Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences recently introduced what it is hoped will become a tradition with pharmacy alumni and students entering their first year of the professional program after completing two years of pre-pharmacy studies. Selected alumni and graduating pharmacy students have been invited to sponsor a white coat for an incoming P1 student.
The white coat ceremony marks students’ entrance into the professional program of study. It involves the formal cloaking of incoming pharmacy students in laboratory white coats — both as a symbolic rite of passage and, in practical sense, providing them with a professional tool they will utilize through the next four years.
The cost of the sponsorship is minimal — $50 per person, and pays for the cost of the coat, the student’s name badge and other expenses related to the ceremony.
“Our hope is that by asking alumni and graduating students to make a small investment in an incoming student, the program will encourage mentoring relationships, promote a spirit of philanthropy and help graduating students who have been off campus on rotation feel reconnected with the college,” said Dean Raylene Rospond. “The University needs the support of our alumni to continue to offer quality academic programming, scholarships, and to keep pace with technology. Our students have all benefited from the generous support of our alumni, and now we are asking them to carry on this tradition.”
The program has been directly promoted to pharmacy alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years, graduating students and members of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences National Advisory Council. However, all pharmacy alumni are welcome to participate. For more information, contact Laura Sauser at 800-44-Drake, ext. 4049, or laura.sauser@drake.edu.