KINGSTON, R.I. -- May 20, 2002 -- When she’s not counseling patients or dispensing prescriptions, you may find University of Rhode Island pharmacy major Fiona Boadih practicing her clarinet or dancing the night away.

The Rumford resident graduated from the six-year URI pharmacy program on May 19, and will soon make a scrapbook of all the memories she created from her many extracurricular activities.

In her fourth year at the University, Boadih became an active member of the URI Ballroom Dancing Club. She had no experience in dancing, but her parents convinced her to try it as an extracurricular activity, and it apparently came as a natural talent for her. In 2000 Boadih was a first place winner in the cha-cha category at the Newcomer International Ballroom Dancing Competition at the University of Connecticut.

"It was great! I wasn’t expecting to win because I had just learned the dance," said Boadih.

Along with her talent on the dance floor, Boadih also spends her free time showing off her musical ability. She began playing the clarinet in the seventh grade and the bassoon in the tenth grade, and she performed in concerts and competitions throughout her high school years. She carried her musical talent to the University, which earned her a place in the URI Wind Ensemble.

From 1995 to 1998, Boadih was also a color guard for the URI Marching Band. Her job included performing dance routines to the band music during the half time show of the University’s football games and parades. She was recognized in 1997 as the most improved color guard member.

Boadih was motivated to become a pharmacist because she has always enjoyed helping people. "I love math and science and I wanted to help my community in a different way," she said.

Since 1998, Boadih has been an intern at Brooks Pharmacy on Academy Avenue in Providence. She is also a member of the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists, an organization that advances the professional practices of pharmacists. Boadiah received the group’s Arnold M. Sidel Memorial Scholarship Award in 2001 in recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in pharmacy practice.

Following graduation, the 24-year-old will work full time for Brooks Pharmacy. She eventually plans on enrolling in a post graduate program designed to develop advanced clinical, teaching, and managerial skills. She would like to earn her certification in asthma or diabetes.

Boadih says she also plans to continue dancing as a hobby.

"I’m glad I came to URI and I am sad bout leaving, but life has to go on," she said.

For Information: Todd McLeish, 874-7892, Stephanie Paquette, 874-2116