2017-2018

News Release

REF NO.: 40

SUBJECT: School of Pharmacy to honour life of David Collins

DATE: January 16, 2018

The late pharmacist David Collins will be recognized as the honorary white coat recipient during Memorial University’s School of Pharmacy’s 12th annual White Coat Ceremony.

The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 5 p.m. in the main auditorium of the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s.

Honorary white coat recipients are leaders, mentors and inspirations to future pharmacists, exhibiting qualities and dedication to the profession that the school wishes to instill in its graduates.

Don Rowe, the 2017 recipient, will present the 2018 honorary white coat to David Collins, who died tragically in 2016.

Mr. Collins managed a number of pharmacies across the province and was the pharmacy regional manager with Lawtons Drugs, a position he held from 2009 until his death. His enthusiasm as a preceptor for students and his passion for the profession made him an ideal recipient of the honorary white coat.

Mr. Collins’s daughter, Julia Collins, will accept the honour on his behalf. She says her father made it his goal to make people feel welcome and included, both professionally and personally.

“I’ve heard countless stories from patients, co-workers and friends alike, recounting memories of friendship, compassion and dedication,” Ms. Collins said.

“He fondly told me about his role in the School of Pharmacy, and how proud he was to be a part of the next generation of pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador and elsewhere. His passion for the pharmacy community was unrivalled, and I am so honoured to be able to accept the honorary white coat on his behalf.”

The School of Pharmacy is working with Lawtons and with the Collins family to establish an award in Mr. Collins’s name.

- 30 -