Meet Sarina Thapar, a Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from Monroe, New Jersey, and this year’s student commencement speaker for the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Sarina Thapar was inspired to pursue pharmacy by her mother, a pharmacist whose compassion and independence left a lasting mark. She followed in her footsteps, driven by a desire to help others and lead with purpose. The Monroe, New Jersey native this year’s student commencement speaker for the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Thapar’s commitment to help others deepened in her fifth year, when her younger sister was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. Sarina responded by launching a “Be The Match” initiative to raise awareness and boost bone marrow donor registrations. More than 100 students from URI and other New England pharmacy schools joined the registry—an achievement she holds close to her heart.

Embracing more opportunities to lead and grow, Sarina served as a tour guide, led the American Pharmacists Association as Chapter President, and stayed active in professional organizations. Along the way, she formed lasting friendships that helped her through challenging times, especially with her closest friends—Madison, Kenzie, and Alex—who each left a profound mark on her life.

“Pharmacy school tested me in every way,” she says, “but I came out stronger, more confident, and ready for whatever comes next.” Carrying forward a mindset of resilience and continuous growth, Sarina is excited to take on the future of healthcare with the same passion that guided her every step of the way.