Pharmacy Class of 2028 Earn their White Coats

On Friday, Aug. 30, the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher University honored 75 first-year students from its campus and online pathways during the annual White Coat Ceremony.

A rite of passage for students, the ceremony celebrated the start of their first semester at the School and formally welcomed them into the pharmacy profession.

Dr. Mona Chitre, pharmacy officer and president of pharmacy solutions with Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield, delivered the ceremony’s keynote address.

"The white coat you are about to wear represents a commitment to excellence, integrity, and compassion. It is a visible symbol of the trust that society places in you," she told the students. "As you put on this coat, you are not just accepting the privileges that come with being a pharmacist; you are also embracing the profound responsibility to care for the health and well-being of countless individuals."

Chitre encouraged the students to be passionate, persistent, and proactive; advising them to embrace the opportunities that come with entering the profession as this exciting time.

"As you take your first steps into the next phase of your journey, know that you are not alone. You are part of a community of dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference. Wear your white coat with pride, and let it remind you every day of the trust that has been placed in you and the incredible journey that lies ahead," she said.

Fisher’s president, Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, also offered remarks.

“New beginnings allow us to set a course, to aspire to and prepare for a future – in your case – in a profession that is at the center of health care and its delivery in today’s society,” Rooney said. “My hope is that you experience all that comes with a collaborative community like ours – and that at your commencement, you will feel the pride that comes as a result of fully investing in yourself and your preparation for the essential role you will play in the pharmacy profession as a Fisher pharmacist.”

Members of the Class of 2028 then joined together in reciting the Oath of a Pharmacist.