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SPRING 2010

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF THE RUDOLPH H. RAABE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

The Ampul

IN THIS ISSUE

After Hours

Pharmacy Plaza

Continuing Education Insert

The Ampul is a publication of The Rudolph H. Raabe College of Pharmacy

Editors:Josh AlkireLynn BedfordAmy Prigge, BA ’94Laurie Wurth-Pressel

Design: Toma (Grothous) Williams, BFA ’96

Photography:Dr. Kim Broedel-Zaugg, BSPh ’81Lynn BedfordKen Colwell

Contributors:Dr. Kim Broedel-Zaugg, BSPh ’81Scott Wills, BSBA ’87

The Ampul is published by Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St. Ada, OH 45810, 419-772-2000.

The R.H. Raabe College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University has long been recognized as one of the premier colleges of pharmacy in the nation, continually meeting the high standards of pharmaceutical education. Throughout its prominent history, the college has graduated pharmacists who now have successful pharmacy practices and who are active in local, state and national health-related organizations. More than one-fourth of all pharmacists in Ohio are Ohio Northern alumni.

www.onu.edu/pharmacy

THE AMPUL

Message from the Dean

Feature p. 4-9

After Hours

Pharmacy News and Activities p. 14-19

In Memoriam p. 15

Jack McCracken

Student Focus p. 20 and 22

Where Are They Now? p. 22

Dr. Albert Tewfik Awad

Advisory Board p. 23

SPRING 2010 Ampul Contents

On The Cover:Pharmacist Shiloe Steinmetz, BSPh ’95, shares his after-hours passion as a professional bodybuilder.

SPRING 2010

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF THE RUDOLPH H. RAABE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

The Ampul

IN THIS ISSUEAfter HoursPharmacy Plaza

Continuing Education Insert

Photo: Ken Colwell

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From the Dean

Dr. Jon SpragueProfessor of Pharmacology and DeanOhio Northern UniversityRaabe College of Pharmacy

Spring quarter has arrived on Ohio Northern’s campus, signifying the beginning of some amazing things for the Raabe College of Pharmacy. Pharmacy education – like the profession – is a dynamic environment.

The faculty is diligently preparing for the University’s transition to semesters – a challenging assignment that has provided exciting opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our curriculum. Didactically, our program remains strong, as evidenced by a more than 99 percent pass rate on the NAPLEX exam this year and the recent full, six-year accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). We also are establishing an Alumni and Friends Entrance Plaza to create a welcoming entry, feature a recognition area, and provide expansive outdoor space for students, faculty, events and activities.

In May, our college’s 125th graduating class will walk across the stage prepared for the next chapter of their professional lives. One hundred and fifty-eight newly minted pharmacists will join the more than 8,000 pharmacists to proudly graduate from the Raabe College of Pharmacy. We all recall fond memories of the day we first received our pharmacy degree. For me, this has now been more than 20 years ago; making the Mark Twain quote I share each year with our pharmacy graduates even more special:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.

Our pharmacy students continually demonstrate how they explore, dream and discover. They throw off the bowlines and are active members of the ONU campus community. Students are involved in campus government, sports, theatre, music, service groups and organizations that offer valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. In this issue of The Ampul, we share stories of just a sample of our alumni and students who continue to explore, dream and discover outside the profession of pharmacy and classroom.

College of Pharmacy students and alumni never cease to amaze us, and we are so proud of what you do for the college and profession. We hope you enjoy this issue, and, as always, we welcome your visits back to campus.

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Feature

After Hours

When the white lab coats are shed for the day, many Ohio Northern pharmacy students and alumni aren’t winding down but instead gearing up for their favorite extracurricular activities. They pursue interests as diverse and unique as the individuals themselves, ranging from piano playing and athletics to helping others and bodybuilding.

Developing and inspiring well-rounded individuals continues to be a hallmark of the Raabe College of Pharmacy. Although pharmacy is arguably among the most demanding academic programs, our students continue to be highly involved on campus. These extracurricular experiences help build invaluable skills that serve them well in their careers and in every aspect of their lives.

