The following four second-year pharmacy students were nominated by their peers and exhibit the qualities of ethical leadership, academic success, community/campus involvement and truly stand out as role models.
The Student Coaters place white coats on the incoming pharmacy students during the ceremony, which represents the new their role as future pharmacists, and the many responsibilities that come with it.
The Class of 2026 College of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony will take place at 3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19 in the NEW Center Ballroom.
Frankie Benavides is from Baldwin, New York, and graduated from Baruch College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry. Frankie enjoys playing basketball during his free time. His favorite thing about NEOMED is the faculty and how willing they are to help students succeed. He is excited to be a coater to represent his class and to meet the incoming pharmacy students. The advice he wishes to give to the first-year students is to find a balance between schoolwork and social life.
Sophia Santos is from Canton, Ohio, and attended the University of Akron where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in biology. She recently finished six years of military service in the Ohio Army National Guard. Her favorite thing about NEOMED is the wonderful people she has met! She is excited to be a coater because the White Coat Ceremony marks the hard work and dedication to reach this moment of their career. Her advice to the incoming P1 class is study hard, but have reset days to unwind!
Madelyn Braman is from Doylestown, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Kent State University. A fun fact about her is that she has four younger siblings – two sisters and two brothers. Her favorite thing about NEOMED is how small it is, allowing students to have close relationships with their peers and professors. She is super excited to be a coater, and it is truly an honor to put a white coat on the incredible future pharmacists as they begin their journey. Her advice to the new pharmacy students is to be yourself and do your best to standout. Her message is “No one is you, and that is your power!”
Olivia King is from Caldwell, Ohio and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry from Muskingum University. A fun fact about her is that she is a dog mom to two Scottish Terriers. Her favorite thing about NEOMED is all of the genuine friendships she has made since coming here. She is excited to be a coater because she remembers how special the day was for her and can’t wait to get to be a part of this experience with the incoming P1 class. Her advice to the new students is to trust and believe in yourself. “You will figure it out and be successful!”