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Rho Chi Society chapter installation and member initiation

Members of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Class of 2021 returned to Binghamton University for the inaugural induction of the Epsilon Omega Rho Chi Chapter. Image Credit: Provided.

By Katie Ellis

June 27, 2022

3 minute read

Twenty-nine current School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS) students and 10 alumni were inducted into the Epsilon Omega Rho Chi Chapter Thursday, May 12, at a ceremony held at the Innovative Technologies Complex rotunda.

Members of the classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023 were among inaugural SOPPS inductees to the international honor society for pharmaceutical sciences, which recognizes those who distinguish themselves by their academic and professional achievements.

“Only the top 20% of each class is inducted into this exclusive society,” said Donald Nieman, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “It is a credit to our school, our students, and our faculty and staff that we are able to induct out students and become a part of the Rho Chi family during its 100th anniversary year.”

Nieman said it was a tribute to the progress SOPPS is making as a school, as well as to the family members who attended the celebration. “I think I deserve some credit when my son does something special,” he said. “And so do the family members here tonight.

“As for the graduates of the Class of 2021, we weren’t yet accredited so we didn’t have a chapter when they graduated, yet they are the true pioneers; though Class of 2022, you are still pioneerish,” Nieman joked.

The ceremony was presided over by founding faculty co-advisors Rachel Klosko, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice, and Katie Edwards, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences. Rho Chi National President Lucio Volino, clinical associate professor and director of assessment at the Ernst Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University, gave the installation address and initiated the charter members.

“Tonight is about celebrating this amazing, beautiful school and continuing doing the big work that goes beyond getting a certificate and a cord,” Volino said. “It’s about being the future leaders of pharmacy. Dream it and lean in to pharmacy. There is a road ahead of you and we’re looking to the future of Rho Chi, so stay active and remain engaged.”

Volino said 20% of today’s pharmacists are Rho Chi members. “You’re part of the family now,” he said, before he started the initiation. “I always like to start with a joke, so ‘What award did the scarecrow receive?’ Outstanding in his field!”

Members who were inducted, by class year: