From their orientation in room 305 of the Pharmacy building to the classrooms at OHSU in Portland to Austin Auditorium in LaSells Stewart Center, the Class of 2013 has had an incredible journey and it has only begun. As the pharmacists of tomorrow, these graduates will continue to see the profession evolve and grow.
During the 2013 Graduation Ceremony on June 14th, Joshua MacLaughlan stood in front of 83 fellow students with whom he studied and provided outreach, to reminisce over a challenging, yet rewarding four years as pharmacy students at Oregon State University.
Josh congratulated his fellow graduates, as did distinguished guests. Celebrating the graduating class of 2013 were Oregon Health and Science University Provost, Dr. Jeanette Mladenovic and Oregon State University President, Dr. Edward Ray.
Dr. Mladenovic spoke about the various changes in healthcare that she has witnessed in her medical career. Healthcare is evolving quickly and today’s pharmacy graduates are needed to help patients navigate the changes when it comes medication management.
President Ray echoed Dr. Mladenovic’s thoughts saying that the in the future the work the graduates will be doing “will be dramatically different.” President Ray also commended the College of Pharmacy for their work with other colleges such as the College of Business in creating the MBA in Executive Leadership for Pharmacy Professionals and Leaders, and the College of Veterinarian Medicine by running and managing the pharmacy in the Vet Med hospital. These collaborations are how the College of Pharmacy is “reaching across boundaries to get things done.”
All graduates were celebrated on graduation day, and a select few were recognized for their exceptional work. Dr. Dave Bearden and Dr. Mark Leid acknowledged the following students for the work they have done in the classroom, clinics and community:
- Andrew Albanese: Mylan Excellence in Pharmacy Award
- Kayla McGahey: Excellence in Clinical Communication Award sponsored by Facts and Comparison and Lexicomp
- Denise Beasley: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Recognition Award
- Kim Belongie and Tim Peterson: Merck Award
- Sarah Nigro-Gregg: Teva Pharmaceuticals. U.S.A., Outstanding Student Award
- Abby Floeter: Eli Lilly Achievement
- Amanda Meeker: APhA – ASP Senior Recognition Certificate
- Katelyn Hayworth and Fideliz Lim: College of Pharmacy Outstanding Graduate Award
In closing, Dean Mark Zabriskie congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue to be a part of the College of Pharmacy and OSU whether it be taking advantage of continuing education programs presented by the College or cheering on the Beavers at sporting events on campus.
After the ceremony, graduates and their friends and families reunited outside on the patio between LaSells Stewart Center and the Alumni Center for a decadent dessert reception sponsored by OSU Pharmacy Partner, Fred Meyer. It was a beautiful, sunny graduation day reflected in the smiles of the Class of 2013, the faculty and guests of the college.
