A successful Connecticut State Representative and trained pharmacist, Tracy Marra, will address graduates during the 2026 Pharm.D. ceremony.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Representative Marra took her values of community and responsibility and her passions for academics to Butler University. Graduating in 1999 with a Pharm.D, Rep. Marra began her career as a community pharmacist before transitioning to a hospital setting. Working with professionals from countries around the world, she furthered her dedication to public health and advocacy. Before beginning her career as a politician, she worked as a pharmacist with the Bermuda Diabetes Resource Centre, as a clinical staff pharmacist with King Edward Memorial Hospital, President of the Bermuda Pharmacy Association, and Chair of the Continuing Education Committee, as well as other positions in community pharmacy.
Moving to Connecticut served as a transition in many ways and in 2022, Rep. Marra was first elected to serve the 141st District. Serving the towns of Norwalk and Darien with distinction ever since, she serves on the Public Health and Transportation Committees and has previously served on the Education Committee. For the 2025-2026 legislative session, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora appointed Rep. Marra to the position of Ranking Member of the Energy and Technology Committee, where she serves as a liaison to caucus members. Most notably, her work in advancing prescription drug affordability, public health, and patient protections was recognized when she was honored as a 2025 AARP Healthcare Champion. Also leading the way for women in legislation, Rep. Marra was named a Woman of Excellence by the National Foundation for Women Legislators. She was also appointed by the speaker of the house to the NCSL Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security and Privacy, as well as the NCSL Energy Supply Task Force.
Balancing a busy schedule, Rep. Marra, her husband David, and their three daughters are proud Connecticut residents. Excited about Connecticut’s future, Rep. Marra is committed to fostering a state that welcomes business, expands educational opportunities, and increases economic growth. She believes that Connecticut has a bright future, and the young people of Connecticut will be the energy and talent we need for that future.
The 2026 BS Commencement Speaker, Marielle Nyser, will return to her alma mater to celebrate and inspire students as they enter their final two years of the professional program. Graduating from the School in 1992 with her BS in Pharmacy, Nyser also completed her residency at the UConn Health Center. Upon completion, Nyser worked as a Clinical Pharmacist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Chartwell Home Infusion before transitioning into management and consulting roles. With extensive experience, Nyser has become a managed healthcare and biopharmaceutical science business leader.
Educating scientists and clinicians worldwide on new medicines in clinical development, Nyser spent 17 years at Bristol-Myers Squibb, working in roles including Group Director of Research and Development (R&D) Learning and Executive Director of Scientific Learning & Collaboration before becoming a Principal at Marielle Nyser Consulting. In 2019, Nyser joined The Cigna Group and currently serves as Operations Enablement Lead of Readiness & Data Insights. Providing strategic consultation on learning and leadership challenges in this role, Nyser uses data to gain insights to drive decisions and enable people and organizations to perform at their highest level.
In addition to a B.S. from UConn, Nyser also received her M.A. in Strategic Communications & Leadership from Seton Hall University in 2015, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Passionate about leading students to their best potential, Nyser was a volunteer in the ILEAD-9 Program at Hilton Head Island High School, where she facilitated leadership-building activities for 9th grade students. Showcasing her leadership skills, Nyser was a preceptor of UConn Rx students, a mentor for the School’s Leadership Program, an APPE PharmD Preceptor, and served on various boards and associations. The former president of the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy Alumni Association from 2015 to 2017 (now the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Board), and a current member of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Advisory Board, Nyser is deeply passionate about serving the UConn community.
Nyser currently resides in South Carolina with her husband. She enjoys golfing, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. With pride for the School, Nyser continues to cheer on the UConn Huskies’ sports teams.
The School’s Pharm.D. Ceremony will take place on May 10th at 1:30 PM, followed by the B.S. Ceremony at 6:00 PM. Both ceremonies will take place in Jorgensen. More information about these commencements can be found on the UConn Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Website.
