Dean’s Commencement Remarks

Good afternoon, students, parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. I am Angela Kashuba, Dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

It is truly an honor to share this special day with each of you. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each graduate from the Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Pharmacy programs at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Additionally, I would like to recognize the family and friends who are both in-person today and watching virtually, who have contributed to our students’ successes. The completion of a UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy degree is a substantial accomplishment for which not only our graduates, but also their families, friends, and professors deserve recognition.

Graduates, you have each endured so much in the past year alone to get to this moment, and I am continuously inspired and uplifted by your courage, motivation, and resilience in earning your degrees while also meeting a global pandemic head-on. Your pursuit of excellence in advancing the fields of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences is unparalleled.

While we continue to fight COVID-19, I have watched in awe as you have been a part of the solution. Early in the pandemic, our students worked alongside faculty members to provide COVID-19 testing in low-income communities across the Tar Heel state. They mobilized their peers to support elderly residents struggling with isolation. They spent months learning how to prepare and administer the novel COVID-19 vaccine, and many worked alongside our researchers on groundbreaking therapies and medications to help patients fighting the virus. And last December, our students administered the first COVID-19 vaccines in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. Today, they continue to volunteer their time testing and vaccinating patients across North Carolina.

Class of 2021, I am so proud of you! I give you my warmest congratulations for success in your future endeavors and I know you will continue to grow and excel in solving the world’s most pressing health issues. Now it’s time to go forth and continue Advancing Medicine for Life.

Chancellor Guskiewicz, I present to you the candidates from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy for the Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Pharmacy.