First-year student pharmacist Zoe Thaw shows off her white coat after the School of Pharmacy’s annual White Coat Ceremony. Submitted photo
OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi student pharmacist Zoe Thaw decided to study pharmacy after seeing the vital work performed by pharmacists in her hometown of Brandon.
The first-year professional student fell in love with the profession as she interacted with the practitioners and witnessed the difference they made in patients’ lives.
Pharmacists are again encouraging Thaw and her classmates by donating to the School of Pharmacy’s Ignite Ole Miss campaign. When first-year students were faced with unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 this fall, pharmacy alumni and friends provided support that fully funded the student pharmacists’ traditional white coats.
Receiving the white coat marks the start of students’ professional education and is a symbol of their commitment to serving patients through responsible pharmacy.
“Getting my white coat is something that I have been looking forward to since freshman year, as it feels like a reward for all of the hard work we have put in and a huge step toward our future as professionals,” Thaw said.
“Even without the typical White Coat Ceremony, we enjoyed the way the school and our donors were able to make the process special for us. I think I can speak for the whole class when I say that we really appreciated that,” she said.
The Ignite campaign resources also will help cover expenses associated with new health and safety measures implemented in classrooms and labs.
The School of Pharmacy has maximized resources to help students succeed; however, additional Ignite gifts will supply such essential medical resources as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and personal protection equipment.
“We have made it a priority to have a safe environment for everyone, and being able to provide our students with the needed supplies will strengthen this commitment,” said David D. Allen, dean of the pharmacy school. “Our donors play a pivotal role in their communities as essential heroes during this time, and now they are making a positive impact on our students.”
To make a gift to help student pharmacists, visit https://ignite.olemiss.edu. For more information on supporting the School of Pharmacy, contact Port Kaigler, development officer, at port@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2712.