The Rho Chi Society, Epsilon Delta Chapter in Georgia, welcomed six new members from the Class of 2028 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at PCOM Georgia. To earn membership, pharmacy students must exemplify academic excellence by ranking in the top 20% of both their class and among their peers nationwide.
This year's inductees included second-year pharmacy students Mishel Alvarez, Kerel Morris, Neoma Nwaogwugwu, Pasang Sherpa, Katrina Strand, and Allyson Welch as well as Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCAP, FADCES, FCCP, Dean of the School of Pharmacy who was inducted as a faculty initiate.
“Being inducted into Rho Chi is more than just an academic milestone. It represents a commitment to the high standards of the pharmacy profession. It serves as a reminder that the hard work put into mastering clinical knowledge is ultimately about providing the best possible care for future patients. I am excited to join a community that prioritizes both intellectual excellence and the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences,” Alvarez said.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Associate Professor Essie Samuel, PharmD, BCPS, Chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice. Her experience spans various multidisciplinary inpatient settings, with a special interest in infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship.
“I remember sitting in your seat as a student and looking back, I realize now that I had no idea what pharmacy truly was,” she said.
Samuel went on to share that the pharmacists who stand out are those who let their character shine. “It's your choice. Let your academic excellence be your foundation—not your ceiling—shaping what you do with your career.”
Dr. Reece ended the ceremony with enthusiastic words for everyone: “This moment is yours. It represents your hard work and passion—exactly what our communities need. Congratulations, and welcome to Rho Chi!”
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
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Joy Williford
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
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