Spring 2017 Epsilon Mu Newsletter

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc.

Epsilon Mu SPRING 2017

CURRENT OFFICERS: Regent: Nickhil Patel Vice-Regent: Amanda Al-Bahou Secretary: Amisha Tailor Treasurer: Jose Tamayo Historian: Khai Ho Chaplain: Nicole Meretsky Sergeant-At-Arms: Sean Speer Pledgemaster: Lemar Lewis Immediate-Past Regent: Jennifer Perez

GRAND COUNCIL DEPUTIES: Dr. Renee Rose Dr. Harry Patrick Marcelin Dr. Lawrence Lesko

“The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible." ―Arthur C. Clarke

m o r f s g n i t e e r G

Gatlinburg

First Annual Fellowship Retreat By: Megan "KAZAN" Hudson

This year, Epsilon Mu held its first selforganized Fellowship Retreat in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. On Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, twenty-six Brothers filled three vans to make the 10-hour road trip from Orlando, Florida to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It was strictly all fellowship and no business up in Tennessee where we were able to cook together, play games, and explore the city. On our last day, we took in some of the beautiful nature offered by our visiting city. Most of us went for a hike up to Rainbow Falls, while a couple went to ski.

Although we all didn’t make it to the top, I know we all enjoyed getting out of the cabin and getting in some physical activity. Gatlinburg recently went through a horrible fire that burned down a lot of the forest as well as some buildings and homes in the city. It was devastating to see how much was affected by this tragic man-made event and I PAGE 2

Brothers make a pit stop in Spartanburg, South Carolina for authentic barbecue. know we all wish we could have done something to help. I can’t wait for the next Fellowship Retreat to bond with the Brothers of Epsilon Mu.

The Academic Risk Management Program BY: CYRENE "NAMASTE" MOLINEROS AND VANITA "DUCTILITY" HARRIDAN

Last fall of 2016, Epsilon Mu was inspired to re-evaluate their pledging process when it came to academics. In light of the new curriculum presented by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, it was evident that change also needed to happen on our end to assist our pledges with focusing on academics through the trials and tribulations of pledging.

During our re-evaluation, we thought back to our core and revisited our pillar of Industry. We reminded ourselves of the one thing that united us to begin with: pharmacy. Often, we are so focused on building brotherhood during pledging we let our academic standards slip. This hinders pledges even after they have crossed and become brothers.

The Academic Risk Management Program (ARM) aimed to break this cycle. We envisioned a pledging process that was by no means easier, but encouraged more fluent communication about academics between pledges and brothers.

After many brainstorming sessions, the Academic and Scholarship Committee and the Pledging Committee developed this plan

that would hopefully bridge the gap.

Starting that pledging season, the ARM Program launched with the goal to increase academic support during the pledging process in order to promote academic success and monitor the academic status of all pledges. This process was carefully planned to ensure the entire chapter was on the same page. Brothers Amanda Al-Bahou, Cyrene Molineros, and Vanita Harridan took the lead on this project as chairs of the committees involved and were soon referred to as the Academic Risk Managers (ARMs). We aimed to create a safe zone for pledges during study halls where they felt that they could come to us brothers for help in school without consequences. The ARMs were each assigned three to four pledges that they would monitor academically throughout the process. The pledges could reach out to the ARMs when they needed assistance and the ARMs would then be able to help them or direct them to someone else of better help. The ARMs would also reach out to each pledge periodically and

see where they stood academically.

At this point they could see if any pledges were struggling more than others in school and communicate better with that pledge about time management and support.

"WE REMINDED OURSELVES OF THE ONE THING THAT UNITED US TO BEGIN WITH: PHARMACY." With the cross of the Theta Class, the first ARM Program came to a close. We saw many successes with this program. While it is difficult to pinpoint if educationally this program helped pledges, it was evident that the support and encouragement academically was appreciated. Pledges stated that this program created a better study environment for them during study halls. They felt encouraged to study, and were eager to take advice. We were every honored to be the first ARMs in this groundbreaking project and cannot wait to see how this program flourishes in the future and the countless pledges it may benefit.

