The campus is buzzing with excitement as we embark on a new academic year at the College
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Orientation week was a resounding success,
laying the foundation for what promises to be an enriching and transformative professional
journey for our students.
One of the week's standout moments was the White Coat Ceremony, also known as the
Professional Advancement Ceremony, where we honored our students' progression into
the professional division—a significant milestone on their path to realizing their
dreams. Our program is demanding, and this achievement reflects the remarkable hard
work and dedication of our students. It was truly heartwarming to see families and
friends share in the joy of this pivotal moment.
The White Coat Ceremony is one of the most meaningful events in a pharmacy student’s
journey. Do you remember the day you first donned your White Coat? This ceremony marks
the transition from student to practitioner-in-training, symbolizing a commitment
to a profession defined by caring and professionalism. It’s a deeply emotional experience,
bringing into sharp focus the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by students
and their families to reach this point. The ceremony not only connects them to the
broader pharmacy community but also serves as a powerful reminder of the profound
impact they will have on the lives of their future patients. We are especially grateful
to those of you who generously contributed to making this moment possible by funding
the purchase of the coats—thank you!
Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating Homecoming on Saturday, October 5th. Be
sure to check out the additional details below.
This year is already shaping up to be one filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable
experiences!
Dean Pam Heaton
Message from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity and Inclusion
The Toledo EXCEL Walgreens Scholars Program
Greetings alumni and friends,
The College is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity with Walgreen’s to provide
financial assistance to eligible PharmD students enrolled in the University’s Toledo
EXCEL program. In existence for over 30 years, TOLEDO EXCEL is a University of Toledo
scholarship incentive program that recruits high-achieving, underrepresented 8th grade
students in the metropolitan Toledo area and prepares them for success in college.
Throughout their high school years, EXCEL students engage in a variety of academic
enrichment services and activities on and off The University of Toledo campus to familiarize
them with the University and collegiate expectations. As the University understands
financial barriers are a major limitation to college completion, EXCEL students who
fulfill the rigorous academic and participation requirements during high school receive
a four-year tuition-based scholarship to The University of Toledo upon high school
graduation.
Although a four-year scholarship is quite advantageous, EXCEL students hoping to pursue
a health profession major such as the PharmD receive no additional scholarship assistance
from the program in the final two years of required study. Therefore, the length and
cost of a PharmD degree may prove prohibitive to potential candidates and creates
a financial barrier for students. Accordingly, students may choose not to seek a PharmD
degree due to the cost of an additional two years of study at the graduate level compared
to other health professional degrees that can be completed in four years. The Toledo
EXCEL Walgreens Scholars Program could reduce this financial barrier in two primary
ways: First, in the form of employment as pharmacy technicians or pharmacy interns
and secondly in the provision of scholarship assistance, as Walgreens employees, in
the 5th and 6th years of study (P3 and P4) when the EXCEL scholarship has ended, and assistance is
most needed. Toledo EXCEL students would have to meet all eligibility requirements
for Walgreens employment and of the Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program to benefit
from the program. This opportunity is a win for students and the company as it lessens
financial burdens and opens the door to a career as a Walgreens pharmacist. For more
information on the program, please contact me at Monica.Holiday-Goodman@utoledo.edu
The Toledo EXCEL Walgreens Scholars Program