by Brenna Zuranski, Public Relations Writer
One year after graduating its first class of students in its Doctor of Pharmacy program and receiving full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, Cedarville’s school of pharmacy established the Rho Chi Society, Epsilon Mu chapter. Thirty-seven students from the classes of 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were inducted into the organization.
Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy is now the 132nd Rho Chi chapter in the United States. Rho Chi was established in 1922 as an honorary academic society that serves to encourage and recognize lifelong intellectual pharmacy leaders, stimulate critical inquiry to advance pharmacy, promote high ethical standards and foster collaboration.
Dr. Miriam Ansong, associate professor of pharmacy practice and director of drug information, and Dr. Brenda Pahl, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, serve as the inaugural advisers for Epsilon Mu and are active members of Rho Chi.
According to Dr. Paul Jungnickel, presiding national officer and past president of Rho Chi, it’s an honor for a newly accredited school to even be considered for a Rho Chi chapter. The school of pharmacy’s professional program was established in 2012 and granted its first Doctor of Pharmacy degrees last year.
“Pharmacy school is challenging and our students work so hard; they deserve an opportunity to be part of a society that recognizes academic and professional excellence,” said Ansong.
Unlike other pharmacy student organizations, members must meet certain requirements: have completed three semesters in the professional pharmacy program, be among the top 20 percent of his or her class with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have no known disciplinary or academic dishonesty records.
“Rho Chi recognizes students who have put in the time and effort to excel academically,” said Pahl. “It’s a prestigious honor to be selected to join the Rho Chi Society for life.”
The advisers of Epsilon Mu would like to thank the school of pharmacy’s administrative team headed by Dr. Marc Sweeney, dean of the school of pharmacy, for their support in making the chapter live and active.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.