2025 Distinguished Alumnus Terry Blackmon, ’80, gives keynote to graduating class

Terry Blackmon, ’80, claimed he had no “Words of Wisdom” to share with the Class of 2025 at the 2025 Awards Ceremony and Hooding Convocation. Instead, he shared a recipe. But, as it so happens, the recipe had eight ingredients flavored with some of the most applicable wisdom any new pharmacist could ask for.

The recipe was one he followed for his own life and pharmacy career, and given the great success he’s had and the significant contributions he’s made to pharmacy in South Carolina, it is a recipe for success.

Terry Blackmon’s Recipe for Life and Pharmacy Career

Ingredient No. 1: Life Priorities

Blackmon mixed five priorities to create the first ingredient: his faith, his family, his profession/career/business, personal well-being and happiness, and everything else.

Ingredient No. 2: Foundation of Knowledge

Stressing the importance of always using the freshest ingredient – to wit, the need for lifelong learning, Blackmon pointed out that MUSC pharmacy students “have received the best of the best regarding education and knowledge.” Staying current and involved would keep that knowledge fresh.

Ingredient No. 3: Compassion

“No matter how you plan to practice the profession of pharmacy, there is a patient on the other end of what you do… You are the medication expert, and may be the translator of hope, calm in the storms of life, or a trusted voice in uncertain times.”

Ingredient No. 4: God Given Gifts and Talents

Despite a wealth of evidence to the contrary, Blackmon said he never considered himself to be leadership material. He reminded the graduates they may possess gifts and talents they aren’t aware of yet, which will make their recipe very much their own.

Ingredient No. 5: Time

“Time is among humanity’s most treasured gifts, and we should be good stewards of our time. Use it to make a lasting difference in your life, your patients’ lives, and in your profession.”

Ingredient No. 6: Willingness to Serve

As future leaders of the profession, MUSC pharmacy graduates will no doubt be asked to serve in many capacities. Not only is it in the best interest of the profession and the community, it is also in their own best interest. “Service will be so rewarding, will lead to personal growth and will make your professional life delicious and full.”

Ingredients No. 7 and 8: Humility and Confidence

Stir in equal parts so that they balance each other. “You need the humility to listen, think, and learn and the confidence to act with integrity!”