Commencement 2020

We are asking for your insights and comments regarding your experiences in the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program.  Annually the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) asks all graduating pharmacy students to complete an anonymous survey which is designed to provide feedback to the school and AACP.  Candid feedback allows for enhancement and improvement of the student experience here at UB and across the nation.

You should have received an email with the Subject Line: AACP Graduating Student Survey. If you did not receive an email, please contact jmaerten@buffalo.edu.

To help increase survey participation, we are offering an incentive:

• Entry into a drawing for a one-year (2020-2021) recent graduate membership to one of the following professional organization (winner’s choice): APhA ($86 each), ASHP ($79 each), or NYSCHP ($100). Three winners will be chosen.

There were a few new and/or enhanced programs during your tenure that we wanted to remind you of, including:

• Job Search: Bullseye powered by Handshake
• Alumni and Career Networking Events
• Student Faculty Council
• Increased opportunities for interprofessional education
• Increased Leadership Development Fund (formerly known as Dean’s Travel Fund)
• Enhanced faculty advisement
• Dean’s Alumni Ambassador Mentor program
• International experiential rotations
• New student organizations: SPGO, PPAC, SCCP, and IPhO

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for allowing myself as well as the faculty and staff to share these past four years with you.  My sincere hope is you found your time here rewarding, engaging and memorable.  I know you are well prepared to serve our global community as a pharmacy leader.  I look forward to hearing about your future successes and to welcoming you back as proud alumni.

Sincerely,
James M. O’Donnell, PhD
Professor and Dean

We were able to secure a last minute order of caps and tassels from Jostens for all our graduates. These orders are being sent to your permanent address on file and you should receive by May 14. We hope you will be able to use these during the commencement ceremony. 

Orders scheduled to ship to the University Bookstore:

These orders will instead be sent to the address associated with the credit card used for the purchase. The estimated delivery date is May 5-9, 2020.

NOTE: If you need to change that address, please contact Jostens at 1-800-854-7464 by April 13, 2020. 

Refund Requests:

Please follow these instructions:

• Unopened Packages: Due to current health issues, ONLY UNOPENED PACKAGES will be accepted 
• Please enclose your email confirmation, or a note in the box with your name, address and University at Buffalo that you can be credited accordingly.  Please return unopened package to the address below; allow 4+ weeks for credit adjustment:
  Jostens Returns
  501 Lynn Ave.
  Laurens, SC 29360

Rentals:

Doctoral student rental orders, placed thru Jostens, will be cancelled.

Purchases:

Prepaid orders thru Jostens will be shipped to the purchaser’s home. 

Order shipped to UB Bookstore: These will be put on hold until the store re-opens, at which time you can contact the Bookstore directly to receive your regalia.