PAGE 3

SEP SPRING ASSEMBLY TAMPA, FL BY: LIEM "ACE" DANG

PAGE 4

Since becoming a Brother of

insight from older Brothers on

Kappa Psi, the Southeast

how to negate some of the

Province Spring 2017 Assembly

obstacles that I will encounter

was the first Assembly that I have

along my journey to completing a

had the opportunity to attend.

PharmD. When I asked one

Granted, I was truly excited and

Brother about his upcoming

looked forward to seeing what

graduation, he told me that “it’s

Assembly was all about. For this

only when you look back from the

year’s pirate-themed SEP Spring

end of your journey do you

Assembly, we traveled to “Cigar

realize how far you’ve gone.”

City” Tampa, Florida hosted by

Although I enjoyed the livelihood

the Brothers of Zeta Delta, and

from the first day, it was the

had the opportunity to meet

business of the next day that

many Brothers from other

enticed me. I had the opportunity

Chapters. I had always heard

to be a delegate for my Chapter

how vast Kappa Psi was but did

and sat in the front row seats as

not fully comprehend it until I

we voted on the various pieces

saw the sea of Brothers that

of legislation that would affect

attended the Assembly. It was

our Province. I saw some sparks

stunning. As a first-year

fly and felt the tension in the

pharmacy student, I gained

room as we discussed specific

pieces, but in the end what I truly saw was the strong passion everyone had towards improving our Province. Finally, we elected the new SEP Executive Board resulting in Graduate Brother Dr. Keon “NEO” Thomas, Brother Theora “KHALEESI” Canonica, and Brother Benjamin “AURELIUS” Ferris from our Chapter obtaining the positions of Satrap, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian, respectively. The process was very fluid and had only a few minor hiccups. I am truly proud to be able to call them my Brothers. Overall, my first Assembly experience was delightful and I am looking forward to attending many more.

Brothers Liem Dang, Kelly Wright, Sean Speer, Linda Ho, and Matthew Ferraro attend their first Province Assembly.

A Pirate's Life for Me!

Dr. Timmy Do installs the new Southeast Province Officers, including our very own Graduate Brother Dr. Keon Thomas as Satrap, Brother Theora Canonica as Treasurer, and Brother Benjamin Ferris as Parliamentarian.

PAGE 5

An Interview on

Legislative Days By: Benjamin "AURELIUS" Ferris

In March, pharmacists and student pharmacists from across the state of Florida gathered in Tallahassee to discuss with legislators about future of the pharmacy profession. We were lucky enough to have our own Jennifer Ryder attend this event who was willing to answer a few of my questions:

How do you feel legislative days impacted you?

Legislative Days always impacts me every year in the same way - it makes me more passionate about our profession. Political advocacy is such a vital part of how student pharmacists can make a difference in pharmacy. It is our duty to represent our profession and fight for what we deserve.

How important do you think legislative days is to our profession?

Legislative Days gives our profession the chance to fight to practice at the top of our educational training. We are the drug experts, the most accessible healthcare professional, and some of the most trusted professionals in the medical field.

Events like legislative days and being the boots on the ground to positively impact our profession makes a huge difference in the advancement of pharmacy in the state of Florida. Student pharmacist's ability to immunize is a direct result of Legislative Days. The reason other states have provider’s status, can prescribe birth control, and be reimbursed for services is because the pharmacists and student pharmacists make the trip to the state capitol and sit with their state senators and representatives.

PAGE 6

How do you think this experience is for a student vs. a practicing pharmacist?

I'm not sure how this experience is for a practicing pharmacist, but from the perspective of a student pharmacist, pharmacists who make the trip to Tallahassee are some of the most passionate and selfless people I have ever met. You can hear it in the tone of their voice. These pharmacists have been negatively impacted (either their livelihoods, patients, families) and want to improve our profession by speaking to these representatives and senators instead of just accepting the shortcomings.

As a student pharmacist, the experience of legislative days is invaluable. It shows the importance of the laws we abide by and how much people who don't know anything about pharmacy dictate our lives and practices. It is our duty as student pharmacists to go up to Tallahassee and see the impact each person can make in our profession and for all our future patients.