In this issue, we highlight just a sampling of pharmacy students and alumni who have found fulfillment and success through their “after-hours” pursuits.

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Richard BoydFifth-year pharmacy, London, OhioEagle Scout

Scouting passionRichard Boyd joined the Boy Scouts of America at an early age and worked hard to eventually earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. For the past two years, he has assisted Dr. Christopher Bowers, associate professor of chemistry, with a Cub Scout den in Ada. He helped the scouts achieve their scientist pin by organizing tours of ONU’s pharmacy laboratories.

Do good daily“Eagle is the only Boy Scout rank that stays with you forever,” says Boyd. “I am charged to observe the scout law and oath in my everyday life. This means being a man of moral character and going out of my way to help other people.”

Learn to leadWinter campouts, spelunking (cave exploring) trips, summer camps, white water rafting, and visits that included Gettysburg, Mackinac Island and Washington, D.C., were all part of Boyd’s scouting experience. Through these activities, he discovered how to organize, motivate and mobilize fellow team members. “I learned that the best way to lead is by respecting others and working hard to make your ventures successful.”

Call to serveGrowing up, Boyd failed to see the appeal of a pharmacy career, even though both his parents are pharmacists. Then one summer the teenager was forced to spend the day with his mom at the community pharmacy where she worked. His eyes were opened. “The patients all had such a high level of trust with my mother, and she truly cared about helping them with their problems. In just a few weeks, I had made up my mind. Pharmacy was for me.” After graduating from Ohio Northern, Boyd plans to join the U.S. Air Force as a pharmacist. “I want to give a few years of service to my country.”

Other activities: President, ONU’s Chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association; Phi Delta Chi; Habitat for Humanity; Mortar Board; Academy of Student Pharmacists

“I am charged to observe the scout law and oath in my everyday life. This means being a man of moral character and going out of my way to help other people.”

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Friends and skills“I have made a lot of friends,” says Winner. “The students I have met through residence life have influenced me in many ways: academically, spiritually and personally. I also have developed leadership skills and confidence in myself.”

Patient interactionThe chance to directly interact with patients every day was the primary reason why Winner chose pharmacy as a career. “Pharmacists are considered one of the most trusted health care professionals,” she says. Although she hasn’t decided what she wants to do after graduation, Winner has enjoyed working at an independent retail pharmacy near her hometown. “I look forward to getting more hospital experience and seeing where my path leads me in the future.”

Other activities: Kappa Epsilon Fundraising Coordinator, CPFI, Northern Christian Fellowship; Habitat for Humanity; Co-captain, Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee

Katrina WinnerFourth-year pharmacy, New Weston, OhioHead Resident, Park Hall

Guiding influenceKatrina Winner was inspired to become involved in residence life after a wonderful experience living in the residence halls during her freshman year. “My resident assistant had a big impact on me that first year,” she says. “She was a resource as well as a role model. I want to ensure that other students have a positive experience like I had.”

ResponsibilityAs a head resident, Winner supervises the resident assistants in her building and coordinates the hall’s opening and closing during the school year. This year, she planned and implemented Park Hall Hoops, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament that was open to everyone on campus. “We raised $312 from this tournament that was given to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This program provides books for children and promotes literacy in Hardin County and nationally.”

Education firstWinner admits that being involved in residence life requires excellent time-management skills and a commitment to academics. “I tell my staff members that your education comes first. That’s why we are here,” she explains.

“I tell my staff members that your education comes first. That’s why we are here.”

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Ezra BradshawFourth-year pharmacy, CincinnatiTeam captain, ONU men’s basketball

Chance to playEzra Bradshaw chose Northern because of its strong pharmacy program and tradition-rich basketball program. “I’ve always loved the clean, competitive nature of the sport. I knew I wanted to make basketball a part of my college experience.”

