News @ VCU School of Pharmacy
Senior Banquet: more, much more than chicken and hors d’oeuvres
The School of Pharmacy’s brightest and best were recognized at the Senior Banquet May 15 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. A reception, dinner and awards ceremony were all about honoring the class of ’09.
The Pharmacy Division of the MCV Alumni Association – and division vice president Bronwyn Burnham (B.S. ’89) – welcomed the class of 2009 as the newest pharmacy alumni. Each graduate also was offered a pin featuring the Medical College of Virginia seal.
Following a reception upstairs, about 570 students, parents, faculty, staff and friends were seated at 57 round tables, decked out with flowers, in the convention center’s first-floor foyer.
As the crowd settled in, Dean Victor Yanchick pointed out that students would receive their degrees within a mere 16 hours.
“But who’s counting?” he added, laughing.
The day before, Yanchick had delivered a commencement address at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. “That’s where I got my start,” he said. “My mother was very proud of me [when I graduated], but for the life of me, she wouldn’t take my advice.”
Offering his own bit of advice to current students’ parents, he said, “Listen to them. They’re very smart.”
Thomas P. Reinders, associate dean for admissions and student services, recognized student leaders from various organizations, and Yanchick presented the faculty awards:
- Preceptor of the Year: Eve Bell, HCA Henrico Doctors’ Hospital-Forest in Richmond. (Bell also was recognized at the Office of Experiential Education’s Preceptor Appreciation & Awards Night April 15.)
- Outstanding Employee Recognition Award: Laura Georgiadis, office manager for the Department of Pharmaceutics
- Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching: Joanne Peart, associate professor of pharmaceutics
“I’m delighted to receive this award,” said Peart. “It’s really great to be appreciated for doing your job!” Peart, who originally had not planned to be a teacher, credited Peter Byron, Department of Pharmaceutics chairman, as one of the friends and mentors responsible for bringing her to this point.
“If I was in Britain,” she said, “I would raise a glass and say cheers.”
Student awards, presented by Reinders, were as follows:
- Patient Care Award: Laurie Oldiges
- Award of Excellence in Clinical Communication: Walter Crumpler
- Pharmacy Communications Award: Sean Carlton
- Clinical Research Award: David Clopton and John Ejezie
- Academic Excellence Award: Ashley Alexander, David Clopton, Richard Scanlon and
Kyle Webb
- Excellence in Pharmacy Award: Kelley Mills
- Leadership Achievement Award: Peter Wills
- Outstanding Leadership Award: David DeLong
- Community Practice Achievement Award: Toni Coe
- Technology Excellence Award: Yacoub Jadallah
- Distinguished Service Award: Michaiah Parker
- Outstanding Student Award: Kathryn Kreig
- Award of Excellence in Nonprescription Medication Studies: Jenny Beshere
- MCV Alumni Association Scholarship/Award: Melissa Carroll
- Excellence in Advocacy and Health Policy Award: Jennifer Neal
- Social Justice Award: David Clopton
- Health-System Practice Award: Jennifer Shannon
- VSHP Excellence in Health-System Pharmacy Award: Paul Hansen
- APhA-ASP Senior Recognition Award: David DeLong
- Professionalism Award: Melissa Carroll
- National Community Pharmacists Association Award: Beth Bailey and Leah Boardwine
David DeLong was presented the Dean’s Award, made in recognition of DeLong’s outstanding achievements and unselfish devotion to his class, the school, the university and the profession.
“Thank you to all of us,” said DeLong as he accepted the award. “I love you all so much … you’re awesome!”
Signaling the end of the evening, Yanchick said, “Each year when they announce the School of Nursing [at the Richmond Coliseum commencement], they make so much noise. Let’s see if you can beat the School of Nursing!”
Tomorrow, he said, “I will have the distinct pleasure of calling you pharmacists.”
Submitted By:
Cynthia McMullen
5/28/2009