Second from left: Brother Jennifer Ryder along with other students had a meeting with Representative Eric Eisnaugle (center).

What is your opinion about the legislation being proposed at this legislative days?

SB 670/HB 625: Managed Care Plan Provider Networks - This bill requires that managed care plans cannot refuse a retail pharmacy to be covered under their network plan if that pharmacy meets all the credential guidelines. This always requires reimbursement to be the same across all pharmacies covered. This bill also deals with patient access and choice. Under current legislation, patients in urban areas are being forced to travel 1 hour to their pharmacy (2 hour round trip) and 2 hours for rural patients (4 hour round trip). This legislation will help not only our patients, but also our independent pharmacists who sometimes cannot compete with chain retail pharmacies.

SB 800/HB 1191: Medication Synchronization The positives for this bill is obvious. It prevents insurance companies from not covering medications that would allow for medication syncing. These are one time and low quantity costs that insurance companies are getting out of paying. This would allow pharmacists to synchronize the refills of a patient so that they do not have to make multiple trips to the pharmacy.

This is important

for people who do not have transportation, elderly who can’t drive, low income families, etc. This process also has proven to help with patient compliance and adherence.

What would you change to have given you a better experience?

This year was much better than last year. The visits were more spaced out, had more colleges of pharmacy represented in the same meeting, and we could sit in an all call Senate meeting where bills were being debated on the floor in front of us.

They brought back the health fair that allowed us to see real life patients and teach them about what their pharmacists can do while educating them on their health.

The lack of attendance, however, did put a damper on my time here. There needs to be a shift in attitude towards events like this. Legislative Days is such a great event for the betterment of our profession and out of the thousands of students and pharmacists in the state; only 400 showed up. That sounds like a big number, but the students made up 300 of that. Student pharmacists need to start caring about this and making it a priority that carries on into their career.

PAGE 7

APhA Annual:

San Francisco By: Sean "SPARTACUS" Speer

This March, Brothers Liem Dang, Kevin Martin, Jennifer Ryder, and Sean Speer travelled to San Francisco, CA for the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition. We had the opportunity to meet and interact with student pharmacists, pharmacists, and Brothers from across the country. The connections and experiences we encountered made for an invaluable and unforgettable adventure. Reuniting with fellow UF students from across all campuses was a joyous occasion as we made the trek out west.

With our excitement and anticipation built up we began the meeting with a sobering realization of how important a promise is and how one’s actions can have such a significant impact on the lives of others.

Starting from second to left to far right: Brothers Kevin Martin, Liem Dang, Sean Speer, and Jennifer Ryder visit the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA. PAGE 8

Throughout the weekend, Brothers were able to attend numerous presentations listening to various leaders in pharmacy and engaging with fellow students. Brothers Jennifer and Sean attended the President/President-Elect Workshop where they collaborated with other student leaders and shared ideas that can be extremely beneficial when brought back to our own chapter. Brother Liem enjoyed attending other breakout sessions and conversing with other APhA-ASP officers learning valuable leadership skills. In addition, everyone was able to actively participate in activities and decisions that could directly shape the profession as a whole.

Furthermore, a Kappa Psi reception took place on Saturday evening where Brothers from across the country convened. It was nice to see many familiar faces from the Southeast Province at this event and even more enjoyable to forge new relationships with Brothers from various parts of the nation. Much of the night was spent networking with other Brothers, sharing advice and stories that opened our eyes to other chapters and how they operate. The festivities concluded with the announcement of the A. Richard Bliss Award and the anticipation of the upcoming Grand Council Convention this summer. This reception would not be the only time Brothers would witness an award over the weekend. The Annual meeting culminated in the APhA Awards Ceremony where it was announced that the UF College of Pharmacy was named the Chapter of the Year. The UF section erupted in sheer joy with Brothers Kevin and Jennifer, presidents of our local chapter, nearly falling out of their seat. The elation was a testament of our pillar of high ideals to always put forth our best efforts towards achieving the utmost success.