Time commitmentBeing a member of the men’s basketball team means being committed to a minimum of two-and-a-half hours of practice every day and, on game nights, not getting home until midnight or 1 a.m. The incredible support he’s received from ONU faculty and staff has been critical to his success. “Their patience, understanding, support and encouragement have made juggling school work with basketball that much easier.”

Learning life skillsAs captain for a young team, Bradshaw has learned patience and how to lead by example. “I’ve also learned that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. There are no short cuts in sports, or life, for that matter,” he says. “The only way to be ready for a task is through proper preparation. I believe all of these life skills will transcend the basketball court and crossover into the pharmacy realm.”

All-conferenceBradshaw was named to the All-Conference Team last season. He was among the top 10 in the Ohio Athletic Conference this season in scoring, assists and free throws made.

All in the familyBradshaw’s older sister is a pharmacist in Dayton, Ohio, and inspired him to consider the pharmacy profession. Another sister is currently completing her last year in pharmacy school at the University of Cincinnati. “Growing up, I always pictured myself in a white lab coat,” he says. “In researching a pharmacy career, I learned it offers job mobility, stability and flexibility. Ever since my acceptance into the Raabe College of Pharmacy, my initial interest in the pharmacy profession has grown into a love and an eagerness to learn more.” Other activities: Black Student Union; Men of Distinction

“Their [ONU Faculty] patience, understanding, support and encouragement have made juggling school work with basketball that much easier.”

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Preparing for each bodybuilding competition takes 12 weeks, says Steinmetz. Each day, he works out for more than two hours, a combination of weight training and cardiovascular exercise. He also follows a strict diet, eating between seven and nine meals a day. “I consume over 4 pounds of meat each day,” he says. “It’s all whole foods, no processed or junk foods.” In other words, Taco Bell and McDonald’s aren’t on the menu.

Steinmetz acknowledges that there is a negative stereotype of bodybuilders being “big and dumb.” “But actually it takes intelligence to prepare your body for these competitions,” he says.

In fact, he adds, the knowledge he has gained about nutrition and dietary supplements through participation in his sport have been extremely beneficial in his pharmacy career. “I’m able to counsel patients more holistically,” he says. “I can share advice on how to improve health and avoid disease with proper nutrition.”

Being a professional bodybuilder requires a tremendous amount of discipline and patience, says Steinmetz, and he foresees a day when family obligations may curtail his participation in the sport as he recently married in July 2009. But for now, he adds, “Bodybuilding keeps me inspired. It drives me to be better at everything I do.”

“I’m able to counsel patients more holistically,” he says. “I can share advice on how to improve health and avoid disease with proper nutrition.”

Shiloe SteinmetzPharmacist, Medco Health, Columbus, OhioProfessional bodybuilder

As a way to relieve stress, Shiloe Steinmetz, BSPh ’95, started lifting weights when he was a pharmacy student at Ohio Northern. He never imagined this enjoyable pastime would turn into a full-blown passion and take him across the globe. But that’s exactly what happened.

During the day, Steinmetz is a pharmacist at Medco Health, a mail-order pharmacy. He spends any spare time as a professional bodybuilder who’s won numerous national titles and represented the U.S. in world competitions.

“Bodybuilding keeps me healthy and has allowed me to make new friends and travel to new places,” says Steinmetz. “It’s the wonderful opportunities I’ve had that make it worthwhile.”

After graduating from Northern, Steinmetz began investing more energy into his workouts. He entered a few bodybuilding competitions and discovered, to his surprise, that he liked the sport. But a serious motorcycle accident in 2001 landed him in the hospital with severe shoulder and elbow injuries. His recovery kept him away from the gym.

“I lost my muscle tone, and it was depressing and frustrating,” he recalls. “I wanted to make a comeback and prove to myself that I could get back in shape and compete again.” In 2003, Steinmetz achieved his goal. He entered 21 bodybuilding competitions that year and qualified for professional status as a bodybuilder.

Steinmetz has become a formidable national contender. In 2008, he won the bodybuilding title of Mr. Ohio. He was crowned the Team Universe Heavyweight National Champion in 2007 and 2009 – titles that earned him spots on the U.S. team for the World Bodybuilding Championships held in South Korea and Qatar, respectively.

