Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (COPPS) has a rich 65-year history of producing high-caliber graduates providing exceptional pharmaceutical care, emphasizing research and community action, and launching global initiatives.
Over the course of 65 years, FAMU’s COPPS program has welcomed national recognition and acclaim, securing nearly 40 innovative patents, including groundbreaking cancer and neurological disease treatments. The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research listed the college as the No. 12 pharmacy program in the nation for generating the most research funding.
“It feels really great to be at this juncture in the history of the College of Pharmacy. We are moving into a different direction in order to take the college to new heights globally and in areas to improve health in medically underserved communities domestically and abroad,” Dean Michael Thompson, Pharm.D., said. “It feels very good to be at the helm of a major shift in our program to continue our quest to become a world-class College of Pharmacy.”
The commemoration kicks off with a welcome reception this evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives. Other events include a brick-naming ceremony, student talent showcase, golf tournament, and an alumni and friends’ reception. A tour of the new COPPS research wing is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. Saturday’s anniversary reception and scholarship gala, scheduled from 6-11 p.m., at the Donald L. Tucker Leon County Civic Center, is a black-tie affair and is hosted by Christopher “Play” Martin and features former U.S. Rep. Bakari Sellers, D-S.C., as keynote speaker.
In anticipation of the anniversary, the first graduate of the program Geraldine Roberts said she is proud to be a part of such a legacy and will attend Saturday night’s gala.
“Being a part of a legacy that produces such a high level of research and prestige is something that is truly breathtaking. I am looking forward to coming back for the anniversary celebration and congratulating the next leaders in pharmacy.”
The College’s impact in the community has been evident in the numbers. FAMU currently produces about 60 percent of all African-American pharmacists. In its 65th year, COPPS is aiming to make a greater impact abroad.
“We have just secured contracts to provide doctoral programs for pharmacy and public health at Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo and various universities in Ghana. In addition, the College is expanding its research and new academic programs.”
He added, “With the opening of our new research wing, we are poised to produce an increased amount of impactful research and foster more international relationships now than ever before.”
President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., commended the College for its impact on the community and the lives of people around the world.
“Our Pharmacy school has an extraordinary reach that ranges from filling the healthcare gap in underserved communities to producing cutting edge research that will help lead to cures of some issues that most gravely impact our society. We are proud of their life-changing work,” Mangum said.
Event Schedule Overview
Welcome Reception
Thursday, August 25, 2016, from 6:30– 8:30 p.m.
FAMU Meek-Eaton Black Archives, 445 Gamble St., Tallahassee, FL 32307
Brick Ceremony
Friday, August 26, 2016 from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – New Pharmacy Bldg., 1415 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32307
New Pharmacy Building (Phase II) – Research Wing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Guided Tours
Friday, August 26, 2016 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – New Pharmacy Bldg.
Student-Alumni Networking Luncheon
Friday, August 26, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – New Pharmacy Bldg.
Alumni and Friends Reception
Friday, August 26, 2016, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Hotel Duval, 415 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Walk-Run-Ride
Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Tallahassee–St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail, 1358 Old Woodville Rd., Crawfordville, FL 32327
Student Talent Showcase
Saturday, August 27, 2016, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – New Pharmacy Bldg.
Anniversary Reception and Scholarship Gala
Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Donald L. Tucker Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
**Ticketed event
For more information and events visit: http://pharmacy.famu.edu/.