Welcoming the Class of 2018
USC Mann welcomed the Class of 2018 at its White Coat Ceremony held on the Health Sciences Campus Quad on August 21. Associate Professor Irving Steinberg offered the keynote address at the annual event which was sponsored by QSAD Centurion, a support group of the School.
Dean R. Pete Vanderveen welcomed the students, encouraging them to take advantage of every opportunity set in front of them while at USC. Professor Julie Dopheide administered the ”Oath of the Pharmacist” to the students and Associate Dean Fred Weissman offered closing remarks. Students were “coated” by various faculty, QSAD Centurion members and alumni.
The new class is 199 students strong and their enthusiasm ran high during the ceremony witnessed by a standing-room only crowd of family, friends and USC supporters. The aspirations of the class were captured in the following candid remarks by some of the newest members of the Trojan Family.
LISA WALKER:
“USC is the best place to prepare me for a my pharmacy career and it’s where I think I’ll be happiest. I love the alumni network and the family feel – I already feel the support of the faculty and my fellow Trojans.”
STEPHEN WEI:
“USC is a top program in the nation. They’ve done so many things clinically – even the first to have a PharmD program. I fell in love with pharmacy while an undergraduate and I believe USC will best prepare me to take on the new challenges of the profession. “
RADHA DESAI:
“I chose USC because I had heard great things about the faculty. When I came for my interview, I really felt like I was part of the family.”
WEI XIE:
“I like it that USC allows me to work with other health professionals while I’m in pharmacy school. I have participated in the USC health fairs since I was a kid, and I really like being able to be part of providing services at health fairs.”
VINCENT LI:
“I looked at all the California pharmacy schools and USC really stuck out. I am especially looking forward to participating in the many different student organizations – giving me an opportunity to get involved and make a difference.”
DUYEN PHAM:
“USC has the best networking of all schools. And USC is really beautiful with great faculty and research. The professors made orientation really amazing – I’ve already met so many people. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”
MNWABISI MBANGATA:
“I got involved with pharmacy as an undergrad in Minnesota. I wanted to go somewhere different for pharmacy school and searched online. The USC Diversity Initiative really made me very excited. And the Trojan Family feels like a real family.”
CHELSEA CANO:
“I was a TAP student during my USC undergrad years. I wanted to continue to be part of the Trojan Family – love it at USC.”
HENO YOUSEFI:
“I was so glad that USC chose me. USC has great brand recognition and it’s like a family.”
REBECCA LAI:
“My uncle went to USC Mann and he really influenced my career choice, guiding me to USC. It’s a great program – older and well established – and has a great network. I also like the focus on community service and look forward to working on projects helping the underserved.”