Doctor-Pharmacists Enter Careers of Service
State Senator, Touro System Official Commend PharmD Grads as they Take on Pharmacy Roles
The College of Pharmacy at Touro University California sent a class of nearly 50 doctoral-level pharmacists out into the field after a commencement ceremony May 20 in Sacramento.
Interim Dean Dr. Catherine Cone served as emcee for the ceremony.
“Today we celebrate the achievements of our graduates,” Cone said. “Graduates, on this day on which we celebrate the culmination of your successful educational journey, your faculty have great confidence in your ability to represent the profession of pharmacy well and know you will contribute to the legacy begun by those alumni who have preceded you.”
State Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, whose 3rd District includes Vallejo and the TUC campus on Mare Island, served as guest speaker for the ceremony. Dr. Patricia Salkin, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the Graduate and Professional Divisions for the Touro University System, was present to confer the doctoral degrees awarded to the PharmD Class of 2025.
Student Speaker Notes Shared Experiences with Eye to the Future
Student Doctor Sandy Elgendy was selected as student speaker for the Class of 2025.
“Only God knows how many prayers have been said, how many tears have been shed or how many nights lost. But every obstacle and every challenge – each one became a lesson in resilience and a testament to our ability to thrive,” Elgendy said. “Today we stand here as graduates. We are walking away with more than just a diploma – we are walking away as doctors and with an opportunity to change lives.”
Alum Offer Encouragement to New Peers
Dr. Mustafa Sultani, PharmD Class of 2021, spoke of his globetrotting career path since leaving TUC, how the COP faculty assisted him along the way, and how they will be there for the Class of 2025 as they embark on their careers.
“You’re entering a profession that comes with great privilege. You’ll be a trusted member of your community, not just managing medications, but breaking down barriers to care, whether that’s cost, access, or understanding,” Sultani said. “You’ll collaborate with other health care professionals, bringing your expertise to improve outcomes for patients. And one of the most eye-opening privileges of this career is the opportunity to learn beyond borders, because pharmacy is a field that transcends countries and cultures.”
Provost Expresses Faith in Latest PharmD Grads
Campus Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tami Hendriksz commended the graduates on their new doctoral degrees and expressed confidence they will serve as a force for good in the communities they will soon serve.
“As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, remember the values instilled in you during your time at Touro University California’s College of Pharmacy. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with courage, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning,” Hendriksz said. “As pharmacists, you have the power to make a different in the lives of countless individuals, and I have no doubt that you will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and compassion in all that you do.”
TUC was founded in 1997 as the Touro University System’s first College of Osteopathic Medicine. The College of Pharmacy was added in 2005, graduating its first class in 2019. The PharmD program has since transitioned to a three-year doctoral program.