News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 9, 2008
CONTACT: Tory Olson, 515-271-1834, tory.olson@drake.edu
DRAKE WELCOMES FUTURE PHARMACISTS OF THE CLASS OF 2012
Drake University recently cloaked 108 students in white lab coats to welcome them into the Doctor of Pharmacy Program.
The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences' annual White Coat Ceremony is a tradition designed to reflect the responsibility, professionalism and commitment expected of students entering the doctoral program.
In front of faculty, family and peers, students received one of the most visible professional tools of their chosen career path and took a pledge of professionalism, led by Iowa Pharmacy Association President William T. Baer. View a video of the Aug. 24 ceremony online. (Link: http://www.drake.edu/dtc/dtctv/video.html)
The ceremony, which was established in 1998, also recognizes students for their admission into the program.
In addition, the White Coat program provides students entering the professional pharmacy program with sponsors -- alumni and friends of Drake and the college.
Each sponsorship covers the cost of the white coat, a name badge and other expenses for a student in the first year of the professional pharmacy program.
Sponsors' contact information is provided in the pocket of the white coat to encourage students to contact them to begin informal mentoring relationships.
Even new alumni participate in the program. For example, Anthony Pudlo, a 2007 graduate, decided almost immediately after graduation to become a white coat sponsor.
"The reason I chose Drake was because of the alumni involvement. I went to a reception [for prospective students] and met a Drake pharmacy grad who really made an impression on me," Pudlo said.
"Drake made me feel welcome. I just felt like the professors always tried their hardest to know us and understand what we were up to on campus and what we needed to succeed," he added. "That's why I want to help and give back."
For more information or to contribute to the White Coat program, contact Emily Westergaard at 515-271-4049 or emily.westergaard@drake.edu.