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>> Hawaiian chanting
>> UH Hilo Student Pharmacist and Narrator Amanda Wendel: Here comes the class of 2016.
The latest wave of students at Hawaiʻi's College of Pharmacy at University of Hawaʻi
at Hilo. The only fully accredited pharmacy college in the Pacific region. The first year
students participated in an important rite of passage, the white coat ceremony. The college,
founded in 2006, has made great strides in a short period of time.
>> School of Pharmacy Dean John Pezzuto: I'm very pleased to announce for the first time
that the last graduating class had a pass rate of 94 percent.
>> Narrator: That's 94 percent on the national exam that every pharmacist in the United States
has to pass to be licensed. These student pharmacists know there is a lot of work ahead
for the next four years and were challenged and encouraged at the ceremony.
>> Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi: Never ever doubt yourself. You got here already.
All you got to do is keep doing what you did to get you here in the first place.
>> Narrator: State and Hawaii county dignitaries were on hand as the college's faculty helped
the 89 students don their white coats. Then it was time to recite the Oath of a Pharmacist,
as they affirmed their commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity and caring.
>> Students reciting oath
>> Narrator: The weight of the moment struck the students at different times and in different
ways.
>> UH Hilo Student Pharmacist Moani Hagiwara: I think it hit me when the associate dean
made his opening speech. I kind of got a little chicken skin. A chill went through my body.
>> UH Hilo Student Pharmacist Kyle Cabison: Couple of seconds before I walked on the stage
and I saw the procession line and shaking everybody's hand and realize then, this is
really it. My palms started getting a little sweaty, heartbeat got a little faster.
>> UH Hilo Student Pharmacist Necole Miyazaki: It's a mixture of being overwhelmed and happy
at the same time I guess.
>> Narrator: After posing for the paparazzi when the ceremony was finished, the students
were greeted by proud family and friends.
>> UH Hilo Student Pharmacist Allan Higa: It feels really good. Now I feel like I'm
getting on the pathway of becoming a pharmacist. And I feel like I'm part of the community
and I'm obligated to serve them
>> Hagiwara: I'm very excited. I grew up here on this island too so it's a little bit of
home pride as well. It's exciting to have it here especially