WHO: The 147 students entering Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
WHAT: Will participate in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ White Coat Ceremony, when they will be “cloaked” in their first white coats that symbolize their commitment to the pharmacy profession. Alumnus Jonathan G. Marquess, Pharm.D., will deliver the keynote address to the students, their family members and friends. Marquess is the president of The Institute for Wellness and Education, a disease management company. He is also owner and diabetes educator in two American Diabetes Association-recognized diabetes education centers in Atlanta. Marquess, and his wife, Pam, also a pharmacist, are the owners of four community pharmacies in the metro Atlanta area. Before assuming his current position, Marquess was a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Mercer University.
In addition to receiving his doctor of pharmacy degree from Mercer, Marquess has also completed The International Health Care Course sponsored by the Royal Danish School of Pharmacy in Copenhagen, Denmark, and APhA’s Community Pharmacy Management Program. Marquess is a Certified Diabetes Educator and Certified Disease Manager in Diabetes.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 17, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Sheffield Student Center, Mercer University, Cecil B. Day Campus, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, Ga.
WHY: Through the White Coat Ceremony, first-year pharmacy students gain a sense of the School’s core values that focus on professionalism, respect, integrity and caring. By donning the white coat, students show their dedication to health care and the pharmacy profession. During the ceremony, students will recite a Pledge of Professionalism, committing their professional careers and practices to excellence in pharmacy.
About the School: Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has a century-long tradition of excellence and a national reputation for producing outstanding leaders in the profession of pharmacy. In addition to having one of the largest concentrations of pharmaceutics Ph.D. students among private colleges in the United States, the College consistently has one of the largest Pharm.D. applicant pools in the nation. Previously known as Southern School of Pharmacy, the College changed its name in July 2006 to better reflect additional health science offerings. In fall 2007, the College is slated to begin offering a master of medical science degree at the completion of its new physician assistant program.
Directions to the School: From downtown Atlanta, take I-85 north. Take Exit 94 and turn right onto Chamblee Tucker. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Mercer University Drive. Go straight, the entrance to the campus is on the right.
Any media interested in covering the event should contact Nancy Fullbright at 478-301-2716.
