A Distinctive School of Pharmacy Class Gets a Special Send-Off from the Mother of a Pop Icon

The West Virginia University School of Pharmacy Class of 2024 embarked on their academic journey in the middle of a global pandemic, facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. Together, they learned to navigate through remote learning, social distancing and a transformed healthcare landscape. Many of them even worked as volunteers in vaccine clinics to help end the COVID-19 crisis.

*SoP graduates are all smiles after walking across the stage at the WVU Coliseum*

On May 10, their dedication and resilience culminated in a proud moment as more than 60 School of Pharmacy graduates from the School’s Doctor of Philosophy programs in Health Services and Outcomes Research and Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, and the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree program were hooded on stage at the WVU Coliseum. These new alumni will pursue diverse career paths involving patient care, pharmaceutical-related research, academia, and healthcare administration.

This year, graduates from the Schools of Pharmacy, Public Health, Dentistry and Nursing had a shared commencement ceremony. The keynote speaker was Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, the mother of pop icon Lady Gaga. Germanotta was born and raised in West Virginia and attended WVU in the 1970s. She is a tireless advocate for mental wellness and co-founder of the Born This Way Foundation with her daughter. Before giving her commencement speech, the University presented her with a Presidential Honorary Degree.

Dean William Petros takes a selfie with keynote speaker Cynthia Germanotta. — *Dean William Petros takes a selfie with keynote speaker Cynthia Bissett Germanotta.*

“As I look into this sea of hopeful faces, I am reminded of how inspired I am by this generation’s resilience,” said Germanotta. “We are all grateful for your unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world in service to others.”

Germanotta highlighted the importance of compassion, empathy, and kindness — values central to both the Born This Way Foundation and the professional paths the graduates were about to embark on.

Other speakers included Dr. Clay Marsh, Chancellor and Executive Dean of West Virginia University Health Sciences, and Dr. William Petros, Gates Wigner Dean of the School of Pharmacy. You can watch the full ceremony here.