By: Nandini Puranprashad, Pharm.D. Candidate c/o 2013
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On January 17, the Rho Chi Beta Delta Chapter at St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions held its annual Induction Ceremony at Verdi’s of Whitestone. Membership is a privilege accorded to the very few who distinguish themselves by their academic and professional achievement. This year, the Society inducted 57 new members. The ceremony began promptly at 6:30 pm, as the Rho Chi president, Mohamed Dungersi, made his welcome speech to all the guests. He thanked everyone for participating in the special event, congratulated the new inductees, shared his growth and experiences as a member, and, lastly, challenged everyone to “not to rest on [their] laurels, but, rather, to strive and become professionals and caregivers.”
We were very fortunate to have Dr. J. Douglas Bricker as the guest speaker for the night. Dr. Bricker has been involved in the Rho Chi Society for many years. Since his induction in 1978, he has served as Faculty Advisor of the Alpha Beta Chapter (1986 – 1996), Regional Councilor (1987 – 1993), and National Secretary (1992-1997), which, during that time, was the National Office. He served as the National President from 1999-2001, and is currently the National Historian. He is also the current faculty advisor for Phi Lambda Sigma, the national Pharmacy Leadership Society. Dr. Bricker shared his thoughts on what it means to become a member, the responsibility that comes with induction, and the dedication / commitment that Rho Chi members make to further the profession.
There was a jovial ambiance in the room during Dr. Bricker’s speech. Afterwards, Dean Mangione, our Dean at the College of Pharmacy, gave a heartwarming welcome, congratulated all the new inductees, and highlighted the important decisions the Rho Chi Society made to ensure a successful induction ceremony. These decisions included inviting Dr. Bricker and inducting Dr. William Maidhof, an Assistant Professor and Industry Professional in the Clinical Pharmacy Practice department at the College of Pharmacy.
After Dean Mangione’s speech, Dr. S. William Zito, our chapter’s faculty advisor and the Dean for Assessment at the College of Pharmacy, came to the podium to start the initiation ritual and announce the new inductees. As Dr. Zito read the names, the new inductees came forward, collected their certificates and pins, and stood in line, facing the podium. After calling all of the names, each member of the current Rho Chi executive board came forward to read his or her respective part of the induction oath. Therefore, just as their predecessors had done before them, the new inductees proudly affirmed the oath and were officially welcomed. After the new members took their seats, the our chapter’s president thanked everyone and presented gifts to Dr. Bricker (for his continuous efforts to promote the Rho Chi Honor Society) and Dr. Zito (for his never-ending support). A five-course dinner was served shortly afterwards. The night ended with many group pictures to commemorate the memorable night.
