Trish Soriano is more than a third-year pharmacy student at Belmont University; she is the truest example of what it means to be both a servant and a leader. Soriano is a member of the U.S. Air Force National Guard, who during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was involuntarily called into active duty. With only two days' notice, Trish received orders to relocate from Nashville, Tennessee, to California to serve on the front lines in the effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This required her to pause her academic pursuits at Belmont mid-semester and move across the country to fulfill her duties.
Although this interruption to her pharmacy school journey was no small hurdle, with the help of Provost Dr. David Gregory, Associate Dean Dr. Kelley Kiningham and Sr. Associate Dean Dr. Erin Behnen, Trish was able to overcome this challenge and not only fulfill her duties to her country but return to the Belmont Pharmacy program and continue to excel as a student.
When asked about the impact her service in the U.S. Air Force National Guard had on her life, Trish said, “The experience has allowed me to explore different parts of the world, immersing myself in diverse countries and cultures while fulfilling my duties. This journey has been a profound lesson in effective leadership, emphasizing the significance of selfless service.” Provost Dr. David Gregory commented on Soriano’s own “selfless service,” noting, “She has a heart for others. The service to our country and meeting the medical needs of the community is perfectly aligned with the mission of Belmont and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.”
After returning from her service, Trish presented Dr. Gregory, Dr. Kiningham and Dr. Behnen with an American Flag flown in combat in thanks for their support during her deployment and return to Belmont. When asked what this gift meant to her, Dr. Behnen responded, “I am so humbled that Trish took the time and effort to plan this, especially on top of everything else that she is doing, and I feel so honored to receive such a significant gift.” Similarly, Dr. Kiningham commented, “What am humbling gesture, to receive an American Flag from Trish — a true hero.”
Soriano served her country during a worldwide crisis, demonstrating the depth of her character and servant's heart. It is individuals like Trish who exemplify the mission of Belmont University and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Trish Soriano is more than a third-year pharmacy student at Belmont University; she is the truest example of what it means to be both a servant and a leader. Soriano is a member of the U.S. Air Force National Guard, who during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was involuntarily called into active duty. With only two days' notice, Trish received orders to relocate from Nashville, Tennessee, to California to serve on the front lines in the effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This required her to pause her academic pursuits at Belmont mid-semester and move across the country to fulfill her duties.
Although this interruption to her pharmacy school journey was no small hurdle, with the help of Provost Dr. David Gregory, Associate Dean Dr. Kelley Kiningham and Sr. Associate Dean Dr. Erin Behnen, Trish was able to overcome this challenge and not only fulfill her duties to her country but return to the Belmont Pharmacy program and continue to excel as a student.
When asked about the impact her service in the U.S. Air Force National Guard had on her life, Trish said, “The experience has allowed me to explore different parts of the world, immersing myself in diverse countries and cultures while fulfilling my duties. This journey has been a profound lesson in effective leadership, emphasizing the significance of selfless service.” Provost Dr. David Gregory commented on Soriano’s own “selfless service,” noting, “She has a heart for others. The service to our country and meeting the medical needs of the community is perfectly aligned with the mission of Belmont and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.”
After returning from her service, Trish presented Dr. Gregory, Dr. Kiningham and Dr. Behnen with an American Flag flown in combat in thanks for their support during her deployment and return to Belmont. When asked what this gift meant to her, Dr. Behnen responded, “I am so humbled that Trish took the time and effort to plan this, especially on top of everything else that she is doing, and I feel so honored to receive such a significant gift.” Similarly, Dr. Kiningham commented, “What am humbling gesture, to receive an American Flag from Trish — a true hero.”
Soriano served her country during a worldwide crisis, demonstrating the depth of her character and servant's heart. It is individuals like Trish who exemplify the mission of Belmont University and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.