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Massaro has served as a staff pharmacist at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland for the last 21 years. He enjoys working at a hospital with a compassionate, religious-based mission to care for people regardless of their life circumstances or ability to pay. His career also gives him the flexibility to pursue his passion for music.

On the Cleveland music scene, Massaro has established a reputation as a skillful and versatile pianist and organist who specializes in classical and religious music. His performance opportunities are varied and plentiful. He directs the handbell choir at Rocky River United Methodist Church, accompanies high school musicians and choirs, performs at weddings and special events, prepares solo recitals, and is the substitute organist at many area churches. One of his most enjoyable gigs is the spring commencement ceremonies for Case Western Reserve University’s law and medical schools. “I get to play the organ at Severance Hall – the famed home of the Cleveland Orchestra – for these events,” he says.

New acquaintances are often surprised to learn he is a pharmacist and a musician, but Massaro sees a direct correlation between his two passions. “Music and pharmacy are both very mathematical. They fall into the same right-brained neurological function.”

Massaro couldn’t imagine his life without music. “I love it because music speaks to the soul. If the notes that come from my fingers touch somebody on a deep level, then I’ve done my job.”

Carmen MassaroStaff pharmacist, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, ClevelandProfessional pianist/organist

Carmen Massaro, BSPh ’82, has a gift for touching people’s lives. Two gifts, actually. As a hospital pharmacist, his expertise helps heal their bodies. And his talent as a professional pianist refreshes their souls.

Massaro’s earliest memories revolve around the piano in his family’s living room. As a small child, he would pluck out simple songs by ear. “My father’s family is very musical,” he says. “Every Sunday, we would gather at my grandmother’s house, and someone was always playing the piano.”

When he was 10, Massaro began taking formal piano lessons. He took organ lessons at Ohio Northern from professor John Peterson and was the accompanist for the University Singers under the direction of professor Dennis Kratzer. Today, Massaro’s organ coach is Todd Wilson, one of America’s leading concert organists.

Although Massaro contemplated majoring in music, he was drawn to a pharmacy career because it provided the chance to help people on a daily basis. He sometimes found it difficult as a student to juggle his demanding pharmacy coursework with his musical interests. “At times I paid for it,” Massaro says, with a laugh. “But it taught me to organize my time, and it prepared me for the future.”

“Music and pharmacy are both very mathematical. They fall into the same right-brained neurological function.”

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For the past 125 years, support from alumni and friends has provided the foundation, rich tradition and continued excellence of the Rudolph H. Raabe College of Pharmacy. To celebrate pharmacy education at Ohio Northern University, the college is establishing an Alumni and Friends Entrance Plaza to create a welcoming entry, feature a recognition area for alumni and friends, and provide expansive outdoor space for students, faculty, events and activities.

Help mark the start of the next 125 years of strong leadership in the pharmacy field with a personalized paver brick, granite bench or other naming opportunity today. Choose a unique and enduring gift for the special people in your life. To commemorate your affiliation with ONU, each can be customized with a name, special date, or company, business or club.

Your support will serve as a visual reminder of your pharmacy experience at ONU and provide much needed support for current and future students.

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12x12paver brick

8x8 paver brick

4x8 paver brick

4x8 paver brick

Heritage Club12x12granitepaver

Select from the following brick paver sizes:

12x12 paver brick $500



Additional naming opportunities include:

Visionary $5,000 — Receive recognition on a named bench area and personalized 12x12 brick paver located in the plaza and distinct name plate outside the college’s new Pharmacy Skills Center

Benefactor $2,500 — Receive recognition on the entrance plaza donor wall, a personalized 12x12 brick paver, and distinct name plate outside the college’s new Pharmacy Skills Center

Partner $1,000 — Receive recognition on a personalized 12x12 brick paver located in the plaza and distinct name plate outside the college’s new Pharmacy Skills Center