The UF College of Pharmacy is named APhA-ASP Chapter of the Year.

Together we did!

The weekend conference was also filled with camaraderie and fellowship among Brothers as we indulged in the many sights San Francisco had to offer. We stared in awe at the magnificence of the Golden Gate Bridge, navigated the rolling streets while hanging off the edge of cable cars, and hiked to the tops of the surrounding highlands. We also indulged our appetites feasting on all of the culinary treasures of the city such as authentic Chinese food, freshly made Ghirardelli chocolate, and homemade clam chowder on the pier with the sounds of sea Brothers Liem Dang, Sean Speer, and Jennifer Ryder at APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition.

Brothers Liem Dang (far left) and Sean Speer (far right) met Grand Regent Latha Radhakrishnan, Grand Vice Regent Robert Mancini, and Grand Counselor Christy Askew at the Kappa Psi Reception.

lions in the distance and sights of sail boats out on the bay.

Whether here in our home chapter of Epsilon Mu or across the nation in California, the extensive presence of Kappa Psi is both felt and known. It is easily noticeable that our four pillars of industry, sobriety, fellowship, and high ideals are unmistakably present at all events within pharmacy. The APhA Annual Meeting is an event unlike any other and the only way to truly understand what it is like is for you to go and experience it yourself. Together we can? This year, together we did!

PAGE 9

Networking Seminar By: Nickhil "CHRONOS" Patel Left: Brother Lauren Bartolome leads a workshop on how to network efficiently in our industry.

It’s not about what you know, it’s who you

learned about the importance of our goals. When

know. It’s a phrase we are all familiar with as we

we work towards our goals, we should always

dive deeper into our professions as future

remember why we chose them and use that to

pharmacists. No matter the field, networking

motivate ourselves. Knowing the why will guide us

always has its place. On March 27th, Kappa Psi

on what to do next.

had the opportunity to work with FSHP and hold a

Dr. Pullo and Lauren did an impeccable job

networking seminar open to all students at the UF

describing the essentials on how to network, why

College of Pharmacy Lake Nona campus. The

it’s important, and how to brand yourself. Through

seminar was led by our very own 4PD Brother,

strong communication, we can advance ourselves

Lauren Bartolome, and the charismatic Dr. Joshua

professionally and grow as individuals. Pharmacy

Pullo. Covering a topic like networking was no

School is the best place to do this. Networking

easy task, but Dr. Pullo and Lauren provided a

can be competitive, so now is the time to

how-to presentation on the topic.

practice these skills, and ensure that we are

Throughout the presentation, both speakers

ready for future annual meetings and interviews.

provided great tips to improve our networking

As we advance through school and the pharmacy

abilities. A common topic that came up during

profession, you will never know who you will meet

the seminar was self-branding. Every person has

along the way. Always try to start a conversation,

different strengths, and your “brand” should

be genuine, and be unique. After all, pharmacy is

reflect that. Do not be afraid to be unique, as

a small world.

this will separate you from the crowd. We also

PAGE 10

This year, the Chapter Development Committee took on a new challenge and planned an entire week’s worth of Poison Prevention festivities for the Chapter! Poison Prevention Week is an annual awareness week that serves to educate the public on poison control and ways to provide a safer environment at home or at work. Personal care products are the most common substances involved in pediatric toxin exposures, with cleaning substances and inappropriately stored medications next on the list.

As pharmacists, this is a vital part of our profession because we have endless opportunities to counsel patients on these types of poison mishaps.

In attempt to raise more awareness on campus, the Chapter Development committee designed an awareness flyer with Brother Historian, Khai Ho’s help. The flyer, entitled “Toilet Times: Poison Prevention Edition”, appeared in each of the restroom stalls on campus, serving as something to read while the restrooms were in use. This article expanded reader’s perception of poison control by listing certain fiction and facts on how to safely prevent different poisonous exposures at home.

With Brother Historian’s help, we reached almost everyone on campus with one simple flyer!

Our next step on campus was to target students in the classrooms. Brothers Katie, Ben, Brothers volunteer at Apopka Clinic.

