R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy celebrates 195 graduates

May 23, 2023
Older white man dressed in graduation cap and gown stands at a podium witih fist in air as if cheering.

Rick Schnellmann, PhD, dean of the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, cheers as he welcomes the members of the class of 2023 to their convocation.

The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy honored its spring 2023 graduating class at Centennial Hall on May 12. A total of 195 students celebrated the successful conclusion to their programs in front of family, friends and faculty.

Dean Rick Schnellmann, PhD, welcomed the graduates saying, “Celebrate today with not only enthusiasm, but also the humble realization of the responsibility you are agreeing to carry. To you, our graduating students, I offer some thoughts to illustrate our hopes for your future: Expect the unexpected to happen throughout your career. New responsibilities and challenges can lead to promotions, new opportunities and greater job satisfaction. Then, if you don’t immediately see a new opportunity, create one. Be the change you wish to see.”

The event honored 62 Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates, four Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates, two Master of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology graduates, six Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates, four Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology and Toxicology graduates and 117 Doctor of Pharmacy graduates.

“Graduates, I am confident that you will cultivate your talents and excel in an era of rapid changes. As you advance in your career over time, I encourage you to share your knowledge and expertise with others,” Dean Schnellmann said. “This allows you to strengthen your own skills as well as the experiences of others. Mentorship fulfills what I hope is your commitment to lifelong learning.”

Additional stories on student awards are available on the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy website. 

About a dozen pharmacy graduates in caps and gowns bunch together smiling and cheering.
A large group of graduates in blue caps and gowns smile and cheer in a line backstage before their graduation ceremony.
Four young women in black graduation caps and gowns smile as they take a selfie.
A young man in a black graduation cap and gown stands on a stage at a podium with a screen behind him that says "Convocation 2023"
A young Black man in a graduation gown shakes hands with the college dean, an older white man.
A young woman wearing a white head scarf and a graduation gown has a sash placed over her shoulders by professor.
A young white woman in graduation gown bounds across the stage in front of a large screen that reads "Convocation 2023"
A young Native American man in a graduation gown and beaded necklace has a sash placed over his shoulders by a professor.
A young Black woman in graduation cap and gown talks into a microphone at a podium.
A young Asian woman in a graduation gown shakes hands with an older white man, also in cap and gown.
A young man in a graduation gown flashes a peace sign and smiles as he crosses the stage.
A young Black woman in a blue graduation cap and gown smiles as she shakes hands with a professor.
A young Asian woman in a graduation gown has a sash placed over her shoulders by a middle-aged white professor in a black graduation gown.
A young woman with light brown hair wearning a graduation gown smiles as a professor places a sash over her shoulders.
A large group of Pharmacy graduates in graduation gowns read from pamphlets they are all holding.
A group of Pharmacy professors stand on both sides of a walkway outside a large brick building waving and cheering.
Two young Black women, one in a dress and the other in a graduation gown, side-hug and smile.
A young man with a beard wearing a graduation cap and gown holds two young children in his arms while another child stands in front of him.
A young male graduate in cap and gown smiles while holding flowers as he stands with about 10 family members outside.
Profile of a smiling young white woman in a cap and gown with flowers around her neck with a red brick building in the background.
A smiling young Black man in a graduation gown holding flowers, side-hugs a young, smiling Black woman.
A group of nine graduates in caps and gowns stand together smiling and cheering outside.
A young woman with long blonde hair in a graduation cap and gown smiles, holding flowers and posing with a female professor in graduation regalia as well.
Two young Black women, one in a dress and the other in a graduation cap and gown, side-hug and smile.