Dr. Mary Close ’10

Love, Mom and Dad

Mary (Smith) Jones

Class of 1984

Jim Sheets ’98

Laura Sheets ’99

4x8 paver brick

8x8 paver brick

12x12 paver brick

Al SebokClass of 1953

ThanksProfessor JonesSheila KramerClass of 2006

The Reckwald FamilyMary ’75Jim ’77Jason

Amanda ’04Susan

Current view

Future view

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The Heritage Club recognizes all alumni and friends who include the pharmacy college and ONU in their will for $10,000 or more, or have arranged deferred gifts of this amount with the University designated as the ultimate beneficiary. The entrance plaza perimeter will feature 12-by-12-inch granite identifiers for Heritage Club members.

By making the college aware of your intentions, you have the opportunity to indicate any specific intentions you might have to benefit the college and support current and future pharmacy students. The most common way to include the pharmacy college in your will is simply designating a certain percentage or dollar amount.

12x12granitepaver

The Heritage Club for

the College of Pharmacy

12x12 granite paver

Phil and Mary Oleson

Classes of 1970 and 1966

Go Bears!

Order form(Please duplicate if needed)

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone (Home)

(Cell)

E-mail Address

Please print using one letter/symbol/space per box. All text will be automatically centered on each paver. Each paver may have up to 18 letters or spaces per line. Use only letters or symbols that appear on a keyboard. If you are ordering more than one paver, please attach additional inscriptions to order form. Ohio Northern University reserves the right to approve all text prior to production.

12x12 paver brick $500(Up to 6 lines, 18 characters per line, including spaces)



In addition to being recognized in the donor plaza, all contributions will be listed in an upcoming issue of The Ampul and all gifts greater than $1,000 will count toward your membership in the Henry Solomon Lehr Society. If you have questions, please contact, Scott Wills, BSBA ’87, director of development for the Raabe College of Pharmacy at [email protected] or 419-772-2705.

Thanks for your support of the Raabe College of Pharmacy.

Complete your paver information and return in the enclosed envelope. ONU will contact you directly for bench area, donor wall and name plate information.

Visionary$5,000 (granite bench, paver brick, name plate)

Benefactor$2,500 (wall plate, paver brick, name plate)

Partner $1,000 (paver brick, name plate)

Total order

12x12 paver brick(s) $



Visionary $

Benefactor $

Partner $

Total enclosed $

Payment Methodr Enclosed is my check (payable to ONU/The Raabe College of Pharmacy)

r Visa r MasterCard r AmEx r Discover

Card #

exp. date

Signature

r I choose to submit equal payments over (circle one)

1 2 3 4 5 years

Return this form, along with payment, in the enclosed envelope:The Raabe College of PharmacyOhio Northern University525 South Main StreetAda, OH 45810

fold here

(number)

Ecivon set to relaunch(e’ • civ • än)

An idea for an Internet-based software system to assist patients in monitoring specific diseases and offer edu-cational information began at the Raabe College of Pharmacy in 1999, according to Dr. Dave Kisor, chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences and professor of pharmacokinetics. The initial Web site – called Rx Learn – was offered as a way to enhance communication between pharmacists and their patients and allow patients at home to be more experienced with self-management of their diseases.

“It became clear with the early version that we also could provide a valuable and unique tool for application in pharmacy education,” says Kisor. “Two groups of students could participate – patients and providers (pharma-cists). The student pharmacists watch the patient’s input online and monitor it for a period of time, in something called longitudinal outpatient cases. The student pharmacists are challenged to identify the need for intervention and make specific recommendations as well as educate the patient. This interaction gives students experience communicating with patients and allows them to create a chart for use in the community setting.”

Renamed Ecivon, the Internet tool is in the last stages of extensive updates and enhancements. It features education related to anticoagulation, asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure. Patients have the ability to ask questions about specific topics and participate in forums, read or print articles that include basic information to increase their knowledge base, evaluate and track their self-management information with monitoring tools, and produce data graphs and lists to improve communication with their health care providers. The Web site – ecivon.onu.edu – is set to relaunch in spring 2010.

