Jeff Holm, a 2014 graduate who majored in biology with a pre-med concentration and biochemistry minor, had a life-changing decision to make this spring.
Would he attend pharmacy school at the University of Michigan or Ferris State University?
That’s right: he was accepted into both programs. “I can’t explain the excitement I felt,” said Holm. “I went from relaxing to jumping up and down when I received the acceptance letter from Ferris. As you may know, Michigan is a bit more difficult of a program to get into; so when I received their notification too, I was in disbelief.”
The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program will take Holm four years to complete. The first three will focus primarily on classroom-based learning. During his fourth year, he will rotate through many different pharmacy environments with a focus on the clinical experience.
“My life at The University of Olivet has prepared me well for graduate school,” he said. “Olivet has a small, ‘hometown’ feel to it; I had the same classmates in a majority of my classes. These classmates, my professors and I became a close-knit family after four years together. I anticipate the same atmosphere in this particular graduate program.”
When pressed to name a favorite professor, Holm mentioned John Wilterding, Ph.D., professor of biology and chemistry and Natural and Physical Sciences Department chair. “If there’s one professor’s class I wouldn’t mind rolling out of bed for at 8 a.m., it’s Dr. Wilterding’s,” Holm added with a smile. “Through his immense passion and enthusiasm for teaching, Dr. Wilterding finds a way to keep us on our toes and interested in the things he’s lecturing on.”
Holm currently works at an independently-owned pharmacy and thinks he’d like to return to that environment when he graduates from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy.
“One last piece of advice I would give, take advantage of your professors’ and advisors’ willingness to help you succeed,” added Holm. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you never ask, you might never learn the answer.”