School of Pharmacy

Congratulations Graduates,

On behalf of the faculty and staff at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on your remarkable achievements. We also express our gratitude to your loved ones who have supported you throughout the educational journey.

Commencement marks the culmination of this stage in your journey, but it also signifies a time to look forward to exciting opportunities. The healthcare landscape needs your innovation, leadership, and collaborative skills. Embrace challenges with confidence and believe in your abilities.

You certainly needed persistence to earn your degree, and I am sure this experience will benefit you in many ways throughout your career and overall life. Your mentors and advisers have likely instilled in your minds to not be afraid of failure, for you cannot have success without it. You have learned many concepts and skills to facilitate success in the future, but your ability to best utilize them will require persistence on your part.

As you step into a rapidly evolving field, particularly with advancements in drug development and data science, you have been equipped with a cutting-edge education. This foundation will enable you to engage in lifelong learning, so you can make significant impacts on your patients and/or therapeutic advances for whole populations.

You are the future innovators and drivers of change, poised to make a difference in the health and well-being of many. Your greatest challenge will be to apply your knowledge to a career path that not only fulfills you but also benefits society, staying true to the mission of our land-grant institution.

Never forget your “home amongst the hills” as we will always be here to encourage your intellectual growth, commiserate in not-so-good times, and celebrate your successes. We certainly look forward to seeing you at national meetings or our School of Pharmacy alumni events.

Best wishes on the trails you blaze.

Sincerely,

William Petros, PharmD, FCCP
Dean and the Gates Wigner Endowed Chair