On February 3, 2024, student leaders from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Pharm.D. program gathered in Gainesville for the Student Organization Annual Retreat (SOAR). The retreat’s theme was ‘Soar to New Heights’ and it featured eight speakers discussing topics relevant to students.
The retreat covered topics such as effective leadership, interview techniques, money and time management. The aim was to provide the student leaders with the skills needed for their roles and future careers. The retreat was a chance for students to learn, connect, and develop.
The keynote speech was given by UF College of Pharmacy Dean Peter W. Swaan, Ph.D., M.Pharm. His speech compared his mountain climbing experiences with the path to success in pharmacy. His speech was a key part of the event, inspiring the student leaders.
SOAR is a student-run conference that focuses on developing leadership and professional communication skills. It also helps build connections within the Pharm.D. program. This year, the Gainesville campus hosted the event, attracting over 200 attendees from all three UF College of Pharmacy campuses.