The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy celebrated student achievement and academic distinction at its annual Honors Day Ceremony on Friday, March 27, 2026, held in the Texas Union's Santa Rita Room on the Forty Acres.
The event brought together Pharm.D. students, faculty, staff and loved ones for an evening of recognition and reflection, honoring the dedication and perseverance that define the college's highest-achieving scholars. The Santa Rita Room was filled with energy and pride as students gathered with family and friends—many sharing in the moment as cords were presented to recognize their accomplishments.
W. Renee' Acosta, R.Ph., M.S., senior associate dean for academic affairs and clinical professor, served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through a program that highlighted both individual excellence and the strength of the college community. Ashley Castleberry, Pharm.D., M.Ed., assistant dean of curriculum and assessment and clinical professor, introduced the student honorees, while Kristin Janzen, Pharm.D., BCPS, clinical associate professor, formally recognized each scholar.
Throughout the ceremony, students were celebrated not only for their academic success, but also for their commitment to the profession of pharmacy and the impact they will make in patient care and their communities. The presentation of honors cords marked a meaningful milestone, symbolizing years of hard work and the support systems that helped make these achievements possible.
The ceremony also served as a joyful gathering point for the college community. Guests enjoyed light refreshments as they connected, shared stories and captured photos to commemorate the occasion—moments marked by laughter, pride and a shared sense of accomplishment.
The College of Pharmacy Honors Day remains a longstanding tradition, recognizing students who exemplify excellence in scholarship and leadership. As part of the broader University of Texas Honors Day celebrations, the event underscores the University's commitment to academic achievement and the future of healthcare.
The following students were recognized during the 2026 College of Pharmacy Honors Day Ceremony:
Distinguished College Scholars
Nathan Gantala
Erica Jermain
Aria Shoop
Pharmacy Scholars
Nora Abifaraj
Ckarl Adones
Abigail Allen
Emily Anderson
Asifya Arcandra
Jesus Arreola
Addison Belmarez
Riya Bhuta
Risha Bhuta
Adam Campos
Casey Carswell
Samantha Carter
Isabella Coleman
Sophia Dalen
Madison Dishaw
Phuong Do
Isaac Dominguez
Dean Enriquez
Nathan Gantala
Alex Garcia
Naya Gonser
Cecelia Hambleton
Sharon Han
Rachel Helbing
Claire Homrok
McKenna Jackson
Jayme Jenkins
Erica Jermain
Grace Johnson
Geoffrey Ju
Sohmee Kim
Molly Levine
Morgan Losabia
Aldwin Martin
Emilee McMellon
Alysa Naranjo
Dillon Nguyen
Minh Nguyen
Phillip Nguyen
Ravi Patel
Valentina Pham
Shannen Phan
Kessiya Philp
Dylan Pitman
Isabella Reyes-Pineda
Edwin Rice IV
Melody Richards
Delandra Robinson
Grace Rosenbaum
Diana Saldana
Simin Sari
Mia Schraeder
Jacob Shaye
Aria Shoop
Kassandra Solis
Isaiah Spruell Crenshaw
Tamara Tarbox
Taryn Teggatz
Nancy Teng
Carlo Velazquez II
Maria Velez
Canon Wheatley
Austin Wissman
Marc Zamora
Tiffany Zhou