POISONS: PERCEPTION AND PREVENTION By: Katie "CHRYSALIS" Li

Linda, and Liem passed out National Poison Prevention brochures before class and spoke quickly on the importance and relevance of poison control in our profession. For any students that wanted to learn more, they were encouraged to attend our poison prevention lecture, presented

by Dr. Sven Normann. The Chapter Development committee collaborated with the Interprofessional Healthcare Coalition to bring Dr. Normann to campus, where he presented an amazingly informational and hilarious lecture entitled: “Pick your Poison (Prevention)”. Dr. Normann is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research at our very own UF College of Pharmacy. He also completed a twoyear fellowship in Clinical Toxicology and was more than happy to talk to our students about his experience.

Everyone loved Dr. Normann’s energy and enthusiasm for toxicology. “Having Dr. Normann shed some light on poison control revealed numerous misconceptions many of our students had. Even though his presentation was

short, everyone left with a little nugget on poison prevention.” said Brother Lemar Lewis.

Off campus, our committee was determined to get the word out. Each day, committee members took turns making awareness posts that covered a variety of different poison prevention topics. Topics included pediatric and chemical exposures, ensuring safety in your home, and a pharmacy favorite: medication safety. Posts were posted on each class’ Facebook pages and even gained some views on the National Kappa Psi Facebook page.

After a week’s worth of educational awareness posts, a wonderful speaker, and various flyers, it’s safe to say that everyone went home learning something new. Whether it was the different types of harmful chemicals in your bathroom cabinet or an appropriate place to hold medications, students and pharmacists should be well versed on these topics in case they are ever called on when someone needs help. Our profession has the potential to educate on so many levels; this is just the start.

PAGE 11

Campus Awards

Ceremony

By: Kelly "ILLUMINATI" Wright

The Orlando Campus Awards Ceremony was held on Monday, April 3, 2017.

Brother Regent Nickhil Patel presented awards on behalf of the Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. Orlando Graduate Brother Dr. Timmy Do was also present to award the Orlando Graduate Kappa Psi Scholarship Award.

Brother of the Year: The EMu Award Brother Jennifer Perez received this award for demonstrating unparalleled leadership and holds high our four pillars of Kappa Psi: Industry, Sobriety, Fellowship, High Ideals. She went above and beyond in her duties as Regent of our chapter this past year, and continues to show passion through her involvement. Brother Jennifer is the Immediate-Past President of the sPMC Orlando Campus.

PAGEÂ 12

Exemplary Leadership Award

Exemplary Industry Award

Brother Theora Canonica was presented this award. She is deeply invested, not only in the well-being and development of Kappa Psi, but also in his campus's events and organizations. Brother Theora is the Immediate-Past President of FSHP Orlando Campus and a leader in the community serving as a central figure in the promotion of his profession. She also served as the Pledgemaster for the past two years of our chapter.

Brother Kevin Martin earned this award. He is on the forefront of the pharmacy profession, actively stimulating discussion of current advancements, or proposing initiatives for the betterment of patient-centered care. His insight catalyzes improvements in current practice and his willingness to act as the ideal patient advocate captures the true passion for pharmacy instilled in every Brother of Kappa Psi. Brother Kevin is the Immediate-Past President of APhA-ASP Orlando Campus, and aided greatly in leading the University of Florida to be recognized as Chapter of the Year at APhA-ASP Annual 2017.

Exemplary Sobriety and Fellowship Award Brother Jose Tamayo was granted this award. He resonates with clear ideals of an exceptional Brother regardless of the personal sacrifice and responsibility. His time spent developing future Brothers and his eagerness to improve the attributes of his current Brothers earns him unspoken respect as a dependable and focused leader within the Brotherhood. Brother Jose is the current Treasurer for ASCP Orlando Campus and the Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Psi, and he is the Immediate-Past Treasurer for APhA-ASP Orlando Campus.

Exemplary High Ideals Award To his humble surprise, Brother Nickhil Patel received this award.

He demonstrates qualities of selflessness and compassion, investing his most valuable asset, his time, to extracurricular tasks.

