The USC Mann School welcomed the incoming PharmD Class of 2029 at its White Coat Ceremony in Bovard Auditorium on the USC University Park Campus on Friday, August 22.
Dean Vassilios Papadopoulos welcomed the standing-room only audience, encouraging the 181 new doctor of pharmacy students to take advantage of every opportunity set in front of them while at USC. David Truong, PharmD ’07, MS ’07, director of global regulatory affairs at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, offered the alumni keynote address.
“The profession is changing and will continue to change,” Truong advised students. “Technology, regulations, and patient needs are evolving. So must you. Continuous improvement isn’t optional—it’s essential. Be a lifelong learner. Embrace innovation. Advocate for your role and for your patients. Because the future of pharmacy depends on you.”
Kari Franson, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs, and Irving Steinberg, senior associate dean for faculty affairs, called the names of the students. The ceremony concluded with students reciting the Oath of a Pharmacist, led by Linda Simonian, PharmD ’04, Co-Founder of ASAP Pharmacy.
Watch the event livestream and view the digital program at mann.usc.edu/whitecoat.
