SOP Commencement
By Arjun Dutta, PhD, Dean
The School of Pharmacy recently graduated its third cohort of students. Already, in its brief history, the school has contributed to the healthcare workforce of the country by educating and training the next generation of pharmacists. Our ethos lies in the simple facts, inspire strong Christian values; practice evidence-based, patient-centered care; and foster a community of research and scholarship, so as to meet the healthcare needs of diverse patient populations. Following this armature, our students go out into the world with an aim to reduce healthcare disparities and render healthcare to the underprivileged and underserved and serve their communities.
The commencement itself is resplendent in pageantry, pomp, and celebrating the success of our graduates and their families. It truly “takes a village…,” as students need the support system outside of their professors and school system to graduate from a rigorous discipline as pharmacy. Three years of academic rigor, sleepless nights, and many an exam, the commencement is not only a culmination but a promise of realizing the fruits of their labor. As part of the commencement exercises, we celebrate the efforts of our graduates but at the same time they take the oath of the pharmacist, that reiterates to one and all, the promise of putting their education into practice for the welfare of the patients and serving the public.
Commencement traces its roots back to medieval monastic rituals, where education was relegated to the clergy. The symbols and the pageantry have deep rooted meanings, that go back again to toil and hard work in pursuing one’s goals. At the end of the day, education, is a great equalizer and we celebrate it during commencement and welcome the new graduates to the fold by eliciting a promise to serve those who are entrusted to our care. The School of Pharmacy continues to build on its mission of education healthcare professionals committed to serving.
A final word to our graduates, as their beaming faces traversed the stage, clutching their diplomas, the journey as a pharmacist has just begun. Miles to go, before we can rest and people to serve. Let’s hold on to our values, keep the faith, and practice this wonderful profession with utmost integrity and passion.
