Entering the field of medicine and medicinal science is a challenging task, especially in a busy job climate. A world where it’s essential to work hard and be committed to the work that drives you. It can be tedious, but UTEP’s School of Pharmacy class of 2027 is up to the task.  

In 2021, UTEP had its first-ever class of graduated pharmacists, with 37 students. Now, the school is excited to welcome a record of 63 students, the school’s largest class to date.  

Professor José. Rivera Ph.D, the current and founding Dean of the UTEP School of Pharmacy. Rivera was the director of UTEP and UT Austin cooperative Pharmacy program and worked as Assistant Dean with UT College of Pharmacy. Rivera speaks to the impact this has on the School of Pharmacy.

“We’re very happy to get to this point because this is our target to be about 60 to 65 students per class,” Rivera said. “This class size is the one that is going to raise the bar further in terms of what we can do to improve the patient’s outcome.” 

There are many reasons why this class and the ones before are important to the UTEP community as there will be more certified pharmacists for the community. As students enroll in the program, they will be able to make an impact on the state or national level.   

Rivera also speaks about his excitement for the new class and the accomplishments others have made in the past.

“I’m very optimistic about this class in terms of the energy they are bringing in,” Rivera said. “I sense it and see the potential. We’ve had some incredible students and see this in what the students have done so far in our school.”   

Student of the UTEP Pharmacy class of 2027, Samantha Morales, discusses what it means for her to be a part of the program. 

“I am very happy to be a part of the 2027 Pharmacy class,” Morales said. “It is amazing that we are all going through this together and to be able to see things through many other points of view. I hope to be a successful pharmacist in the El Paso community and make a difference.”  

Another student of the class, Raul Olivas, shares his joy of being a part of the historic class and what he’s excited to accomplish.  

“I’m most excited to learn about the physiology of the body and knowing what treatments can help,” Olivas said. “Understanding what is going on with your body on a sophisticated level is something I’ve always wanted to know. I take my health seriously, whether working out or tracking my calories.”  

Students must know that with   hard work and determination it can get them anywhere. It can be validating and helpful for students to see a visual representation of what kind of impact they will make on the community.  

H. Catching Marginot is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected]