UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences welcomes incoming students and kicks off Fall 2025 Welcome Week

On Aug. 21, 138 PharmD students from the Class of 2029 took their first symbolic step toward becoming pharmacists during our 23^rd annual White Coat Ceremony, held at the Center for the Arts on UB’s North Campus.

A significant rite of passage, the White Coat Ceremony marks a student’s formal entry into the profession of pharmacy. It represents a commitment to compassionate patient care and to upholding the highest standards of moral, ethical, legal and professional conduct. The event also celebrates the importance of lifelong learning and formally welcomes UB PharmD students to study among the ranks of pharmacy professionals.

During the “Calling of the Class,” Nicole Albanese, PharmD, assistant dean of student success and engagement and clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice, recognized each student as they crossed the stage wearing their time-honored white coats, generously sponsored by Tops.

“The White Coat Ceremony is a milestone for our school and for each of you, our first-year students,” said Gary M. Pollack, PhD, dean, UB SPPS. “It marks an important transition—from student to student pharmacist, from learner to future colleague. It is at once a personal achievement and a commitment to something larger than yourselves.”

The keynote address was delivered by Caroline Jensen, PharmD/MPH ’23, lieutenant in the United States Public Health Service, Pharmacy Department, Crownpoint Healthcare Facility. “Today you receive your white coat, a symbol of professionalism, compassion and commitment to lifelong learning. It marks the beginning of your journey—not just in becoming a pharmacist, but in becoming a trusted member of the health care team.” 

Incoming PharmD students participated in a robust two-day orientation, held Aug. 21-22, while incoming pharmaceutical sciences graduate students participated in a one-day orientation on Aug. 22, designed to support their transition into academic and professional life. Students engaged with faculty, staff and current students, learning about academic expectations, available resources, career advising and professional development opportunities.

Key sessions included introductions to school leadership, such as the dean and department chairs, as well as our supportive Office of Student Success and Engagement. Current students shared tips for academic success and personal growth, helping to build a supportive foundation for the incoming class.

Undergraduate students in pre-pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences joined Welcome Weekend activities on Aug. 22 as part of the broader UB undergraduate experience. They toured the Pharmacy Building, participated in student success and goal-setting workshops, engaged in pharmaceutical sciences activities and enjoyed an ice cream social with peers, faculty and staff.

Welcome Week concluded with our all-school school ice cream social at the Pharmacy Building on Aug. 26, supported in part by a generous contribution from Wegmans. Open to all SPPS students, faculty and staff, the event offered an opportunity for our community to reconnect and celebrate the new academic year.

Attendees enjoyed lawn games and a spirited tug-of-war with students versus faculty and staff, organized by our School of Pharmacy Student Association, capping off a week of excitement, connection and school pride.