Class of 2026 inducted at White Coat ceremony

First-year student pharmacists recited the Oath of a Pharmacist at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy’s White Coat Ceremony Sunday, October 16. DKICP alumna and guest speaker Katie Bass helped each student into their new white coat and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Lara Gomez presented each with a lei.

In her welcoming remarks, Interim Dean Miriam Mobley Smith emphasized the support that is there for new DKICP student pharmacists, from college faculty and staff, as well as alumni and the community. She also noted that this year each P1 student received a note from college alumni and friends in the pocket of their white coats, offering encouragement, congratulations and a warm welcome.

“The white coat is an important symbol of our academy and profession, and the note demonstrates the strength of our College’s support system and network,” she added.

UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin was on hand to welcome the students, and Bass (Class of 2014) delivered an address. She is now owner and pharmacist in charge of San Joaquin Drug, a full-service pharmacy in Planada, Calif.

Family and friends were on hand to congratulate the inductees after the ceremony, which was held at Hale Kihoʻihoʻi.