UVa-Wise graduate Maggard soars toward pharmacy school

Having options is important to Andrew J. Maggard as he leaves The University of Virginia’s College at Wise with a biochemistry degree and prepares for pharmacy school at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Maggard, a summa cum laude member of the Class of 2009, will deliver the “Challenge to the Graduates” during the College’s Commencement exercises on May 16. He opted to major in biology but quickly grew fascinated by organic chemistry. The option to major in biochemistry solved Maggard’s dilemma and put him solidly on the pharmacy school path.

“With biochemistry, I could still get a four-year degree and meet all the requirements for pharmacy school,” Maggard says. “Pharmacy has lots of good options. It offers flexibility and the field is wide open right now. I can work in a retail or hospital pharmacy, or I can work in the pharmaceutical industry.”

The 22-year-old is no stranger to hard work, determination and self-reliance. Last year, Maggard climbed into the cockpit of a Cessna 172 and took his first solo flight so he could receive his pilot’s license. He plans to use his flying skills for personal transportation.

“It was the first time I was on my own up there with no instructor to guide me or tell me what to do,” he says of his solo flight. “It builds a lot of confidence in yourself. It made all the hard work and effort worth it.”

                                                                                                     Posted April 30, 2009