Congrats to our 2025 College of Pharmacy Graduating Student Award winners!
At a ceremony on May 12, our student award winners were honored for outstanding performance in scholarship, leadership, research, and service. Over the last 3-4 years, each of them put forth a tremendous amount of effort and we were excited to celebrate their academic achievements as they begin their professional career.
The Valedictorian Award is presented to the graduate who has achieved the highest grade point average. This year, 6 graduates share the honor of being recognized for this award.
Class of 2025 Valedictorians
Farrah Altamimi, PharmD; Matthew Davis, PharmD; Meredith Edelman, PharmD; Madelyn Hilgers, PharmD; and Christina Pray, PharmD
Valedictorian of the ImPAcT Class of 2025: Nicole McClellan, PharmD
Merck Academic Excellence Award: Esther Borteye, PharmD – recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding performance in both academic and non-academic activities.
Excellence in Ambulatory Care Award: Sarah Crowell, PharmD – presented to a graduate excelling in clinical practice in the ambulatory care environment and in recognition of outstanding ability to communicate with patients.
Excellence in Community Pharmacy Practice Award: Christopher Grubbs, PharmD – presented to the graduate who has demonstrated exceptional interest and achievement in community pharmacy practice.
Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award: Anderson Roe, PharmD and Rachel Mathews, PharmD – presented to the graduate(s) who has demonstrated outstanding interest and performance in the area of drug information.
Community Pharmacy Leadership Award: Shannon Brunzo-Hager, PharmD – presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in community pharmacy practice.
John L. Butler Award: Rachel Samples, PharmD – presented to the graduate exhibiting outstanding leadership and interest in institutional, administrative, and management areas.
Mid-South College of Clinical Pharmacy Outstanding Achievements in Clinical Pharmacy Award: Diego Benavides, PharmD – presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exemplary clinical skills during experiential education.
Health Systems Pharmacy Leadership Award: Colin Kehus, PharmD – recognizes a graduate possessing an interest in pharmacy practice in organized healthcare settings and who has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership ability.
Memphis Area Pharmacists Society Outstanding Leadership Award: Anthony Brown, PharmD – presented to a graduate with outstanding leadership activities.
Pharmacy Communication Award: Hayleigh Hallam, PharmD – presented to a graduate who demonstrates exceptional knowledge, provides guidance to patients, and demonstrates compassion and commitment to the pharmacy profession.
Academia Award: Taylor Walters, PharmD – presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional interest in a career in the field of pharmacy academia.
First Tennessee Chair of Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy Research Award: Katherine Jeong, PharmD -presented to the graduate who has demonstrated excellence in research that is accompanied by presentation and publication of new therapeutic knowledge.
Patient Care Award: Erin Chambers, PharmD – presented to a graduate who has demonstrated an ability to apply and disseminate therapeutic knowledge in a way that results in compassionate care that enhances a person’s quality of life.
United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Practice Award: Rachel Austin, PharmD – awarded to the graduate who has demonstrated exceptional interest and achievement in public health pharmacy practice
Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science Award: Christian Phillips, PharmD – presented by the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science for dedication to the principles of clinical pharmacy and for exemplary performance in the application of knowledge to patient care.
Legislative and Policy Award: Martina Walling, PharmD – presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding service in advocating for the pharmacy profession.
Tom C. Sharp Leadership Award: Chrystalyn Branch, PharmD – presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional participation and leadership in College activities.
2025 Outstanding Student Pharmacist Award: Shannon Brunzo-Hager, PharmD – recognizes a graduate who has exhibited leadership and excellence.
For more photos from the award ceremony, visit: https://uthscpharmacy.smugmug.com/2025-Graduation-Award-Winners