Us, You and 2022! A Year in Review

CU Pharmacy faculty member Dr. David Kroll lead a series of discussions for the Alumni Book Club focused on The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, a book about a young African American mother whose cells, unbeknown to her, became a standard character in research studies that have improved healthcare for millions. 

On Feb. 1, 1951, Mrs. Lacks walked into Johns Hopkins Hospital concerned about a lump she found. Little did she know her efforts at seeking health care forever named her a heroine and pioneer in cancer research. The book club explored Henrietta's legacy and the impact of her contribution

Rho Chi alumni helped celebrate the 100th anniversary of the academic honor society for pharmacy as the Alpha Theta chapter inducted new members. To celebrate the centennial,  alumni were invited to participate in a live stream of the ceremony for 2022 inductees.

Whitley Yi, PharmD '17, is presented a token of gratitude from the Alumni Association as the featured lecturer for the Leadership Convocation Holden Lecture on “Thinking Creatively About Your Career: Pharmacists in Health Tech.” Dr. Yi thrilled pharmacy students with her engaging lecture on the impact of technology in pharmacy and healthcare and her role as a pharmacy specialist at Well Dot Inc. and a member of CU Tide - an initiative to increase access to and utilization of digital health, education technology, data science, and other aspects of health informatics in teaching and research.

Alumni gathered at the Blue Moon Brewery for the first in-person Alumni Forum where CU Pharmacy faculty member Christina Aquilante, PharmD, presented on "Innovations in Pharmacogenomics for Pharmacy Practitioners." Dr. Aquilante captivated the audience with her award-winning findings in personalized medicine.

CU Pharmacy featured prominently as the CU Anschutz Alumni Central Office honored alumni during the first-ever “Alumni Heroes” event celebrated at Pindustry in Greenwood Village. The Alumni Heroes program recognizes alumni who give back and support the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, whether they have mentored a student, volunteered in their community, served on the frontline, or provide an example of the best of the healthcare professions.

Outgoing alumni board president Lokendra Upadhyay, PharmD 2018, offered alumni remarks during the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2022, ushering in the newest members of the CU Pharmacy alumni. Dr. Upadhyay (pictured second from the left) has been a member of the alumni association board since 2018, serving as president during the 2021-2022 year.

Dean Ralph Altiere had an audience with alumni during a small and intimate gathering at the Arrogant Butcher restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix has become a regular stopping point for Dean Altiere nearly every year. Don't be surprised if he makes a stop in your area soon. He enjoys the opportunity to connect with alumni.

Three new board members joined the alumni association, adding to the growing alumni board. Richard Dziallo (PharmD ’18), Sarah Eubanks (PharmD ’11), and Norman Fenn (PharmD '14) will serve a three-year term on the board.

Felecia Hart, PharmD '15, offered alumni remarks, providing words of inspiration for Class of 2026 during the annual white coat ceremony. Dr. Hart gave a moving speech to the incoming class, recalling her personal story that helped shape her decision to focus on a career in pharmacy neurology.

The fall 2022 Alumni Forum brought together three alumni panelists for a discussion on digital health, moderated by faculty member Katy Trinkley, PharmD, PhD. Pictured from right to left, Dean Marucci (PharmD '18), Prezmek Lott (PharmD '19), and Paul Ehizuelen (PharmD '19) offered insight into the work of digital health and the pathway that lead them into the healthcare field. 

The 3rd annual Alumni Awards took place for the first time as an in-person event, honoring three CU Pharmacy alumni for their outstanding contributions to the pharmacy profession.

Ed Skaff (pictured far right), BS Pharmacy '59, received the Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award. Kristin Speer (pictured far left), PharmD '12, was presented with the Horizon Alumni Award. Finally, the Distinguished Alumni Award went to Laura Tyndall (pictured second from left), PharmD, BS Pharmacy '82.

The School rolled out the red carpet, treating alumni to a tour of the School and the new Pharmacy Research Lab in the Health Sciences Building.

Alumni brought along family and friends to walk the school halls of the campus to see some of the latest innovations, including the newly established Center for Drug Discovery and the recently constructed Health Sciences Building housing the Pharmacy Research Lab.

CU Pharmacy alumni returned in mass to cheer on the CU Buffs during the annual homecoming tailgate/game on the CU Boulder campus.

Familiar and new faces herded the Ralphie's Corral to revisit their alma mater and fill Folsom Field for the CU Buffs football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Members of the CU Pharmacy Alumni Association Board were recognized for their volunteerism and contributions to the Alumni Association, during the 2nd annual alumni board recognition dinner held at the Dairy Block Maven Hotel. 

The occasion officially inducted Bryan Killam (pictured second from right), PharmD '06, as this year's board president and welcomed the three newest members of the board.

A signature event for the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy found new momentum as alumni, faculty, preceptors, students, and other guests gathered at the Luxor Hotel for the annual CU Pharmacy reception during the 2022 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.