Now that the PharmD Class of 2028 is settled in, it’s time to take a moment to recognize its star power. Ninety-six students arrived on campus, including 14 remote students, Aug. 9 to collect their new Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CU Pharmacy) IDs, say “hello” to our office of student services, and dip their toes into pharmacy school. They enjoyed the weekend, then showed up promptly at 8:30 a.m. on Monday for the pharmacy welcome breakfast. Orientation had officially begun.
All that week, the Class set the foundation for their pharmacy school education. They crafted their personalized oath, a CU Pharmacy tradition in which the class sets the bar on who they aspire to be. They started life-long friendships, mentorships, and met their future collaborators. By Friday, their white coats were waiting.
The Class of 2028 has rich cultural and life experiences. It is 50% White, 23% Asian,16% identify as more than two races, 6% Black, 1% Native American, and 4% undisclosed. They come to CU Pharmacy from 26 states and three countries; they are 66% female and 34% male; they cover three generations and range in age from 19 to 46; they speak 18 different languages; have194,295 hours of work experience; 114, 274 hours of pharmacy experience; and are 24% first-generation.
The first week of school, and orientation, at CU Pharmacy is steeped in tradition. The oath is a tradition. The welcome breakfast is a tradition. The Rockies game that weekend is tradition. Part of the white coat tradition is to find out more about the incoming class. Who are these students, what makes them tick, and what drives their success? What do they like to eat for dinner? What do they do for fun? What is something unique?
We asked, they answered.
In the incoming class we have a former competitive dancer, an amateur astronomer, a marathon runner, two dedicated knitters, three twins, several mountain climbers, some foodies, lots of international travelers and many multilinguists.
The Class is also excited to explore Colorado. See a concert at Red Rocks. Hike some 14ers. Learn to ski. Make Mile High Memories, while attending a Top 15 School of Pharmacy. Become the best pharmacists and people they can possibly be.
