HPU’s New Pharmacy Students Start Their Year with a Day of Service
Pictured from left are HPU pharmacy students Jacob Blalock, Jess Moniuszko, Nikki Williams and Andrew Faircloth with faculty Dr. Stacey Cutrell and Dr. Courtney Bradley as they prepared to hand out meals at Open Door Ministries.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 30, 2024 – New students and faculty of High Point University’s Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy recently participated in a day of service by volunteering with three community organizations devoted to helping others.
Students at the Triad’s only pharmacy school completed service projects on Aug. 16 at Open Doors Ministries, West End Ministries and D-Up Inc., a local nonprofit and afterschool program designed to teach children to live healthier lifestyles. It’s a longstanding tradition for HPU’s newest pharmacy students to begin their academic journey by giving back to the community.
“We always look forward to this time of the year when HPU pharmacy students report to D-Up for service work because it is timely with the end of our summer camp and preparation for afterschool,” said Jakki Davis, executive director of D-Up. “There is always a lot to do to ensure our students return to a place of excellence, and the pharmacy students are present each year lightening the load for our staff and volunteers.”
Dr. Megan Carr, assistant professor of clinical sciences, worked with HPU pharmacy students at West End Ministries to organize its thrift store and food pantry, as well as assist with supplies for the women’s shelter. Students accompanied by Dr. Courtney Bradley, associate professor of clinical sciences, served meals and organized the food pantry at Open Door Ministries. Meanwhile, students joined Dr. Shaina Schwartz, assistant professor of pharmacy clinical studies, in tending a garden and cleaning three buildings at D-Up.
“Having pharmacy students participate in community service events is a critical component of their education, providing them with opportunities to learn about working with diverse groups of people and developing empathy,” said Dr. Mary Jayne Kennedy, dean and professor at the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy. “These experiences allow students to step out of the academic setting and interact with individuals from various backgrounds, helping them understand the broader social context in which health care exists. By engaging in these activities, students enhance their communication skills, learn to appreciate different perspectives and cultivate a sense of empathy that is essential for any health care professional.”
Dr. Jordan Smith, associate professor of pharmacy clinical studies, said the School of Pharmacy has a strong foundation in the High Point community that is built on the service and engagement provided by students and faculty.
“Since 2015, faculty and students have provided clinical services like health screenings, have vaccinated countless community members against influenza, COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, and have worked to build trust in the pharmacist’s heart for service,” said Smith. “And it’s not only clinical services, as students have organized food pantries, tended to gardens and assisted with setting up local events, among many other things. Our student pharmacists engage with these activities from day one of their orientation, and that initiation sets them on the path to be pharmacist servant leaders.”
Czarina Sobejana, a pharmacy student from the Philippines, said she learned more about the local community while helping organize items for the thrift store at West End Ministries. Fellow student Sulaf Ali said it was inspiring to see the entire class come together with a shared purpose of giving back and making a positive difference.
“What I particularly enjoyed about the event was the opportunity to engage with members of the community directly,” Ali said. “It provided a meaningful way to start the academic year, reinforcing the importance of service and collaboration. I left the event feeling both fulfilled and motivated to continue contributing to our community throughout my time here.”
