PharmD Candidate Seeks to Inspire Others
Student Scholar Embodies Commitment to Public Health
A published scholar who’s about to complete her PharmD degree at Touro University California has earned additional recognition from TUC’s alumni community.
Jamila Beckford from the College of Pharmacy has earned a $500 scholarships from the Alumni Association.
Beckford said the award encourages her to continue doing her best as she completes her final year of pharmacy school.
“Touro has always been home to me and has always empowered me to give my best, whether on campus or in clinical rotations,” Beckford said. “When I become a Touro alumna, I hope to inspire someone and let them know that anything is possible, that no matter how challenging things are, everything is possible by faith, determination, and community support.”
‘Exceptional Student’ Leaves College Dean Impressed
Dr. Catherine Cone, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, described Beckford as “fantastic” and said her selection “is richly deserved.”
“Jamila Beckford is an exceptional student whose academic excellence, scholarly productivity, and commitment to public health and mental health in pharmacy are truly impressive,” Cone said. “Her record of multiple scholarships, peer-reviewed publications, and professional writing reflects both intellectual rigor and a deep sense of purpose in serving patients and the profession.”
“I am grateful to see her work and potential recognized in this way,” Cone said.
Beckford, who is on track to graduate in May 2026, plans to become an ambulatory care pharmacist and eventually serve as a pharmacy director.
“I have learned at Touro that transformative health care requires listening, empowering, and developing innovative ideas to promote empathy through the prescription pad,” Beckford said in her application essay.
The other Alumni Association scholarship recipients are Manda Nguyen-Sanh from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Evelyn Wong from the Joint Master of Physician Assistant Studies/Master of Public Health program in the College of Health Sciences.
How to Support Future Alumni Scholarships
Money for the scholarships is raised through the greater TUC alumni community. To support the fund, follow the link to https://tu.edu/give/ and select Alumni Association Scholarship Fund from the drop-down menu.