Riaz and Zatoon

Rashda Riaz ’94, ’95, ’13, PharmD, earned three degrees from University of the Pacific; a bachelor of science and a master of arts in psychology and a doctor of pharmacy. Dr. Riaz established this scholarship to honor her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ahmed, who immigrated to the United States in the 1970s in search of more opportunities to build a life and obtain better education for their three children. Despite their limited access to education, Mr. Ahmed completed high school while Mrs. Ahmed attended primary school until grade 6, they instilled in their children the utmost importance of education. Unfortunately, Mr. Ahmed became permanently disabled due to two accidents and the family was forced to apply for government assistance. However, they never allowed their financial circumstances to discourage their children from following their dreams. This scholarship is awarded to a first or second-year student with a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students supporting a family while attending pharmacy school.