service to your profession, and service to yourself,” he said. 

“Serving all of those is part of being a pharmacist. That service makes you a whole person and it makes you a servant leader.”

Learn More

Visit the PC School of Pharmacy website to learn more about becoming a pharmacist.