The alumni association for the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences recently selected new officers and board members to begin terms this July. Each member brings a unique skill set and perspective to helping guide the work of the association.
Lokendra Upadhyay, PharmD ’18 was elected as president. Dr. Upadhyay has been a member of the board since it's inception. He’ll be focused on streamlining the structure of the work for the board and looking at policy and functionality for the board.
This year‘s vice president/president-elect is Bryan Killam, PharmD ’06. Dr. Killam joined the board in 2020. His leadership interests include identifying ways to foster collaboration between the alumni association and university units to optimize the use of alumni in building community relations.
Lokendra Upadhyay, PharmD '18 |
Bryan Killam, PharmD '06 |
This year‘s new board members selected through a nomination process are Jennifer Friend, PharmD ’03 and Amy Smendik, PharmD ’20.
Dr. Friend is the former director of pharmacy for the Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons and currently instructs at Aurora Public Schools’ Pickens Technical College Pharmacy Technician program. She hopes her unique experience will provide a useful and broad perspective to help alumni balancing their families and career goals with trying to make a positive difference for the future.
“I am passionate about improving the career field of pharmacy and feel like the best way to accomplish this goal is by working with the school to help shape future pharmacists,” said Dr. Friend.
Dr. Smendik currently holds the position of Home Infusion Pharmacist with Mercy Health. Her professional background also includes experience in retail, acute skilled care hospital, long-term care, nursing home consultation, and specialty pharmacy.
“My diverse experience brings a unique perspective to how I apply my education from the University of Colorado to my patient’s health,” said Dr. Smendik.
Jennifer Friend, PharmD '03 |
Amy Smendik, PharmD '20 |
The CU Pharmacy alumni board will begin quarterly meetings in the fall to implement projects scheduled for the year. The devotion, time and efforts of every board member is greatly appreciated by the School.