March 30, 2023
A Pharmacy class that began its journey during a worldwide pandemic celebrated a symbolic rite of passage during the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’White Coat Convocation.
The 23rd annual Convocation, held on March 25 in Carnesecca Arena on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus, signifies the transition from classroom learning to the initial stages of the pharmacy profession. Faculty members place a white coat on the candidate’s shoulders symbolizing the start of their pharmacy journey, and students recite the Oath of a Pharmacist to demonstrate their commitment to the field. More than 140 students from the Class of 2026 participated in the ceremony.
“The white coat is an important symbolic milestone in your academic careers,” said Master of Ceremonies Joseph M. Brocavich, Pharm.D., Associate Professor, Associate Clinical Professor. “The ceremony provides us with an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate your promotion into the professional years of the Pharmacy program.”
He added, “When one thinks of pharmacy providers, one often thinks of a white coat. This piece of apparel serves as a link to all who practice the healing arts and provide individual care to their patients.” By completing these symbolic rituals, Dr. Brocavich told students they were committing themselves to a new level of service and provision of patient-centered care.
Hassan Shiekh, J.D., Pharm.D., Analyst in Public Health Emergency Management at the Library of Congress, served as the keynote speaker for the event. “Each of you is at a pivot point in your lives,” Dr. Shiekh stressed. “There is a ‘before’ tonight and an ‘after’ tonight,” he explained, acknowledging the many sacrifices students made to reach this pinnacle.
“What comes now is a path that will ask you to work harder than before, shake your moral core, and challenge you, but also provide an opportunity to do an endless amount of good. These tools will allow you to protect life on a scale that people can only dream of. It is a privilege.” Dr. Sheikh encouraged students to savor the moment and appreciate all those who helped get them there.
In her closing remarks, Anne Y. F. Lin ’84P, ’86Pharm.D., FNAP, Dean and Professor of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, told students it was always a privilege for her to bear witness to significant moments in their lives. “This is one of the best parts of my job.”
She added, “You are formally entering the next phase of your journey as student-pharmacists to become compassionate, ethical professionals who will provide quality patient care to a diverse population, become leaders, and advance public health as medication experts.”
Dean Lin stressed that students’ careers as pharmacists began on their first day on campus. “The presentation of the white coat to new student pharmacists represents their passage into the Pharmacy profession with all the opportunities and responsibilities associated with being a professional.”
This journey, she said, will not always be easy. “But I am certain it will be one that will change and shape you into the type of pharmacists whom we can all be proud.”