Forty-eight first-year University of Hawaii at Hilo student pharmacists will recite the Oath of a Pharmacist during the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy’s White Coat Ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 13, in the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center.
The event, which takes place from 2-4 p.m., is open to the public.
The ceremony signifies the rite of passage for students entering their first year in the professional program to affirm their commitment to the values of their profession, including professionalism, respect, integrity and compassion.
The audience will be addressed by UH-Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin and College of Pharmacy Dean Carolyn Ma. Wil Okabe will speak on behalf of Mayor Harry Kim.
Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikolani College of Hawaiian Language will perform the mele ho‘okipa, or welcoming chant, “Ua Ao Hawaiʻi.”
For the first time during a White Coat Ceremony, faculty, staff and students will perform “Oi Ola Wai Honua,” written by Taupouri Tangaro, director of Hawaiian Culture and Protocols Engagement for UH-Hilo and Hawaii Community College. The oli, a Hawaiian chant, was introduced during the class of 2019 Graduation Dinner and will be performed at all future College of Pharmacy events.