Class of 2023 Graduates from the Wegmans School of Pharmacy

The Wegmans School of Pharmacy honored its baccalaureate and doctoral graduates during a Commencement ceremony held on Saturday, May 13. In addition to receiving their diploma, the graduates of the Pharm.D. degree received their doctoral hoods.

John Carlo, former senior vice president of pharmacy for Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. received a President’s Medal in recognition of his leadership, partnership, and impact on the Fisher community. In 2023, he retired after a 44-year career in pharmacy – more than three decades of which were spent at Wegmans. He served as president of the Pharmacists Association of Western New York (PAWNY), was a member of the Pharmacy Society of Rochester (PSR), served as regional representative of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (PSSNY), member of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and was on the executive committee and chairman of the New York State Board of Pharmacy. In addition, he serves on the St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of Pharmacy Dean’s Advisory Committee.

In his speech, Carlo reflected on the many changes the pharmacy profession has experienced throughout his career, including the expansion of privileges community pharmacists now hold.

“Now it is your turn to take this profession to the next level and I am confident that all of you gathered here today will do exactly that,” he said. “Thank you for choosing this great profession and investing the last four years of your life in preparation for this day. Thank you for carrying the torch, being involved, and fighting for our ability to take care of our patients. The profession is already better and the future brighter because of you.”

After the bachelor’s and doctoral degrees were conferred, Stephen DiCarlo and James Marsala, co-presidents of the Class of 2023, offered remarks on behalf of their classmates.

“As we all disperse throughout the country on our different endeavors, there is a lot to be excited about and look forward to: licensure, new jobs, and an overall change of pace in our lives,” DiCarlo said. “Although, with this great change comes some uncertainty, it is important to note: in times of uncertainty we always have each other, and we always have our Fisher family.”