The Pharmaceutical Society NI President, Dr Geraldine O’Hare, was invited to represent the Society at the graduation ceremonies of both Northern Ireland’s Schools of Pharmacy in late June and early July 2025.
At Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Pharmacy graduation on Friday 27 June 2025, Dr O’Hare was the keynote speaker, offering her insight to the graduates, who celebrated their achievements across the School’s undergraduate and post graduate programmes and who had completed degrees ranging from undergraduate programmes in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, through to doctoral research.
In her address to the new graduates Dr O’Hare said:
“It is my absolute pleasure, and I am indeed so very proud for this opportunity to address the Queen’s University School of Pharmacy Graduation ceremony in the year that marks both the 180th anniversary of the University as well as the centenary year of the Pharmaceutical Society NI.
“This university’s relationship with the Society goes all the way back to our foundation. Two of the original members of Council were representatives of Queens, and for decades this level of representation was maintained, with the university taking a leading role in advising on all aspects of pharmaceutical education and training.”
Dr O’Hare was able to enjoy some time with her host for the day, Head of School Professor Gavin Andrews.
On Thursday 3 July 2025 Dr O’Hare represented the Society at the Ulster University’s graduation ceremony for its Doctoral College, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and its Business School.
After the main ceremony, the School of Pharmacy’s 2025 MPharm graduates were addressed by the Head of School, Professor Paul McCarron, at a private reception at which Dr O’Hare was the keynote speaker.
In her speech to the gathered graduates and their friends, families and academic staff, Dr O’Hare said:
“The relationship between Ulster University and the Society goes way back many years with Professor McCarron and his esteemed colleagues playing critical leadership roles in developing pharmacy education and training.
“This School has built a reputation for innovation, for excellence in teaching and research and for producing exceptional graduates who are ready to meet the challenges of modern healthcare. As you leave here today, be very proud to be part of a School that has delivered ground breaking research and a steadfast commitment to education and professional development.”
Speaking after the two ceremonies Dr O’Hare said:
“It was an honour to have been invited to represent the Society at both our Schools of Pharmacy in Northern Ireland, as we mark our Centenary year of the Pharmaceutical Society NI.
“Both Professor Andrews and Professor McCarron preside over centres of world-renowned excellence in the field of pharmacy education, and everyone at the Pharmaceutical Society NI is proud that our Schools of Pharmacy in both universities in Northern Ireland are highly sought after choices for those who wish to study pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.
“I was immensely proud to be able to address so many graduates who are well on their way to becoming pharmacists, as well as those graduating in related disciplines, and those who have succeeded in taking their pharmaceutical education to the next level.
“A huge thank you to Professor Andrews and Professor McCarron and both their magnificent staff teams for everything they do and for the very kind invitation for me to participate in these ceremonies during our centenary celebrations.”