Barakat ’21 caps virtual scholarship ceremony

The man once voted “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day,” Hanie Barakat ’21 lived up to that superlative when he delivered the keynote address at the MUSC College of Pharmacy 2020 Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on August 21.

“I have grown more than I could have ever imagined in the last three years thanks to relationships that I have built here,” Barakat told the more than 100 scholarship donors and recipients who convened in the virtual event. “My experiences at MUSC are times that I will cherish forever, and I have you all to thank for it!”

The keynote address followed the presentation of 47 titled scholarships representing 77 individual awards. Nearly $1 million in combined student financial support has been awarded for the 2020-2021 academic year – the most support the College has given out in a single year.

The event was hosted by MUSC College of Pharmacy Dean Philip Hall, who was joined by the College’s associate dean of students and admissions, Cathy Worrall, and the president of MUSC, David Cole.

Barakat was an inspired choice for keynote speaker. The 2017 Clemson graduate has held numerous leadership positions within the College, MUSC, regionally, and nationally. He serves on the National Executive Committee of the pharmacy leadership society Phi Lambda Sigma, he’s a South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium Scholar and an MUSC Presidential Scholar, and a member of the MUSC Student Leadership Society.

Even more relevant at an event honoring MUSC pharmacy donors, he is also the 2020 Robert D. and Alycia Araneo Craft Scholar. Almost exactly a year ago, the College announced Alycia Araneo Craft, the daughter of longtime Charleston pharmacist Michael P. Araneo, had made a substantial donation in current and planned gifts that was the largest in the school’s history. 
Barakat’s keynote theme of “purpose” resonated with donors and students alike, as he addressed the purpose of pharmacy, choosing MUSC, and philanthropy.

“We are so blessed to say that our field of study has granted us countless ways to fulfill our purpose to help others,” he said. “This purpose to help others extends further than just in patient care. We are all here today due to the kindness and generosity of our donors, who have invested in our education as lifelong learners and future pharmacists... we hope to pay it forward and follow your lead one day!”

That investment is critical for many of the students who choose to pursue a pharmacy degree at MUSC. In addition to the rigors of the pharmacy curriculum, Barakat highlighted some of the distinctive characteristics of the MUSC pharmacy experience.

“We discover our leadership styles and how to work effectively with others. We learn the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience as healthcare professionals. We learn how to manage our time, solve problems, and think critically.

“We build friendships and connections that will last a lifetime on this campus.”

A brightened day, indeed.