This year 111 new hopefuls arrived at the School on August 12th,
2002 to get ready for the first week of classes on August 19th.
The week’s whirlwind of activities is captured in these photographs.
Of course, one cannot
become oriented to pharmacy school without meetings. That doesn’t mean
meetings have to be boring. Naturally, every new student is curious to
see who their teachers will be and this is accomplished during one of
the first assemblies where faculty and staff are introduced.
HSOP administration
focuses on the use of computer technology to help prepare graduates for
professional life in the competitive, high tech business environment of
the new millennium. HSOP pharmacy students are among the most wired
student bodies on campus. It IS amazing to see so many screensavers
glowing at once in the semi-darkness of the auditorium while our IT
instructor gently ushers students into the wonders of the World Wide
Web. Actually, getting 111 new laptops up and running smoothly takes
longer than a week, but the process starts during Orientation.
Here are more pictures
showing the hustle and bustle of getting the laptops setup with programs
and software by HSOP’s IT personnel. One by one the computers are loaded
and picked up by the students. While this is going on, the Drug
Information Center is transformed into what might be described as
“computer heaven.”
All through the week,
student pharmacy organizations set up shop in the main lobby and the
Drug Information Center of the Walker Building. The objective is to get
the new students interested in joining these service oriented
fraternities and to supply the students with some of the necessities,
such as HSOP T-shirts which will come in handy on football game days and
plenty of snacks to keep up flagging energy during Orientation.
More fun meetings:
After getting together in groups to create a skit script and to practice
lines, the groups gather one afternoon to poke fun at themselves and at
key faculty advisors. It’s all in good fun and the inside jokes are
encouraged by the Office of Student Affairs personnel who have done so
much in organizing events for this week. This outing provides a much
needed opportunity to let off steam through laughter. Each group dresses
in strange fashion and brings some interesting props to the stage as
they take their turn on stage. Under the lights, the teams acts like
seasoned pros while delivering their “straight man” and punch lines to a
chorus of giggles and outbursts of laughter from the audience. These
performances give everyone a chance to get to know their fellow students
better, poke some good natured fun at faculty, who enjoy it as much as
the students do, and provides a much appreciated fun break during a
very busy week.
Let’s not forget
everyone needs to be fed. And our corporate sponsors came through
beautifully. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners were graciously provided by
WalMart, American Pharmacy Coop., Inc, Rite Aid, Walgreens and CVS.
Aubie showed up to pose with the CVS sponsors and Dean Evans on Friday.
One cute, little baby was not so sure about Aubie, but that’s how it
goes sometimes. The lobby was transformed into a picnic scene with blue
and white checkered tablecloths, balloons and barbecue. The sounds of
laughter and good conversation drifted down the hallways and the smell
of barbecue was definitely enjoyable.
Parents,
friends and well wishers showed up for the ending festivities on Friday.
After the picnic lunch, all parties walked across the street to the
Lowder Business Building Auditorium. Most parties popped up umbrellas
against a slight drizzle. However the rain did not dampen anyone’s
spirits for the White Coat Ceremony which traditionally caps off the
week’s activities. It is a solemn ceremony beginning with John Fredrick,
Student Council President, administering of the pharmacy oath. After an
inspiring speech by Chris Borden, HSOP alumnus, about the lessons life taught him
which have made him a better pharmacist, the receiving of the white
coats began. Various faculty members helped each student put on the
white coat, a symbol of the profession of pharmacy. As the students
shook Dean Evan’s hand, a professional photographer made a formal photo
to be sent to the student’s home town newspaper. Then the student
proceeded back to their seat. Eventually the whole student section
filled up with white coats. It was a moving ceremony and a fitting way
to end a very exciting week for each new student and their families.
rientation!
That simple word is not so uncomplicated at HSOP. Just before fall
semester starts, one might get the impression Hollywood had descended upon
Auburn to make an epic film about campus life. What’s really happening?
Over a hundred new pharmacy students show up, en mass, for a frantic but
fun-filled week known as HSOP Orientation. Upper classmen join forces
with the administration, faculty and staff to prepare, as well as
possible, for every eventuality to ensure the newbies have a great
experience.