On Saturday, October 18, the Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences hosted its annual Young Alumni Awards, a signature event presented by the Pharmacy Student Governance Association. Held in University Commons, the celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to honor six graduates whose early career achievements are making a lasting impact in the field of pharmacy.
Now in its third year, the Young Alumni Awards has become a cherished tradition for the College, spotlighting alumni who exemplify leadership, innovation, and service across a wide range of professional settings. The 2025 honorees included:
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Dr. George Abdallah ’13/PharmD’15
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Dr. Nicole DeFeo ’14/PharmD’18
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Dr. Chris Maminakis ’16/PharmD’18
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Dr. Kristie Reed PharmD’15
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Dr. Alana Regan ’14/PharmD’16
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Dr. Christy Soverow ’16/PharmD’18
Each awardee shared their unique professional journey—from clinical pharmacy and hospital leadership to pharmaceutical industry roles and psychiatric care—demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available to Doctor of Pharmacy graduates. Their stories reflected not only professional accomplishment but also a deep commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Joshua Spooner, former assistant dean and professor within the College, followed by a tribute from Kristina Oleksak of Alumni Relations, who praised the honorees as “the essence of what it means to be a Golden Bear.”
A highlight of the evening was a lively panel discussion featuring all six awardees. Moderated by faculty, the conversation offered students a candid look at the diverse career paths available in pharmacy. Panelists shared insights on networking, leadership, and lifelong learning, while encouraging students to pursue their passions with purpose and confidence.
Dr. Daniel Kennedy, founding faculty member and longtime advisor to the Pharmacy Student Governance Association, reflected on the event’s origins and the importance of fostering meaningful connections between alumni and current students. “This event is about legacy,” he said. “It’s about celebrating the impact our graduates are making and inspiring those who will follow in their footsteps.”
The evening concluded with a dinner reception, where students and alumni continued conversations and forged new connections in a warm and celebratory atmosphere.
The Young Alumni Awards underscore the strength of the WNE pharmacy community and its enduring impact on the profession. As Dr. Spooner noted, “These alumni are proof that what our students learn here has real power to change lives.”
