The CU Pharmacy chapter of the national Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society had much to celebrate at their recent annual induction ceremony. In addition to commemorating the 75th anniversary of their Alpha Theta chapter, they were also celebrating the fact that they beat out 131 other chapters to receive the national Rho Chi Chapter Achievement Award. The Chapter Achievement Award recognizes the full scope of chapter activities as documented in the Annual Chapter Report and reflective in a comprehensive video.
Chapter advisor, Sara Wettergreen, PharmD, addresses the audience. |
“As a chapter advisor, I see all of the work the chapter’s executive board and members have put into the numerous chapter activities, ranging from activities to support the educational mission of the school, community service events, and networking opportunities with Rho Chi chapter alumni and pharmacy leaders,” said assistant professor Sara Wettergreen, PharmD. “I am proud of the accomplishment of this chapter and am excited that their efforts were recognized nationally with this award!”
Based on their video submission, there was good reason that CU’s Rho Chi chapter won the distinguished award. Although Rho Chi’s membership is based on select academic achievement, their service efforts are purely community, patient, and student focused. From hosting information sessions on how to get into research and the Honors Program, leading efforts in student tutoring, and hands-on events like immunization refreshers, Rho Chi members spent countless hours giving support to their fellow pharmacy students.
Of course, being future pharmacists, the members also created ways to enhance the patient experience and serve their community. They partnered with local non-profit Project Angel Heart to create 1500 Halloween cards and decorated 80 bags to accompany the medically-tailored meals delivered to people living with severe illnesses across the state of Colorado.
Rho Chi’s annual induction ceremony was a chance to celebrate this award, as well as welcome new members and fresh leadership. A highlight of the event was the keynote speaker Vicki Einhellig, RPh, CEO of the Colorado-based Good Day Pharmacy. Einhellig, who joined the RX Plus board at age 30 and as the only female, encouraged pharmacy students to never underestimate their ability to contribute and always be expanding their boundaries.
Former Rho Chi president Vinh Thai introduces new inductee Dr. Lucas Orth. |
In addition to inducting new students to the honors organization, assistant professor Lucas Orth, PharmD, was also inducted into the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society. Dr. Orth was nominated for induction by the chapter’s immediate past-president and current P4 student, Vinh Thai.
Drs. Jennifer Trujillo, PharmD, and Sara Wettergreen serve as Rho Chi’s faculty advisors and have been a major catalyst for this organization being a perennial award winner.
“Our honor society has been extremely privileged to have had the guidance of advisors with such invaluable knowledge. With their extraordinary dedication and tireless commitment, our chapter has been able to excel,” said Rho Chi President Angelica Tran. “We are truly thankful for such exemplary mentors!"
Rho Chi’s executive board for 2022-23 include: president, Angelica Tran; vice president, Berkley Peiker; secretary, Kathryn Salmeron; treasurer, Julia Tegethoff, and historian, Kelly Gaebel.