On Friday, May 15, the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy’s Class of 2026 crossed the stage at the WVU Hope Coliseum, ready to take the next step in careers dedicated to care, service, and impact.
Forty WVU graduates earned the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, along with 1 PhD graduate from the Health Services and Outcomes Research program and 3 PhD graduates in the Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences program. They joined graduates from the schools of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing for a combined Health Sciences Center ceremony, reflecting WVU’s commitment to collaboration and team-based care.
Together, these graduates represent the next generation of health care leaders, ready to bring their knowledge, compassion, and Mountaineer spirit to patients and communities who need them most.
In his remarks to the Class, Dean William Petros commented, “Over the past several years, you have consumed many facts and principles; however, the most important thing you have learned is how to think like a pharmacist or scientist, as well as how to become a lifelong learner. Several members of the Class of 2026 earned latin honors, reflecting their academic achievement and dedication throughout their time at WVU.”
Many of the student achieved latin honors and are listed below.
Summa cum laude (3.8 GPA and above): Maegan Casimir, Justin Dombrosky, Samantha Hershman, Kaitlyn Hoover, Amy Hughes, Sarah Long, KC McManus, Samuel Newcomer, Hannah Shrewsbury, and Chase Wilson.
Magna cum laude (3.6–3.79 GPA): Tyler Frashure, Valerie Jakubec-Malinsky, Paige Lang, Madison Llewellyn, Andrés Luna Beato, Sina Samadi, and Fareeha Syed.
Cum laude (3.4–3.59 GPA): David Graebe, Talbot Maruca, Farrah Sturges, and Mary Taylor.
Ahead of commencement, several graduates were recognized during a special awards dinner. Selected by the School of Pharmacy Awards Committee, these honors reflect nominations from faculty, preceptors, and student organization advisors — highlighting excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Dean’s Volunteer Service Award: Kara DiNardo and Sarah Long
Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Awards: Amr Aboraya, Maegan Casimir, Taryn Fantozzi, and Valerie Jakubec-Malinsky
James K. Lim Pharmacy Academic Achievement Awards: Justin Dombrosky, Samantha Hershman, Kaitlyn Hoover, Amy Hughes, Samuel Newcomer, and Chase Wilson.
Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award: KC McManus.
Twenty School of Pharmacy graduates chose to complete their elective and some experiential hours in specialized areas of interest, earning Areas of Emphasis certificates such as Advanced Clinical Practice, Geriatric Pharmacy, and Translational Research. Approximately 90% of the PharmD graduates have already secured employment with 20 of them moving on to paid fellowships and residencies in the coming weeks.