Commencement Marks the Rise of New PharmD Graduates

The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) Class of 2026 had their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees conferred at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Commencement Ceremony at the Edith Kanaka'ole Multi-Purpose Stadium on Saturday, May 16th. After four committed years of doctoral education and training, the 27 graduates are eligible to become licensed as practicing pharmacists.

In addition to earning PharmD degrees, all of the DKICP graduates concurrently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pharmacy Studies. Specialized graduate certificates in rural health were also merited by three PharmD graduates.

The members of the PharmD Class of 2026, with their specialized certificates indicated, include:

• Tiffany Amber Agarpao
• Nohelis Agosto
• Gemmy Alegre
• Joyce Bautista
• Ethan Butay
• Dannah Faye Dahilig
• Amanda Encinas
• Leiema Fano
• Jarod Hanchett-Ching
• Sam He
• Kayla Imamura
• Andrew Jones
• Zachary Minato
• Shanxi Nakaahiki, Graduate Certificate in Rural Health
• Viet Nguyen
• Bryce Nishida
• Anna Pham
• Tracy Pham
• Alina Ramos, Graduate Certificate in Rural Health
• Marvin Rositzki
• Anuhea Sonnenberg
• Yukino Sugihara
• LeTanya Thinn, Graduate Certificate in Rural Health
• Kyrstin Vanic
• Nicholas Williams
• Daniel Yee

Zachary Minato was the class valedictorian. Tracy Pham was awarded the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) Senior Recognition Certificate. Yukino Sugihara received the Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award.

The members of the PharmD Class of 2026 plan on pursuing pharmacy careers in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals and community settings.