Pharmacy award recipient Sean Ticsay with Class of 1966 alumni Dan Sitar and Marian Kremer.
Pharmacy award winners say balance is key
Top students will tell you it’s important to work hard and stay focused on your studies.
But this year’s award-winners at the October 28 College of Pharmacy awards ceremony also encourage fellow students to stay balanced and to remember there is life outside academia.
“My advice to incoming PharmD students is to stay on top of the things outside of school that make them happy, like being with friends or enjoying hobbies,” said Sean Ticsay, recipient of the Pharmacy Class of 1966 Scholarship and member of the Dean’s Honour List.
“Pharmacy is a demanding program and having the activities and companionship that help destress and motivate you to succeed are very important.”
Ticsay expressed his appreciation for the support of the pharmacy community with a special shout-out to the Class of 1966, which sponsors his award.
“I think that it is great that the Class of 1966 is still actively involved in the education and success of pharmacy students years after they have graduated,” he said. “It reflects how pharmacy is a profession that supports one another, now and well into the future.”
Classmate Sunjin Han received the William G. Eamer Scholarship and also earned a place on the Dean’s Honour List.
In her time outside of class, she not only hits the books hard, but makes time to support her classmates by serving in student leadership. “It shows that you do not have to sacrifice your studies to take on roles within student government such as class president.”
Han plans to continue her leadership activities as a practicing pharmacist, ideally specializing in psychiatric pharmacy. “A lot of health conditions can form or be significantly impacted by mental health conditions,” said Han. “I will continue to challenge current barriers that prevent people from accessing mental health care.”
George Ames with therapy dog Hero, who always keeps a smile at the ready for students, staff and faculty.
In addition to the encouragement of the college’s faculty, students are also bolstered by the support a unique member of the university community—a therapy dog named Hero.
Known for his bright blue eyes and calming presence, Hero is the successor to Rusty, the namesake of the Rusty Ames Award.
This award goes to a student who demonstrates the same qualities Rusty was respected for: compassion, friendliness, volunteerism and dedication.
This year, Hero joined his owners George and Linda Ames on stage as the award was presented to Allison Lage.
“I find it very flattering to be viewed in the same regard as a being that made people so happy and comforted,” said Lage.
Deeply interested in the science of pharmacy, Lage also has a special place in her heart for patients. “Once I realized that pharmacists could be involved in patient care, I thought, ‘This could be for me,’” she said. “I went to the hospital today for my rotation and I felt so stimulated and happy – I wanted to ask a million questions!”
Dr. Lavern Vercaigne, acting dean of the College of Pharmacy, encouraged students to persevere and to lean on each other throughout their studies.
“We know you make many sacrifices during your program,” he said. “But we also know that you’re developing the skills and the knowledge that you need to look after people through experiential rotations and when you’re practicing pharmacists. We’re very proud of all of you.”