His initiative and active role in the community extends far beyond his peers, yet never impedes him from encouraging others to do the same.

Brother Nickhil reigns as the current President of IPhO Orlando Campus and Regent of the Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Psi.

Orlando Graduate Chapter Scholarship This is a $250 scholarship awarded to a Kappa Psi Brother of the Epsilon Mu Chapter to promote the fraternal ideals of “Industry, Sobriety, Fellowship and High Ideals.” This Brother must have been a Brother for at least one full year, have attended at least 70% of all meetings this past semester, be in “good standing” with the Fraternity, and must have a GPA of at least a 3.0. This prestigious award was presented to Brother Amanda Al-Bahou. Brother Amanda continuously demonstrates a high potential for success in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy program, and she is an active member as she currently reigns as the Vice Regent of the Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Psi. She is also the current President of the FSHP Orlando Campus.

Congratulations to all Brothers who received awards, not only limited to Kappa Psi, at the Orlando Campus Awards Ceremony! Continue to work hard and shine in life and the pharmacy profession.

PAGE 13

What does it take to plan a Kickball Tournament for a Cause?

BY: MATTHEW "KINGSLAYER" FERRARO The UF COP Kickball Tournament was a long time

also a learning experience for me. We had planned

coming. Over a month’s worth of planning had been

so much in our excitement that we did not consider

put in by both the Philanthropy and PRPD

the feasibility of it all. Within the next few weeks, it

Committees. There were times where the event

became increasingly apparent that the t-shirt would

seemed impossible, and where it seemed that try as

be too expensive and would not arrive in time. We

we might, nothing seemed to work. The event would

as a group made the decision to cut it, but by that

have not been possible without the help of Kappa

time we had focused so much on the shirt that not

Epsilon’s President, Garrett Smith, as well as their

much else had been done. I was anxious to say the

Liaison, Chris Haritos. Through the combined efforts

least. My first event as chair and it wouldn’t be

of Philanthropy’s Jennifer Ryder, PRPD’s Matthew

thought through all due to a t-shirt? I had begun to

Ferraro, and Kappa Epsilon’s Garret Smith and Chris

give up. Luckily I have so many resources or else I

Haritos, (who aptly named themselves “The Kickball

would never would have continued to plan the

Crew”) the pieces began to come together.

event. Whether it was from Jenn and Garrett or it

I cannot forget my first meeting with Chris,

was from the Brothers in my committee, we all had

Garrett and Jennifer. I was right off from a shift from

each other’s back. I can say that the most important

work, sitting in hospital scrubs at a Panera

thing I have learned from this experience is that

downtown. I hesitantly clicked to call button, hoping

Brothers are always there for you, but you just have

the wifi would be enough to hold the google

to ask. Once I reached out I immediately had help

hangout we had discussed on a few days earlier. I

from Katie, Nickhil, Amanda and Jenn. I have never

was surprised at the enthusiasm that was shown

seen Brothers been so eager to help plan something.

from everyone! Ideas were flying from every

A location was picked, forms were made, and

direction! Within minutes, we had ideas for an art

advertisements were put out. Credit is owed to

supply drive, a video, a t shirt design and so many

several Brothers including Nickhil Patel, Amanda Al-

more ideas. I was excited to be working with such a

Bahou, Katie Li, and Khang Tran for assisting with

group of people that had so much input. The passion

planning as part of the PRPD committee. Advertising

did not stop there. Members of the PRPD committee

was done through speaking in class and was also

had just as many ideas. This initial excitement was

thanks to several of the Thetas, who helped inspire

PAGE 14

the 1PD class to show up in large numbers. Lemar and Sean eagerly approached me to be referees and it seemed that everything was going smoothly.

As the date approached, the Crew found themselves without a sponsor and they were at a loss of what to do. With the gracious donation provided at the last minute by the Student Ambassadors, they had enough money to be able to afford food for the tournament. Finally, everything came into place as the day of the tournament arrived.

