Rep. Marra Delivers Keynote at UCONN School of Pharmacy Commencement and “Hooding” Ceremony

State Representative Tracy Marra (R-141) celebrated part of Mother’s Day by congratulating graduates and delivering the commencement speech for the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences class of 2026 Commencement and Hooding Ceremony.

Rep. Marra began her address by applauding the mothers in the audience and noting that their love and support made a difference in each of the students eagerly waiting to officially become doctors of pharmacy, then she addressed the graduates directly.

“My first wish for you is that you are able to take a little time for yourself to celebrate!” Rep. Marra said, before encouraging them to continue to be “lifelong learners” and to embrace and explore the potential of using the skills and knowledge gained in pharmacy school beyond the pharmacy itself.  Pharmacists are used to seeking out the answers to difficult questions, and the skills learned at UConn will serve as a strong foundation for patient consultations, clinical study or continued educational opportunities. “Accuracy, building trust, and accountability are the keys needed for this job that will serve you in the future in so many ways,” she said.

Rep. Marra then encouraged the grads to rely on their training and trust their intuition. Pharmacists are trained to be skeptical, and they’re taught to investigate and consider data and assess the whole situation before choosing the choosing the proper course of action, she said. These skills are essential for life in pharmacy and beyond, she said.

“As a graduate of UCONN school of pharmacy, you are on a launch pad,” Rep. Marra told the students. “You may not know exactly where you are going and you may find yourself in unchartered territory ... but the best thing about this degree, and the knowledge you are taking with you from UConn is that you have the skills you need no matter where you land.”

As the only trained pharmacist in the legislature, Rep. Marra is a leading voice on pharmacy and many other healthcare issues, and she served as co-chair of the inaugural Bipartisan Prescription Drug Task Force which was championed important pharmacist reimbursement legislation this year. She was also instrumental in passage of several important legislative victories, including expanding access to Narcan and allowing it to be placed in vending machines to help reduce the risk of overdose deaths statewide.  Rep. Marra’s legislative advocacy also helped increase access to family planning options, with pharmacists now able to prescribe oral contraceptives, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including Plan B, can be placed in vending machines.