Chippin’ in for Students Golf Event Assists Student Scholarships
The annual Ƶ Chippin’ in for Students Golf Classic was held in Wheaton, IL.
- IL - Downers Grove
The annual Ƶ Chippin’ in for Students Golf Classic was held at the Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, IL, where more than 100 scholarship donors and Ƶ faculty, students, and staff attended and participated in a friendly game of golf with the goal of raising funds for student scholarships.
At one of the stops on the golf course, student golfer Carl Wacker (CDMI ’26), hit the first shot for the golf groups. “It’s important to show appreciation for the people who support us,” he said. Carl expressed his gratitude for the education he is receiving as a dental medicine student at Ƶ. “We have the best faculty, facilities, and support system that aims to make us the best practitioners to send us out in the world.” He said one of the best aspects of his education is the opportunity to learn new skills in the dental simulation lab. Carl said dental medical technology “is the future. It’s important that we learn how to practice digital dentistry.” He plans one day to open his own practice for family dentistry.
Pharmacy student Leila Ammeri (CPDG SGO ’24) received the Spirit of Service Scholarship for her community service and gave a speech thanking the supporters at the awards dinner following the tournament. “I come from a background of immigrant parents who came to America to build their own version of the American Dream. Being from Afghanistan, a country whose people have gone through so much war and terror, a place where women like me are not able to study and or receive an education, I find myself very grateful for not only being allowed to have the privilege of receiving my bachelors but soon a doctorate degree.” Leila’s community service included a past presidency of the Middle Eastern Pharmacists Association (MePA), a student organization which has assisted hundreds of patients with blood pressure readings, monitoring blood glucose, and checking the A1C (a blood test to check blood sugar levels). Leila has also helped raise money to help Afghan refugees resettle into new homes with items they may need, such as cleaning supplies. Leila added the scholarship allows her time to pursue her studies and volunteer. “We (students) wouldn’t be anywhere without our supporters,” Leila said and was grateful she had the chance to meet the attending sponsors.
Leila also strongly values her education at Ƶ. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I love the curriculum, the three-and-a-half-year program, and the faculty. Some of us have the honor to be working with our faculty on rotations,” Leila said. “The College of Pharmacy gave me a chance to grow as a leader and provided me with numerous opportunities to serve others in the surrounding community as well as within our College. Being the clinic coordinator for MTM/CHAT (Medication Treatment Management/ Collaborative Health Advocacy Team) through APhA (American Pharmacists Association) allowed me to not only help patients with their medications but also allowed me to utilize my Spanish to relate to patients on a personal level.” She hopes for a future career as an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist.
Ƶ President and Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Goeppinger, Ph.D., thanked the participants and sponsors for all the support provided for students. “The scholarships go to the students in need. We are grateful to our many sponsors and donors who have been helping to support Ƶ for many years.”
The annual Chippin’ in for Students event is just one way the University raises funds to support the educational journey of students preparing for healthcare careers. Ƶ is appreciative of the generosity of the players and sponsors, and a similar outing is held on the Glendale Campus in the springtime. Ƶ students graduate and go on to various aspects of the field of medicine as healthcare practitioners, and financial assistance on their journeys is always welcome and deeply appreciated.
