March 9-13, 2026

WesternU College of Pharmacy celebrates 30 years of innovation, excellence and a bright future ahead

Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Pharmacy celebrated 30 years of accomplishments and growth while raising money for student scholarships at its anniversary gala Feb. 28, 2026.

Every decade of our existence has been better than the one before as we continue to climb to newer heights to become one of the best colleges of pharmacy in our state and indeed our nation, said College of Pharmacy (COP) Dean and Professor Sunil Prabhu, BPharm, PhD. COP was the first pharmacy school to adopt the block system of education. The College introduced an innovative 3.5-year PharmD program and has built vibrant collaborations with Cal Poly Pomona and several community colleges.

“In all this, our students continue to make us proud with their achievements. Our fabulous alumni are making their mark with remarkable careers. Our early faculty members, some of whom are present today, helped build the foundations of our College, to our current faculty and staff so selflessly dedicated to the success of our students, working together to make the College stronger and more vibrant,” Prabhu said. “But we could not achieve this success without the support of many key stakeholders - our Board of Trustees, University administration, our alumni, our friends and supporters of the College, and perhaps most importantly, our own family members. Thank you all for your support and for being here tonight to celebrate this huge milestone for the College.”

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WesternU med students match nationwide amid Oregon provider shortage

Match Day is a milestone moment for medical students. On March 20, students from WesternU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest), which is in the process of transitioning to its new name, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, will open their envelopes and discover where they will complete their residency training. With their placements secured, they will begin the next chapter of their health care journeys, taking the final steps toward becoming practicing physicians.

WesternU's sponsored article in the Statesman Journal explores this pivotal moment and the role residency programs play in shaping Oregon’s future physician workforce.

College of Optometry news

At its annual House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, the California Optometric Association (COA) convened optometric leaders from across the state to conduct the association’s official policymaking and governance business. As the formal decision-making body of COA, the HOD brings together delegates representing local optometric societies and affiliated components to help shape the future of organized optometry in California.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to celebrate excellence within optometry through the presentation of several distinguished awards. This year, Western University of Health Sciences was proudly represented among the honorees, receiving three distinguished awards. College of Optometry Professor and Associate Dean Ida Chung, OD, was recognized as OD of the Year, Assistant Professor Angel Barajas, OD, (both pictured) received the Young OD of the Year award, and Alice Chong, OD Class of 2027, was honored with the COA George Dean Scholarship.

WesternU’s presence extended beyond the awards stage. Three of the four delegates in attendance were affiliated with the University as current faculty, former faculty, or alumnae. In addition, many WesternU alumni played active roles in the House of Delegates through their respective local societies, demonstrating continued leadership and engagement within organized optometry. The atmosphere throughout the meeting was both professional and inspiring.

Delegates participated in lively discussions, and the energy in the room reflected a strong commitment to advancing the profession. Congratulations to all award recipients and to the newly appointed trustees for 2026.

Following the recent COA House of Delegates elections, Angel Barajas, OD, was elected as a 2026 Trustee for the California Optometric Association (COA). In this leadership role, Dr. Barajas will contribute to the governance of the association’s annual policy-making assembly.

As a member of the House, he will support the proceedings by helping facilitate discussions, guide resolutions, and uphold the parliamentary process as delegates from across California collaborate to shape the future of optometry.

The College of Optometry participated alongside INSAN in an interprofessional community health fair on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Pilgrim Congregational Church on Garey Avenue in Pomona.

Thank you to Dr. Kristy Remick-Waltman and the following students for their valuable contributions and service to the community: Evelyn Penaloza, Zander Reyes, Nathalie Medinilla, Sara Meyer, Sophia Caruso, and Kelly Bird.

Recruiting for Faculty Ambassador Program

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The Faculty Ambassador Program connects prospective students with the heart of WesternU—its faculty. Ambassadors participate in interviews with prospective students one to three times per year (in person or virtual), sharing their academic journey, research interests, and professional insights.

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• Formal service recognition through the Provost’s Office.

• Opportunities to enhance visibility and influence student decision-making.

• Feature highlights in University and Enrollment communications.

Join a meaningful initiative that supports recruitment while aligning with your professional goals. If interested, please contact Maya Smith at mayasmith@westernu.edu for more information.