May 2026

Perseverance, Leadership, and Purpose: PharmDs Celebrate 2026 Convocation

May 19, 2026   |   Pam Carder

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) celebrated the achievements of the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2026 during a convocation ceremony May 14 in Baltimore.

Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, preceptors, and classmates at The Lyric Baltimore, graduates reflected on the challenges, growth, and community that defined their four-year pharmacy school journey while looking ahead to careers in patient care, research, public health, industry, and residency training.

A Class Defined by Community and Leadership

“What stands out about the Class of 2026 is their desire to help each other — an important characteristic of a pharmacist,” said UMSOP Dean Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, who also is a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC). “You are dedicated and compassionate leaders, not only supporting each other through your four-year PharmD experience but also supporting and mentoring our younger classes.”

Members of the class pursued internships, research, leadership positions, dual degrees, and community outreach initiatives while balancing the rigorous demands of the PharmD curriculum.

Class president Reginald Briscoe III reflected on the discipline, perseverance, and leadership that was required to complete the program, sharing memories of late-night study sessions, leadership experiences, and the close-knit culture of the class.

“Leadership isn’t just about being the spokesperson of an organization,” he said. “It’s also about inspiring others and serving as a role model.”

Briscoe also highlighted the class’ service and leadership accomplishments, including national recognition earned by student organizations, vaccine clinics, Narcan education efforts, and community initiatives throughout Baltimore.

Jace Jones, PhD, associate professor, PSC, and faculty advisor to the Class of 2026, encouraged graduates to lead with both humility and ambition as they enter the profession.

“Your degree opens doors, but your character will define your legacy,” he said. “Be humble in your authority, stay hungry in your purpose, and never forget the responsibility and the privilege of caring for others.”

A Message About Purpose and Passion

The Class of 2026 selected former UMSOP faculty member Sandeep Devabhakthuni, PharmD, BCCP, FASHP, as keynote speaker. Devabhakthuni, who is now a safety evaluator in the Division of Pharmacovigilance at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, reflected on his professional journey and encouraged graduates to embrace change and pursue purpose-driven careers.

“Standing here looking out at all of you feels like coming home,” Devabhakthuni said.

In deeply personal remarks, he reflected on overcoming imposter syndrome, leaving academia, and finding renewed purpose through his work in public health at the FDA.

“You don’t have to choose the highest position to practice at the top of your license,” he told graduates. “You just have to find the position that allows you to practice at the top of your passion.”

Graduates Reflect on Their Journeys

Before the ceremony, graduates shared their perspectives on the significance of reaching the milestone.

“Graduating means a lot to me,” said Oluseyi Olasupo, who will begin a residency at a children’s hospital in St. Louis. “I am the first pharmacist in my family.”

Olasupo said her passion for pediatrics and neonatal intensive care pharmacy was inspired by her own experience as a NICU patient. “I’ve always had a really soft spot for pediatrics and the NICU population,” she said. “Matching to a children’s hospital for my residency was just amazing.”

Daniel Butz, who will begin a postgraduate Year 1 residency with Kaiser Permanente, said his interest in and love for the field of pharmacy began while working in health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That experience inspired me to change directions and pursue pharmacy school,” he said.

Alejandra Caban described graduation as “a day that represents perseverance, growth, and every challenging step that it took to get here.”

Recognizing Excellence

The ceremony also recognized students, faculty, and preceptors for their excellence in leadership, academics, patient care, and service.

Jill Morgan, PharmD BCPS, BCPPS, FNAP, professor and chair of the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, was named Teacher of the Year by the Class of 2026.

Presenting the award, Briscoe praised Morgan for her lasting impact on students throughout the PharmD program, from first-semester coursework in pediatric patient management to advanced pharmacotherapy instruction.

“She has always gone above and beyond to support her students in class,” Briscoe said.

Accepting the award, Morgan encouraged graduates to “go out and be great” and reminded them: “Don’t forget to take care of those kids.”

Leadership Awards

Sana Behdin
Reginald Briscoe III
Nana Esi Bray
Rachel Hall
Jiwon Oh
Oluseyi Olasupo
Jamie Padilla
Vraj Patel

Maryland Society of Health System Pharmacy Student Achievement Award
Vraj Patel

Maryland Pharmaceutical Society Award
Oluseyi Olasupo

Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award
Zachary Geesaman

Maryland Pharmacists Association Award
Sana Behdin

Maryland-American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Award
Sara Oh

U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award
Mehak Muneer

Alfred Abramson Entrepreneurship Award
Jiwon Oh

Andrew G. DuMez Award (superior proficiency in pharmacy)
Vraj Patel

Terry Paul Crovo Award in Pharmacy Practice (performance and promise to uphold the highest standards of the profession)
Christine Rojas

Lambda Kappa Sigma, Epsilon Alumnae Chapter-Cole Award (proficiency in pharmacy administration)
Jiwon Oh

William Simon Memorial Prize (superior work in the field of medicinal chemistry and practical and analytical chemistry)
Derek Lai

Wagner Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence Prize (meritorious academic achievement in pharmaceutical jurisprudence)
Nour Elsheemy

John F. Wannenwetsch Memorial Prize (exceptional performance and promise in the practice of community pharmacy)
Daniel Butz

Conrad L. Wich Prize (exceptional work in medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy)
Zachary Geesaman

L.S. Williams Practical Pharmacy Prize (highest general average in basic and applied pharmaceutics)
Sana Behdin

Academic Excellence Award
Jin Wen Wang

Preceptors of the Year

• Outstanding New Preceptor of the Year: Andrew Rubio, PharmD, BCIDP, AAHIVP
• IPPE Preceptor of the Year: Sara Alizai, PharmD
• APPE Preceptor of the Year: Michael Francis, PharmD
• Faculty Preceptor of the Year: Amy Howard, PharmD, MS

The ceremony concluded with the hooding of graduates and administration of the Oath of a Pharmacist, formally welcoming the Class of 2026 into the profession.

As graduates begin their careers, Michel encouraged them to carry forward the compassion and leadership they demonstrated throughout pharmacy school.

“Whatever path you take, continue to be resilient, tenacious, and altruistic,” the dean said. “Continue to lead.”