NORTH CHICAGO, IL – On Sept. 9, the inaugural College of Pharmacy class of 70 students at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science received their white coats during a ceremony that is a tradition at health sciences universities across the nation. More than 300 friends, family, faculty and staff celebrated the rite of passage with the pharmacy students who began their studies towards a PharmD degree in August 2011.

Christopher Dimos, President, Supervalu Pharmacies, provided the keynote address during the ceremony and shared, “Rosalind Franklin University’s commitment to interprofessional health care education will set graduates up for future success.”

SUPERVALU, one of the largest companies in the U.S. grocery channel and parent company of Jewel-Osco, sponsored the white coats and patches, as well as a reception that followed the ceremony.

“We are very grateful for SUPERVALU’s commitment to our students and to our mission in pharmacy education with a focus on patient-centered care. We’re delighted to have their support and to establish a strong partnership with an industry leader,” said Gloria Meredith, PhD, dean of the College of Pharmacy.

As a key expansion of Rosalind Franklin University’s academic health sciences programs, the College of Pharmacy welcomed its first class of students in August 2011 and joins the Chicago Medical School, the College of Health Professions, the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

About Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Formed in 1912 as the Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a national leader in interprofessional medical and healthcare education, offering a doctor of medicine program through the Chicago Medical School, doctor of podiatric medicine program through the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and a range of degrees through its College of Health Professions, including nurse anesthesia, nutrition, physical therapy, pathologists’ assistant and physician assistant. The University also offers advanced biomedical degrees through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The university received Pre-candidate status for its College of Pharmacy and welcomed its first class August 2011.

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