Commencement 2025

Stay curious. Speak up. Lead with heart. Lessons from 2025 Commencement keynote speaker Kim Brown, PharmD ’03

Story by Ryan McDaniel | Photos by Danny Alexander | Video by Lameika George | Published May 13, 2025

A total of 197 students graduated from the Eshelman School of Pharmacy on Friday, spanning the PharmD, PhD, MS, MPS, and minor in pharmaceutical sciences undergraduate programs. Their families and friends filled Memorial Hall to celebrate their accomplishments and cheer them on as they turn the page to the next chapter of their journeys. 

Kim’s keynote address outlined three approaches that have helped her navigate her own career, including her current role as Vice President, Global Medical Leader, at ViiV Healthcare. First, stay curious. “Science is never static,” Kim explained. “The moment we stop asking questions is the moment we stop moving forward. Let your curiosity lead you to new frontiers.” 

She also encouraged graduates to speak up. “Your voice matters,” Kim affirmed. “In every room you enter—whether it’s a patient consult, a research meeting, a regulatory board, or a corporate boardroom, you bring a perspective that can drive change. Advocate for your patients. Advocate for innovation. Advocate for each other.” 

Finally, Kim implored the newly-minted pharmacists to lead with heart. “Success isn’t just what you do, it’s how you do it,” she said. “The most impactful professionals I’ve met aren’t just brilliant; they’re kind. They listen. They lift others up. And they remember why they started this journey in the first place: to make a difference.” 

The aim of making a difference echoed throughout the ceremony in the words of others who spoke at Commencement: Dean Kashuba, graduating PharmD student, Andrew Nguyen, graduating PhD student, Holli-Joi Martin, and Pharmacy Alumni Association President, Andria Hornaday, PharmD ’01. 

The ceremony concluded with a welcome to all new graduates to a network of over 300,000 Tar Heel alumni. Dean Kashuba invited all those alumni present to stand in solidarity with the newest graduates as the Clef Hangers led the audience in “Hark the Sound” and the fight song.

After the ceremony, the joy and celebration of the day spilled out of Memorial Hall to continue with flowers, hugs, photos, and smiles under a beautiful Carolina Blue sky. No matter their alma mater, for all gathered there on Friday, it was a great day to be a Tar Heel. 

Click here to view photos from Commencement 2025.

Click below to watch a short recap video of Commencement 2025.