Yesterday, 230 undergraduate, graduate and PharmD students crossed the stage at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ 145th Commencement at the Albany Capital Center in Albany, NY.
Albany Mayor, Kathy Sheehan, JD, served as commencement speaker and was presented an honorary degree by the College. Drawing on her personal experience, she urged graduates to not only pursue their own individual careers but to become active participants in their communities, wherever they go.
“We live in tumultuous times. Divisive rhetoric can make us isolated and anxious. The anecdote to that is to join,” Mayor Sheehan said. She pointed to the ACPHS’ Collaboratory, a public health resource serving residents in the city’s South End as a community builder. “When you engage in that level of service, when you engage in the community, it’s easy to find common ground.”
Who is the ACPHS Class of 2025?
Of the students in the Class of 2025, the youngest student is age 19 and the oldest student is age 50. Graduates hail from 19 states including: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia. Graduates also come from one US territory - Puerto Rico, one US military installation in Italy, and 10 countries, including Canada, Costa Rica, Ghana, Jamaica, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United States and Vietnam.
Among these students, degrees conferred including:
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50 received undergraduate degrees
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Four BS/MS dual degrees
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42 master’s degrees
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134 PharmD degrees, with 79 of those candidates also receiving a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Several of these graduates will remain at the College to pursue further study in one of ACPHS’ degree programs, whose portfolio saw a nearly 50% expansion since 2024 in areas such as health data sciences, and new online and hybrid modes.
Pomp and Circumstance
A time-honored procession punctuated by bagpipes from CDU Pipe Band and an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem by ACPHS alumna, Alicia Bautista ’21, kicked off the festivities. Board of Trustees Chair, Walt Borienok, opened the ceremony.
Borisenok, who led a pharmaceutical company after getting a degree as a microbiologist, encouraged students to be flexible, adaptable and never stop learning.
“The world is changing at a pace that is faster than ever and being a lifelong learner will be your greatest asset,” he said.
President Tofade welcomed the graduates and their families and friends before introducing the Commencement speaker, Kathy Sheehan, Mayor of the City of Albany, who was also the recipient of a Doctor of Humane Letters.
Sheehan is in her third term as Albany’s 75th mayor and has dedicated her administration to creating a city where every neighborhood works — neighborhoods that are safe and have access to quality housing that is affordable to the people who live there, world-class amenities, and vibrant economic opportunities.
Under Mayor Sheehan’s leadership, the City has invested nearly $200 million in new parks, pools, community centers, streets, sidewalks, and water and sewer infrastructure across the City. These investments have been made with a commitment to equity and responsive government that includes diverse community voices, and a focus on neighborhoods impacted by redlining and other historically discriminatory practices.
Mayor Sheehan has served as our city’s Mayor since 2014 after spending four years as City Treasurer. After graduating from Albany Law School, she practiced law before entering politics. The Chicago, IL-native earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University.
Read more about the Mayor’s background here.
This year’s student speaker, SeHan Jeong is a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate from Dallas, Texas. She has previously served in various campus leadership roles including vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the local chapter of American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, president of Phi Lambda Sigma, and as a resident assistant.
Jeong addressed the uncertainty that graduates may feel entering fields in pharmacy and health care, amid challenges brought on by new infectious disease outbreaks, the emergence of artificial intelligence, costly infrastructure and shifting legislation.
“The uncertainty we face is not a limitation,” she reminded her classmates. “Rather it’s an opportunity to make an impact.”
After graduation, Jeong has secured a prestigious two-year residency position in Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
President’s Charge to the Class of 2025
ACPHS President, Toyin Tofade, concluded the ceremony with a charge for students to persevere through life’s challenges, to "press on, no matter what.”
“Press on through every difficulty, every challenge, every life test, every encounter, every interaction or situation,” President Tofade said.
Each ACPHS graduate has a unique story to share about their journey and why they chose ACPHS. From academic excellence, internships, residencies and fellowships to community service, research, and leadership, learn more about some of their experiences.