The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia hosted its 40th Annual Dean’s Reception—a tradition that celebrates the academic achievements of its graduating students and recognizes teaching excellence among faculty.
Held in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, this year’s event recognized more than 250 new alumni across the Faculty’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Science (MSc), Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPSc), and Entry-to-Practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs.
"This event is always a highlight of the academic year, and this year was especially meaningful as we marked the 40th anniversary of the Dean’s Reception,” said Dean Lalitha Raman-Wilms. “It’s a time to recognize the hard work, resilience, and leadership of our students, as well as the incredible dedication of our faculty and staff."
A Program of Reflection and Recognition
The event began with welcoming remarks from Dean Raman-Wilms, who congratulated the Class of 2025 and acknowledged the many individuals—family members, instructors, mentors, and peers—who helped students reach this important milestone.
The reception also featured guest speakers from across the profession:
- Suzanne Solven, BSc(Pharm)’87, Registrar and CEO of the College of Pharmacists of BC
- Colleen Hogg, Board President of the BC Pharmacy Association
- Dr. Mona Kwong, BSc(Pharm)’97 MSc’02, Pharm Sci Alumna and Clinical Educator
- Dr. Khady Thiombane, 2025 PhD Graduate
- Ishita Mahajan and Jaysheen Badohal, BPSc graduates and Co-Presidents of the BPSc Student Association
- Allan Ma, 2024 PhUS President
Honouring Academic and Teaching Excellence
A central feature of the Dean’s Reception is the presentation of student and faculty awards, celebrating exceptional contributions to academics, leadership, and teaching.
Student Awards
- FPS Medal – Head of Graduating Class, BPSc: Nadine Ramsden
- FPS Medal – Head of Graduating Class, E2P PharmD: Kaitlyn Lee
- Dean E.L. Woods Memorial Prize: Isabella Durante
- Dr. M. Pernarowski Memorial Prize (Honorary Activities Award): Iliana Doornbos
- Dr. Wendy Ko Scholarship in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Meghan Ludlam
- Marcel St. Jean Memorial Award in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Olivia Bailey and Jairo Tabamo
Faculty Teaching Awards
These awards, selected by student vote, reflect the impact and excellence of instructors across all four years of the PharmD and BPSc programs:
Entry-to-Practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Graduating Class – Master Teacher Award: Dr. Larry Leung
- Faculty Teaching Award Year One: Dr. Adam Frankel
- Faculty Teaching Award Year Two: Dr. Larry Leung
- Faculty Teaching Award Year Three: Solomon Chow
- Faculty Teaching Award Year Four: Robert Pammett
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPSc)
- Faculty Teaching Award Year One: Dr. Brian Rodrigues
- Faculty Teaching Award Year Two: Dr. Nicole Krentz
- Faculty Teaching Award Year Three: Dr. Alex Smith
- Faculty Teaching Award Year Four: Dr. Mark Harrison
In addition, Dr. Stuart Knight was recognized with the Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, celebrating his contributions as a teaching assistant.
As graduates look ahead to the next chapter in their professional journeys, the Dean’s Reception served as both a celebration of past accomplishments and a tribute to the future of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences in British Columbia and beyond. Congratulations to the UBC Pharm Sci Class of 2025!