MCW School of Pharmacy Celebrates Class of 2025 PharmD Graduates
On May 15, the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy’s Hooding Ceremony formally marked the transition from student pharmacists to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduates. Faculty members placed elongated hoods over the shoulders of 43 students at MCW’s T. Michael Bolger Auditorium, signifying the official start of their professional pharmacy career.
Founding dean and professor George E. MacKinnon III, PhD, DMSc (Hon.), MS, RPh, told graduates to embrace that they know more about medications than any other health profession, yet they must commit to lifelong learning.
“Embrace this knowledge and your responsibility to ensure medications are prescribed and used appropriately among your colleagues, patients, and yes, your family, too,” encouraged Dr. MacKinnon. “Yet, knowledge is not stagnant; you need to remain informed of new, emerging therapies and guidelines and continually hone your skills.”
In his keynote speech, Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, executive vice president and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association, acknowledged the difficulties of pharmacy school and challenges graduates will face in their careers. He advised them to pursue excellence in everything, to build and nurture their professional network and to never lose sight of patients’ needs.
“Part of what makes this profession so great is our call to treat all of humanity,” Dr. Hogue acknowledged. “I know you are tired and not without fear of what the future holds. I urge you to remember what binds all healthcare professionals together: a love of humanity, science, research and service to others.”
Jordan Dow, PharmD, MS, ice president and chief pharmacy officer at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin and assistant dean of the MCW School of Pharmacy, led graduating students in reciting the Oath of a Pharmacist. This promise states that pharmacists will devote themselves to a lifetime of service to others, including prioritizing the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering.
“Life is not just about checking off boxes; it’s about why we check them,” said class president, Jennifer Erickson. “It’s about showing up every day for our patients, advocating for better care, collaborating with other professionals and continuing to learn even after the exams stop.”
During the Awards Ceremony, 16 students were recognized for outstanding performance in academics, on clinical rotations or in community service.
Ariane Aidedji
Inclusive Excellence Award
Adam Crouse
Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Student Achievement Award
Morgan Dufer
American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Academy of Student Pharmacists Senior Recognition Certificate
Jennifer Erickson
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Meritz
Friends of MCW Service Award
Liliana Galvan
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Student Society Officer Recognition Award
Fostering Healthy Communities Award
Inclusive Excellence Award
United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award
Sarah Graham
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
Children’s Wisconsin Pediatric Student Achievement Award
Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award
Zoe Green
Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) Student Achievement Award
Riley Hall
Friends of MCW Service Award
Madelyn Heikkila
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
Kaitlin Larson
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Advancing Pharmacy Practice Award
Anna Little
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
Friends of MCW Service Award
Student Pharmacist Research Dissemination Award
Jack Lyneis
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
Michael Quaranta
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
Sophia Schulte
Interprofessional Education Student Pharmacist Award
Kathleen Soter
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
Jordan Weber
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Certificate of Merit
A number of graduates are continuing their education through residencies and fellowships. Following the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Match, 26 of 29 participating students obtained postgraduate year one (PGY1) positions, yielding a 90 percent PGY1 residency match rate, exceeding the national match rate of 81 percent. Overall, 85 percent of these graduates are continuing their training in Wisconsin.
Three additional students also secured postdoctoral positions in the pharmaceutical industry, for an overall post-graduate training match rate of 91 percent.
Priya Patel
Fellowship – medical affairs/medical information at Kenvue Inc. (Pennsylvania)
Michael Quaranta
Fellowship – medical affairs/scientific communications at TerSera Therapeutics (Illinois)
Sophia Schulte
Postdoctoral position – development operations and portfolio management at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (New York)
A number of students have also chosen the direct to career pathway, securing employment in community pharmacy positions before graduation.