The USC School of Pharmacy held its annual White Coat Ceremony Aug. 23 with more than 500 relatives and friends in attendance on the Health Sciences campus.

The school welcomed 191 students to the four-year postgraduate Pharm.D. program that preps students for the pharmacy profession.

During the ceremony, each student was “coated” by either a faculty member or a member of the QSAD Centurion board of directors. QSAD Centurion, a support group of alumni and friends, sponsors the annual event.

After a welcome by Dean R. Pete Vanderveen, associate professor Mel Baron delivered the keynote address. Baron framed his speech around the wise words of an eminent 20th-century author.

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places…. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go,” Baron said, quoting Dr. Seuss. In his own words, he added, “(You) must become and stay proficient in the science and technology of pharmacy.”

Baron also stressed to the students that the pharmacist has a central obligation of caring for patients – “respecting them, honoring their values and listening to their needs.”

In closing, Baron returned to the words of Dr. Seuss: “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So … get on your way!”

Annie Wong-Beringer, associate professor and vice chair of the Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics & Policy, administered the “Oath of a Pharmacist” to the new students.

Fred Weissman, the school’s associate dean, gave the closing remarks.