College of Pharmacy Convocations

In academia, convocations are assemblies or meetings of the members of a college or university. Often held at the beginning of an academic year, convocations typically are formal ceremonies highlighted by an address or speeches by high-ranking officials and/or extramural guests.

UH College of Pharmacy adopted the convocation concept in spring 2011, with Dean Lamar Pritchard presenting the inaugural address. Although many instiutions host a single annual convocation, the college has established a convocation model as a series of events throughout the academic year. 

Convocation topics cover a diverse range of topics and issues, but each is intended to promote the professional development and scholastic enrichment of the student body.

The Spring 2013 Convocation schedule is as follows:

Jan. 16, 12 - 1 p.m. – "Ask the Deans" at Krost Hall, UH Law Center (P1-P3 classes)

Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. – TMC Research Tour, TMC Campus  (P1 class only)

TBA, 12 - 1 p.m. – Alumni Panel Discussion: "When Things in Pharmacy School Go Awry" (P1-P2 classes)

Feb. 18, 12 - 1 p.m. – RX Impact (P1-P3 classes)

March 18, 12 - 1 p.m. – Financial Planning (Walmart Leadership Series), location TBA (P1-P3 classes)

March 25, 12 - 1 p.m. – Law and Ethics, Krost Hall (tentative), UH Law Center (P1-P3 classes)

April 15, 12 - 1 p.m. – Financial Planning (Walmart Leadership Series), location TBA (P1-P3 classes)

Highlights of the past Convocations include:

"Impressing the Recruiter" – Target pharmacists and UHCOP alumni Amy Verret-Godfrey, R.Ph. ('00), and Christina Cattley, Pharm.D. ('10), offered a wealth of networking and communication tips to help students make positive and memorable career interactions.

"Gems for Management" – With career "gems" provided by members of UHCOP Dean's Advisory Council, alumni Sarah Lake-Wallace, Pharm.D. ('00), Christian Schwalm, Pharm.D. ('97), and Robert Taylor, R.Ph. ('74), offered their perspectives on subjects ranging from ethics to civility in the workplace.

"A Day in the Life of an Emergency Room Pharmacist" – UHCOP alumnus and Texas Children's Hospital pharmacist Les Pieniazek, R.Ph. ('90), provided a glimpse into the world of pediatric emegency care.

UHCOP Research Tour – Faculty researchers gave brief presentations and tours of their labs to raise student awareness of projects under way within the college and encourage pharmacy students to consider a career in research.

"StrengthFinders" – Part 1 of the WalMart Leadership Series offered interactive discussions and personal assessments based on the book "Now, Discover Your Strengths" and led by WalMart's Brandon Stucki.

"RxIMPACT: Effective Grassroots Involvement in the Policymaking Process" – National Association of Chain Drug Stores representative Heidi Ecker engaged students on ways to unite, influence and impact pro-pharmacy and pro-patient policies.

To volunteer for a future convocation or to learn more about convocation, please contact Barbara T. Lewis at 713-743-1264.