The Class of 2025 M.S., Ph.D. and Pharm.D. graduates celebrated their big day at Bass Concert Hall on May 9, 2025. The College of Pharmacy held its fourth combined convocation ceremony for all graduating students.
The college honored the two Masters, 18 Ph.D. and 106 Pharm.D. candidates who graduated. From the podium, Dean Samuel M. Poloyac welcomed the crowd and opened the ceremony.
"I invite each one of our graduates to take a moment of pause and reflect on the day you received that life-changing phone call or message informing you that you were admitted to the program. Who was the first person you shared the news with? Was it a friend? A family member? They may be sitting here with you today to celebrate your accomplishments. How did you mark that joyous occasion? These are the cherished moments that you'll always hold dear throughout your entire lifetime."
–Dean Samuel M. Poloyac
This year's commencement speaker was Dr. Cheryl Beal Anderson, founder and CEO of ACE Regulatory Affairs Consulting. Her firm supports companies developing novel therapeutics for diseases with high unmet medical needs and limited or no existing treatment options, particularly in oncology and neurological disorders, including orphan indications. Anderson serves as a consultant to biopharma companies, acting as a fractional chief regulatory officer and strategic advisor to early-stage companies and accelerators.
"To The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy Class of 2025: I see you. You are right where you need to be; ready to lead. The future of pharmacy is in good hands: yours. So say yes, even when it scares you. Step up when those stretch roles are presented to you. Stand out to build the bridges that are necessary to find innovation to change the lives of patients."
–Dr. Cheryl Beal Anderson
Graduate student and recipient of the Walter Fast Doctoral Excellence Award Dr. James Baffoe gave a speech on behalf of all the masters and doctoral graduates.
"Class of 2025, know that wherever you end up, either in academia, industry or consulting, you have the right to be there. And whether or not it is clear to you, you have been equipped with the resources and knowledge to serve. Stay true to yourself and express gratitude toward every opportunity that comes your way. Because what starts here at UT truly changes the world. And you are the change, so go out there and Hook 'em!"
–Dr. James Baffoe
Masters and doctoral graduates were awarded their degrees by Dr. Maria Croyle, Associate Dean John Richburg and all of the graduates' respective degree supervisors.
After all graduating students and their academic honors were announced, Doctor of Pharmacy graduates received their degrees from Senior Associate Dean W. Renee' Acosta, Associate Dean Diane Ginsburg, Assistant Dean Justin Samuel and Assistant Dean Ashley Castleberry. The awarding of degrees was followed by an inspiring speech from Class of 2025 President Christopher Battey.
"Going forward at this crux, at this moment in time, we have all seen each other venture from new students going into fresh professional in all fields. Seeing each one of you walk across that stage and hearing the announcement of your names has filled me with an irreplaceable joy. When you look through that program and you know that our class is heading into positions of distinction in community, in industry, in our hospitals and academia and blazing trails even beyond these fields all across the country, it is a satisfying culmination of our hard work, and I truly hope that every one of you finds deep, genuine pride in your great accomplishments."
–Dr. Christopher Battey
Dr. Cathleen McCormack, president of the College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, welcomed all graduates as newly-minted alumni and gave the recitation of the Oath of a Pharmacist.
Congratulations again to all M.S., Ph.D. and Pharm.D. 2025 graduates of The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy!
College of Pharmacy 2025 Class Officers
President
Christopher Battey
Vice President
Elizabeth Longo
Secretary
Alexiss Dennett-Zuniga
Access the College of Pharmacy Class of 2025 commencement program.
Explore the digital photo album from the College of Pharmacy Class of 2025 commencement ceremony.
Watch the full video of the ceremony.
Photos by Callie Richmond.