By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A “Founders’ Day” ceremony was held today at the University of the Sciences, in West Philadelphia, marking its 192nd anniversary.

Speakers talked about the establishment of the university in 1821 by 68 prominent Philadelphia apothecaries who pledged “to invite a spirit of pharmaceutical investigation.”

“It is so special because, beginning as the College of Pharmacy in 1821, it is the oldest college of pharmacy in the Western hemisphere,” says Dr. Helen Giles-Gee, the university’s president (at lectern in top photo).  “But since then we have expanded our programs to include doctorates in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other fields.  But we focus on science and health — one of the few institutions in this country that does that.”

Meanwhile, campus expansion is proceeding with the construction of the  Science and Technology Center II, expected to be completed by spring of 2014.

(Credit: John McDevitt)

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“It will house our brand-new graduate program in physician’s assistants, for which we have already gotten 600 applications — for 20 spaces,” Giles-Gee said.