This past Spring, the University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Association was thrilled to host the second annual Pathways from the Past Luncheon. This special gathering is designed to warmly welcome and connect alumni, particularly those who completed their pharmacy education at the University of Colorado Boulder or at the former site of the school at 9th Avenue in Denver.
Despite a snowy day, alumni from across Colorado — including Pueblo, Boulder and the Denver metro area — were pleased to arrive at the luncheon, demonstrating their dedicated ties to the CU Anschutz Pharmacy community. Following the event, guests had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the school’s facilities, with some even braving the cold for guided golf cart tours. Despite the weather, all remained in high spirits.
Of the 45 attendees, alumni from across five decades and 26 graduating classes – 1972 to 2012 – were proudly represented, many of whom had never attended an event on the CU Anschutz campus. The afternoon boasted reconnections between peers, past professors and mentors, the first for several since their graduation, making the day especially meaningful.
Opening the program, Alumni Association Board President Harold Okocha, PharmD, emphasized the importance of bolstering the pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences community by bridging the gap of experiences and generations to bring alumni closer together.
“I want to express deep appreciation to you all for coming today,” said Dr. Okocha. “Your presence strengthens our community and reminds us of the lasting connections we share.”
Brian Tsuji, PharmD, dean of CU Anschutz Pharmacy, shared a brief overview of his background as a clinician-scientist before outlining the vision of and current priorities for the school. Highlighting key education, research and collaboration initiatives, Dr. Tsuji illustrated the ways in which CU Anschutz Pharmacy continues to innovate while honoring its past.
Faculty perspective followed with a presentation by Jacci Bainbridge, PharmD, FCCP, professor and vice chair for research and scholarship in the CU Pharmacy Department of Clinical Pharmacy. Dr. Bainbridge discussed her work, which focuses on neurological conditions and clinical research, underscoring the powerful, symbiotic partnership between faculty research and patient care.
Concluding the program was a presentation from Nicole DeLeon, a fourth-year PharmD candidate. DeLeon detailed her journey to the field of pharmacy, emphasized the vital support found within the CU Anschutz community and shared her plans to pursue postgraduate residency training. Her remarks offered vital insight into the experiences and aspirations of current pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students.
Even in the face of adverse weather conditions, the afternoon was one of joy and connection, reinforcing the enduring legacy of CU Anschutz Pharmacy and its alumni family.
"During the Pathways from the Past event, I was reminded of why this gathering means so much," said Okocha. "We can never undervalue the contributions made by each alumnus — not only at CU but to the profession as a whole."
"Through their expertise, discipline, integrity and commitment to advancing the field of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences while upholding a shared standard of excellence, these alumni have shaped the profession into what it is today," Okocha continued. "Because of their dedication, we are able to serve with confidence. Their leadership and professionalism set the standard for excellence, and their legacy endures."
This story was originally written by Becca Schjodt in the CU Office of Advancement.