Coit College of Pharmacy celebrates 2024 convocation

May 21, 2024
Photos by Kris Hanning, UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy student wearing a graduation gown has a ceremonial hood placed over her shoulders as she smiles.

Sahr Binzager, PharmD, is hooded for earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree during the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy 2024 convocation ceremony at Centennial Hall on May 10.

The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy honored its spring 2024 graduating class at Centennial Hall on May 10. A total of 194 students celebrated the successful conclusion to their programs in front of family, friends and faculty.

The Coit College of Pharmacy celebrated the second graduating class of its Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences by conferring 72 degrees. The four-year degree program was launched in fall 2018 and offers a curriculum aimed at preparing graduates for employment in a variety of biomedical research settings, as well as preparing them for postbaccalaureate education in graduate or health-professional studies.  

The graduate programs celebrated and hooded two Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and one Master of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology graduates, four Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates and four Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology and Toxicology graduates. The college conferred Doctor of Pharmacy degrees to 111 graduates. 

Dean Rick Schnellmann, PhD, encouraged graduates to expect change and seek out new opportunities. 

“As you transition from students to practitioners or scholars, I am reminded of the only constant, change,” Schnellmann said. “Too often people are afraid of change because it’s uncomfortable or daunting, and they resist it. However, without change, nothing happens. Recognize change as an opportunity. When the unexpected happens, as it always does, view it as a chance for growth and greater fulfillment.”

A version of this story was originally published on the Coit College of Pharmacy website.

A large group of University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy students wearing graduation caps and gowns stands together listening to a staff member.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student wearing graduation regalia smiles as her image is reflected in a mirror.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy faculty member dressed in graduation regalia helps another faculty member straighten her hood.
Six University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy students dressed in graduation caps and gowns show the “Wildcat” hand sign while smiling.
Rick Schnellmann, dean of the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, smiles as he puts on his cap and gown.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student in a graduation gown smiles as a professor places a graduation hood over his head.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student in a graduation gown smiles as a professor prepares to place a graduation hood over her head.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student dressed in a graduation gown waves and smiles. There is an American flag behind her.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student in a graduation gown smiles as a professor prepares to place a graduation hood over his head.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student in a graduation gown smiles as a professor places a graduation hood over her head.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student dressed in a graduation gown waves and smiles as a faculty member smiles behind her.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student dressed in a graduation cap and gown smiles as she walks in front of an American flag.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy student in a graduation gown smiles as a professor places a graduation hood over her head.
Two University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy students wearing graduation caps and gowns celebrate with their hands in the air.
About 20 friends and family members surround a University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy graduate who stands in the middle of the group wearing his graduation cap and gown.
Two University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy students, one wearing a graduation gown and holding a balloon and flowers, hug after the college’s graduation ceremony.
Three University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy students and one faculty member, all dressed in graduation caps and gowns, stand side by side, smiling.
A University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy graduate wearing a cap and gown holds flowers while standing with her parents and brother.