By: Sabrina Miller, Content Strategy Director, University Communications
BALTIMORE, Md. – Growing up as the eldest son in Ethiopia, the journey for Getachew Tariku, Pharm.D.’26 to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy was shaped by a family of educators who emphasized the power of learning. For Tariku, education was never simply a choice; it was a pathway to opportunity and a better future. With that mindset, he made the life-changing decision to come to the United States in 2022 to pursue his Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Tariku received acceptance letters from several pharmacy schools, but ultimately chose Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) after conversations with Dean Matthew Shimoda and Professor James Culhane left a lasting impression. He was drawn to the University’s supportive environment and commitment to student success, which he felt aligned closely with his own values and goals.
Originally from the Wollega region of western Ethiopia, about 200 miles from the capital city of Addis Ababa, Tariku arrived in the United States ready to embrace both opportunity and challenge. Adjusting to a new country while navigating the demands of a rigorous academic program required resilience, but he remained grounded in his purpose.
“It’s not just about getting the highest grades,” he said. “It’s about fully understanding, doing what’s expected of you, and also taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.”
Throughout his time at NDMU, Tariku found strength in the community around him. He credits his wife, Dr. Helen Alemu, as a constant source of support. “She has been there from the first class to the end,” he said. “She carried a lot through this process.”
As a father of two young children—a three-year-old son, Markon, and a one-year-old daughter, Adusan—Tariku has remained motivated by the future he is building for his family. “I didn’t always have as much time to give them while focusing on my education,” he shared. “But it’s all to make their life tomorrow better than today.”
As he prepares to graduate, Tariku reflects on the relationships that have defined his experience. “I will miss the people—the friends and professors—and the environment,” he said.
Looking ahead, Tariku is eager to begin his career as a pharmacist, with a focus on providing compassionate, patient-centered care. One day he hopes to use his education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and pursue his passion for research and antimicrobial stewardship, which helps reduce microbes and germ resistance to antimicrobial therapies. “I see myself becoming one of the best antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists,” he said. “I can also see myself working in research related to antimicrobials or drug discovery, practicing in an academic health institution and continuing to grow in that field.”
Whether in clinical practice or research, Tariku’s goal remains the same—to contribute to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. Grounded in his experiences and driven by purpose, he is committed to using his degree not only as a professional achievement, but as a tool to make a lasting impact.
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
