Bassel Alhashemi, a fourth year pharmacy student at Belmont University, is one of five New Icons Grant winners who will receive $50,000 to put toward school loans and tuition expenses from Figs.

Alhashemi was born in Aleppo, Syria and left the country when the war broke out. Witnessing the devastating effects of lack of access to vaccines and medication, he was inspired to begin his career in pharmacy. He told Figs, “I’m dedicating my professional career goals to making sure people across the globe have access to their medications.”

“We are extremely proud of Bassel and his efforts in receiving an award that nationally recognizes him for what we already know about him as a student in our program,” said Dr. David Gregory, dean of Belmont’s College of Pharmacy. “He is a genuine professional who consistently helps his classmate and exhibits kindness to those around him. He is such a hard worker who has a bright future ahead of him, and students like Bassel are a key reason why our program continues to excel.”

Alhashemi’s goals include climbing Mount Everest, earning his Doctorate degree and one day working for the United Nations. Learn more about Alhashemi and the grant in a video on the Figs website.