The end of another school year brings with it much joy and celebration as students, faculty and staff are recognized for their hard work throughout the year. Join us in acknowledging each of these outstanding student pharmacists, faculty and staff members for their dedication and achievement.
Pharm.D. Class of 2025
Presented at the College of Pharmacy P4 Awards Luncheon, May 6, 2025
APhA-ASP Senior Recognition Certificate
Presented to Margaret M. Barabas, who participated and made the greatest contribution to the USC APhA-ASP chapter, which provided a more fulfilling, productive, and enjoyable learning experience for members. Sponsored by American Pharmacists Association.
Community Service Award
Presented to Leah G. Moreau, who made significant contributions through community service activities as a pharmacy student.
Deans Award
Presented to Rebecca A. Axson, Peter T. Hiller and Kendall R. Kerr, who demonstrated excellence in pharmacy practice.
Excellence in Clinical Communication Award
Presented to Katherine G. Hindman and Allison E. Thorman, who demonstrated superior verbal and written communication skills.
Integrative Medicine Award
Presented to Alexandria R. Coleman, who demonstrated promise in improving patient care through integrative medicine.
Interprofessional Award
Presented to Bethany M. Lamb, who participated in and made significant contributions to interprofessional initiatives.
Merck Manual Award for Academic Excellence
Presented to Maryam A. Hashem, Alexandra M. McWalters and Morgan E. Mendes, for outstanding scholastic achievement in pharmacy studies. Sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc.
Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award
Presented to Emily K. Birmingham, Kendall R. Kerr and Jacob G. Krissinger, who demonstrated outstanding scholastic qualities and received the highest GPA.
Outstanding Student Leadership Award
Presented to Emily E. Rudisell and Thomas L. Taylor, who demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities throughout their time at the College of Pharmacy. Sponsored by Phi Lambda Sigma.
Professionalism Award
Presented to Nya P. Conley and Daniel G. Putman, who demonstrated exemplary professional behavior, integrity, compassion and respect while representing the College of Pharmacy.
VIATRIS™ Excellence in Pharmacy Award
Presented to Christina Lin, who demonstrated high professional motivation with proficiency in drug information services. Sponsored by VIATRIS™.
Student Ambassador of the Year
Presented to Emily Rudisell.
Graduate Students
Presented at the College of Pharmacy Graduate Research Symposium, March 11, 2025.
Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year
Kim-Tuyen Huynh Dam
James Plaxco Jr. Scholarship Award
Eugene Lee
Charles Yandell Award
Xiangxiang Jiang
Daniel Li-Chang Wang Scholarship Award
George Merhej
Pharm.D. Students
Presented at the College of Pharmacy P3 Spring Banquet, April 19, 2024
Student Organization Service Award
Presented to the Kappa Psi - Gamma Xi Chapter (KY) at USC for the exceptional voluntary contributions that student members of this organization made within the community.
Kappa Epsilon Service Award
Presented to Destiny Love, Class of 2026, who demonstrated exemplary service within a variety of community outreach activities. Sponsored by the USC KE Chapter.
Phi Lambda Sigma "JAM UP" Award
Presented to Cassie Ferguson, Class of 2027, and Hanne Nestler, Class of 2026, who exemplified what it means to lead regardless of leadership titles. Sponsored by the USC PLS Chapter.
Theresa Smith Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Student of the Year Award
Presented to Kevin Chen, Class of 2028, who achieved the highest GPA in Pharmaceutical Biochemistry.
Robert Beamer Award for Exceptional Academic Achievement in Medicinal Chemistry
Presented to Sydney Hubert, Class of 2027, who achieved the highest GPA in Medicinal Chemistry.
Faculty, Staff and Mentors
Presented at the College of Pharmacy P3 Spring Banquet, April 25, 2025
Teacher of the Year (P1)
Presented to John Holladay, who excelled in teaching, established rapport with the students and modeled professional characteristics as chosen by this year’s P1 class.
Teacher of the Year (P2)
Presented to Brie Dunn, who excelled in teaching, established rapport with the students and modeled professional characteristics as chosen by this year’s P2 class.
Teacher of the Year (P3)
Presented to Megan Tran, who excelled in teaching, established rapport with the students and modeled professional characteristics as chosen by this year’s P3 class.
Ms. Diane Wise Award
Presented to Christian Price for their dedication and actions that exceed expectations to allow for student success, as identified by the student body.
Outstanding Mentor Award
Presented to Asia Johnson, '21, Corewell Health, and Caroline Asbill, '16, USC College of Pharmacy, who served as role models and advisors, contributing significantly to the professional development of students outside of the classroom environment through mentoring activities.
Presented at the College of Pharmacy Faculty & Staff Awards Celebration, May 12, 2025
Distinguished Service Award
Presented to LaShaunda Rutledge and Jill Michels for extraordinary efforts to advance the education, mentoring and career development of our students, or other service contributions that enhance the reputation and overall mission of the college.
Emerging Researcher Award
Presented to Alessandra Porcu for significant and outstanding contributions to the research mission of the college as a junior faculty member.
Established Researcher Award
Presented to Michael Shtutman for demonstrating excellence in their field of expertise while making an outstanding contribution to the research mission of the college.
Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Innovation Award
Presented to Jordan Ballou for engagement in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation above and beyond job description.
All awards are sponsored by the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy unless otherwise denoted.