April 1st proved to be more than April Fools as over 40 pharmacy students gathered at Cypress Grove Park for the Annual UF COP Kickball Tournament. It was a hot day with not a cloud in the

Fourth Base was awarded as the champions. The

sky. I have to thank Brothers Nickhil, Vanita, Katie,

real winners that day were the children of the

Amanda, Jose, Ben, and Daniel, as well as Garrett

Threshold Center for Autism, who will now be able to

for helping set up and organize food and drinks

paint and draw to their hearts content.

throughout the day. As competitors assembled, four

As people were leaving, tired from a long day, I

teams were formed: The Purple Cobras, Fourth Base,

thought about how none of this would be possible

The Crazy 8s, and Team Victory. The brackets were

without the combined efforts of all of the people I

set up based on the most amount art supplies

have listed, but also from several unnamed

donated per team. After counting, The Crazy 8s

individuals, some even which I have no knowledge of

came out on top. They decided to play the Purple

their contributions. When one asks how do you plan

Cobras. The Purple Cobras however were more than

something like a Kickball Tournament, it is only

they could handle and the Cobras took the win. The

through the combined efforts of students and

second game, which proved much shorter than the

administrators from several organizations and

first, saw Fourth Base coming out with a victory. The

fraternities, coming together despite differences,

teams then took a well-deserved lunch break. After

that this can be accomplished.

the break, two games were played simultaneously, with the two losing teams facing off for fourth place. The game ended with Team Victory scoring third place. The Championship game was a faceoff between the Purple Cobras and Fourth Base in another field. After a long match and many innings, Fourth Base emerged victorious, becoming the 2017 winners of the UF COP Kickball Tournament.

A new tradition began this year as several awards were given out. The Best Team Name was given to The Purple Cobras. MVP was given to Stephen Bueno of Fourth Base, Most Graceful (Best Wipeout) was a tie between Cyrene Molineros and Denys Ivasechko. And Most Spirited went to Katie Li. Pictures throughout the day were taken by the brother sister duo, Khai and Linda. The 2017 Kickball Tournament raised $420 and over 1,500 individual art supplies for the Devereaux Thresholds Center for Autism. After a long and hard fought tournament,

PAGE 15

EMU IN PICTURES

Above/Left: The Theta Class receive their jerseys and nicknames.

Below: Graduate Brother Dr. Mikel Forero provides an Introduction to Grad Life presentation.

Above: Brother Ben Ferris lends Brother Jose Tamayo a helping hand during their hike in Tennessee.

Right: Brothers Nickhil Patel and Amanda Al-Bahou attend Mountain East Province Spring Assembly in Reston, VA. PAGEÂ 16

EMU IN PICTURES

Below: Epsilon Mu supports Brother Alyssa Dungca (front center) as she competes in the Mr. COP pageant.

Above: The first year Thetas at their White Coat Ceremony.

Below: The Class of 2017 is excited to graduate.

Left: Brothers Nickhil Patel (far right) and Alyssa Dungca (far left) visit the Orlando Union Rescue Mission to donate Chipotle catering to feed the homeless.

PAGEÂ 17

Road to Success

By: Maria Grazia "NIGHTINGALE" Parodi As each year passes, we celebrate the successes of our brothers as they reach their final milestone in Pharmacy school at commencement and throw their caps into the air! Without a doubt they have endured countless hours of exams, meetings, and rotations and have now transitioned from student pharmacist to licensed pharmacist. Despite the fact that they are now going into different fields of pharmacy including industry, community and hospital, they share a common bond: our Brotherhood. With passion not only for the profession of pharmacy, but also for Kappa Psi these brothers have created a legacy for us to continue by demonstrating to us the importance of supporting one another and motivating us to strive for our dreams.

Michelle “TRINITY” Grey Michelle will start her pharmacy career in Connecticut.

Adam “SPUMONI” Carroll Adam will be working as a pharmacist.

Alan “DRI-FIT” Luo Alan will be practicing pharmacy in the community.

“Don't be fake, especially those that claim they gang but they ain't.”

Carlos “DAREDEVIL” Walker After graduation, Carlos will be taking some time for self-reflection.

“It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.”

