Dean Billy Hughes Greets Class of 2013

by Steve Vodhanel

Student orientation for the class of 2013 began with a greeting by the Dean and a warm welcome from the entire faculty and staff of the School of Pharmacy. Planned and conducted by Linda Williams, MS, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs and Admissions, student orientation at the School of Pharmacy is a traditional weeklong event aimed at informing the students about the many topics necessary for a successful start at Loma Linda University. Along with a class session that can lead to CPR and First Aid certification, the new students are introduced to the PharmD curriculum, learn about various professional pharmacy organizations, and receive a historical review of the university conducted by LLU historian and author, Richard Schaefer.

Students will also enjoy an off-campus retreat in the nearby San Bernardino Mountains. Camp Cedar Falls, located one hour from campus and above the 6,000 foot elevation, greets everyone with cool autumn weather and has been a School of Pharmacy highlight for students in the past.  The over-night retreat has meetings and events, and also provides everyone with a relaxing opportunity in which to meet the many people associated with the School of Pharmacy.

Dean Hughes’ message to the class of 2013 was that of “have fun and do the right thing.” Dr. Hughes’ message of “have fun” focused on the mission of the university “To Make Man Whole” by reminding students that there are many important aspects of life while on the path to an education. In his final remarks, Dr. Hughes’ mentioned the appropriate behavior expected of those in the medical profession on and off campus. Health professionals always need to “do the right thing.”

The 2013 PharmD class profile is one of distinction and diversity. Of the 73 new students, 71 have attained at least the bachelor degree, while the cumulative GPA is 3.58. The bachelor degrees range from the expected sciences of Biology, Chemistry, and Biomedical Science, to other areas of study including English, Business, Art, and Women’s Studies. While 58 students are from California, 17 come from other areas of the U.S., and several are international students.