Thanks to the School of Pharmacy's Alumni Association, this year's third-year School of Pharmacy students (P3s) will be gifted the UConn School of Pharmacy branded white coats that they wear during their experiential rotations. The coats are being funded by the Alumni Association's new School of Pharmacy Professional Traditions Fund which is now accepting contributions in support of future classes.
"All alumni remember the milestones that marked their transition from student to professional," says Peter Tyczkowski, School of Pharmacy Alumni Association President. "Helping to support those transitions with visible signs of progress is fulfilling for alums and will also encourage today's students to do the same for their successors."
The School of Pharmacy marks academic progression with three events during an annual day of professionalism ceremonies. First year professional students (P1s) receive a stethoscope and read their class oath together, second year (P2s) receive School of Pharmacy lapel pins, and third year (P3s) their white coat.
"The white coat ceremony is an especially important event in every pharmacy student's growth. The day reinforces a professional identity founded on integrity, ethical behavior, and honor, with professional speakers and pharmacy alums offering inspiration and guidance," says Philip Hritcko, Dean and Clinical Professor. "The coats themselves symbolize a professional relationship between each student and society as they become a member of the pharmacy community. The new fund will also importantly ease the burden of additional cost for our students."
The School of Pharmacy's professionalism ceremonies usually happen in October. This year's programs were delayed due to the pandemic (the coats were not available in time); plans are now being made for online events in early 2021.
Alumni and supporters wishing to support this new initiative can give via the following link:
