The College of Pharmacy Innovation Fund isn’t just an educational resource — it’s a living, breathing network that continues to shape the future of pharmacy, one student at a time.
By Lily Dohmen
When Amber Hawk first set foot on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus eight years ago, she entered uncharted territory.
With a background in nonprofit administration, Hawk was not a pharmacist, but she was driven to make a difference in higher education. She had applied for a recruiter position and, over time, built a career that would eventually lead her to become director of admissions and recruitment for the College of Pharmacy.
Today, Hawk finds herself at the heart of an initiative that’s making an impact on the next generation of pharmacists — the College of Pharmacy Innovation Fund. This fund is helping create an educational experience that not only supports students financially but also connects them to a community of professionals who will help guide them throughout their careers.
“The Pharmacy Innovation Fund bridges the gap between current students and our alumni and donors,” Hawk explained.
Students are welcomed into the profession from day one, starting with the White Coat Ceremony. Funded by the College of Pharmacy Innovation Fund, this ceremony marks the beginning of a student’s journey into pharmacy and their entry into a community of health care professionals.
“Through the efforts of the alumni association, we’ve been able to create a welcoming and engaging start for our new students,” said Hawk. “The White Coat Ceremony is a huge part of that, and it’s something that helps students feel supported and valued from the moment they step onto campus.”
The College of Pharmacy Innovation Fund doesn’t only help with ceremonial moments — it also has a direct impact on students’ education. For example, the fund was used to purchase iPads and Notability app subscriptions for all pharmacy students.
“That tool is invaluable for students,” said Hawk. “They have all of their notes and materials right at their fingertips. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how they manage their academic workload and stay connected to their education.”
The support students receive isn’t just financial; it’s the belief that they are part of a larger network of professionals who want them to succeed.
The UNMC Alumni Association hosts an event for incoming students, allowing them to meet and interact with alumni right from their first day on campus. “It’s powerful for incoming students to hear that someone purchased their white coat and that someone was once in their shoes,” Hawk explained. “That connection — the idea that someone who’s walked this path is rooting for them — it makes a huge difference in their mindset.”
For Amber Hawk, seeing this cycle of giving and receiving in action is the most rewarding part of her work. “To see students connect with alumni, to see them walk across the stage with a white coat on their back, knowing that they’re part of something bigger — it’s truly inspiring,” she said.
The College of Pharmacy Innovation Fund isn’t just an educational resource — it’s a living, breathing network that continues to shape the future of pharmacy, one student at a time.
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"One of the most powerful aspects of the College of Pharmacy Innovation Fund is the sense of community it fosters."