-Benjamin Franklin

Phil “AFICIONADO” Nettle Phil will be a PGY-1 resident at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Our job in this lifetime is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.”

Merieme “GLADIATRIX” Drhourhi-Bengara Merieme will be welcoming her baby and starting a PGY-1 residency at Holmes Regional Medical Center.

“Brotherhood is real. Invest in it. You never know when you need someone or when someone needs you.”

Nemat “LOST & FOUND” Ashraf Nemat is moving to Riverside, CA and starting her career as a licensed pharmacist.

“The journey to sculpt the best version of yourself does not end here. In your lifelong voyage, you will encounter numerous people, opportunities and adventures that can shape you. Be malleable. Be motivated. Be meticulous. Before you become stagnant, remind yourself that the only stimulant you need is your drive and purpose. Through your climb, know that pain is temporary. If you are already hurting, you are halfway there.

Don’t withdraw and earn the reward you started fighting for. We have drugs to relieve various types of pain.

Regret is the only form that will haunt you forever.”

PAGE 18

Brian “ELECTRODE” Littlejohn Brian will be celebrating graduating from pharmacy school.

“Doubt is only removed by action. If you're not working, then that's where doubt comes in.”

Amy “K9 TO 5” Hibbard Amy will be a pharmacist at Palm Bay Hospital.

“With the many stresses in pharmacy school and life don't forget to make time for things you love and those who love you.”

Silvia “BUBBLES” Kim Silvia will be starting her PGY-1 residency at Celebration Health and having a baby!

“You have at least 4 years together. Be kind to one another. You'll make it to your goal as long as you're committed, so be kind to one another and try to enjoy the adventure.”

Daniel “AUTOBAHN” Morley Daniel will be a PGY-1 resident at NCH Healthcare in Naples, Florida.

“Kappa Psi is what you make of it. The more you invest into our family the more you will grow as a person.

Strive to be the best and remember help is always a call, text or email away. Brotherhood is for life.”

Lauren “PAMILYA” Bartolome Lauren will begin a Fellowship in Health Economics and Outcomes Research at Thomas Jefferson University / Novartis.

“Keep an open mind and be willing to take challenges for yourself and your career. Sometimes the path lesstraveled is the most rewarding :)”

Kate “SUGA BE” Sullivan Kate will be working as a retail pharmacist at CVS.

“Take the time to branch out at conclaves and GCC because there are so many amazing Brothers to get to know from other chapters. I'm thankful for all the times I was “forced" to branch out by HP or other Brothers because now I have brothers like Swat that I can go to for anything with no questions asked.”

Trang “IRONFIST” Conn Trang will be starting her PGY-1 residency at Atlanta VA Medical Center.

“Always strive to become better than who you were yesterday. Never be afraid to challenge yourself or take risks; you have a lot of support behind you that can get you through the toughest of times.”

Jeanine “MOCKINGJAY” Garcia Jeanine will be the most amazing pharmacist she can be at Publix!

“Epsilon Mu will forever be in my heart. From rushing, to pledging, to crossing into the Brotherhood, EMu has filled me with such a richness. I'm wealthy beyond words.”

PAGE 19

CLASS OF

2017 Dr. Michelle Grey

Dr. Philip Nettle

Dr. Amy Hibbard

Dr. Adam Carroll

Dr. Merieme Drhourhi-Bengara

Dr. Silvia Kim

Dr. Kate Sullivan

PAGE 20

Dr. Alan Luo

Dr. Carlos Walker

Dr. Nemat Ashraf

Dr. Brian Littlejohn

Dr. Daniel Morley

Dr. Lauren Bartolome

Dr. Trang Conn

Dr. Jeanine Garcia

editor's note What an exciting semester it has been!

Thank you to the writers, contributors, and my committee for making this newsletter possible! I wish everyone a wonderful and safe summer.

Until next time!

-Ember

Newsletter & Publications Committee Linda Ho Cyrene Molineros Timmy Do Jennifer Perez Jacqueline Nguyen Khang Tran Lemar Lewis Amisha Tailor Matthew Ferraro Khai Ho

Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. kappapsiepsilonmu.com