“ONU pharmacy students drive the content of the site, researching and writing the articles and cases with fac-ulty guidance,” says Kisor. The group is known as the Ecivon Project Group and includes 16 students and five faculty members. The group is renewing the Health on the Net (HONcode) certification for the site, which identi-fies Internet-based health care information as useful and reliable.

The concept of using ecivon.onu.edu for the longitudinal outpatient case approach was submitted to the American Association of College of Pharmacy (AACP) 2010 Innovation in Teaching Competition. The approach received the Katherine F. Karas, BSPh ’75, Innovations in Teaching Award presented at the Raabe College of Pharmacy.

set to relaunch

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Profiles in Giving

When Katherine Karas, BSPh ’75, was a student at the Raabe College of Pharmacy, she gave little consideration to the impact the college would make on her professionally. “I never connected the influence that the college’s professors and the environment would have on me until April 1997, when I was installed as president of the Ohio Pharmacists Association,” says Karas. “It was that night that really showed me what being an alumna of the College of Pharmacy at ONU was all about.”

All of the college’s academia who attended that night focused their attention on her – expressing excitement, confidence and enthusiasm. As years passed, Karas saw the same attitude shown to fellow alumni when they had their turn in the limelight.

It was this support outside the classroom that really caught her eye. “I know that I received the same attention as a student, but you are not able to see it or understand it as well,” she explains.

As Karas served her year as president, she met people from all across the country. Many fellow ONU pharmacists were extremely supportive of their friendships, alumni, students and the Raabe College of Pharmacy. Karas was able to meet alumni who were involved in all fields of pharmacy and making great contributions to the profession.

“When I met all these wonderful people, I saw a pharmacy college that provided an excellent pharmacy education with the support of great professors and dean. We were all united as a family,” says Karas. “As a preceptor, I see students who are talented, bright, knowledgeable, and I’m proud that they will be pharmacists in our profession. They are true assets.”

She also sees a college of pharmacy that provides a future for not only the students, but also the profession by providing more than 125 years of tradition, excellence and dedication. “Where better to help students and faculty than in an environment with a proven track record,” Karas says. “That’s the reason I established the endowment fund in innovation.”

The Katherine F. Karas Innovations in Teaching Award will be used to recognize a deserving faculty member annually. The recipient will then become the Raabe College of Pharmacy’s nomination/representative for AACP’s national award recognizing excellence in teaching. As the fund increases over time, earnings could potentially be used to send a representative to an AACP conference, to help a faculty member pursue teaching innovation and to create an award to recognize contributions. In addition, the fund could be used at the dean’s discretion to support other faculty deserving, creative ideas to enhance the college’s educational endeavors.

Katherine F. Karas Endowed Fund for Innovations in Teaching at the Raabe College of Pharmacy

Gifts to The Campaign for Ohio Northern University’s Tomorrow never

stop supporting both current and future Northern pharmacy students, and now the need is greater than ever. For details on endowed funds and other planning

options, please contact Scott Wills, BSBA ’87, director of development

for the College of Pharmacy, at [email protected] or 419-772-2705.

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Faculty Receive Highest AwardDr. Jeff Allison, BSPh ’71, PharmD ’95, professor of pharmacy practice, and Dr. Kristen Finley, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, have both earned the designation of Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) from the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialists. This is pharmacy’s highest credential in the practice of pharmacotherapy. Through board certification, pharmacotherapy specialists demonstrate a defined level of education and training as well as mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the public’s demand for expert pharmaceutical care.

The board was organized in 1976 as an independent certification agency of American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

in response to changes in health care and pharmacy. It identifies and recognizes critical specialty practice areas, sets standards for certification, objectively evaluates individuals seeking certification, and acts as an information resource and coordinating agency for pharmacy specialties.

The five specialty practice areas include pharmacotherapy, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition support pharmacy, oncology pharmacy and psychiatric pharmacy.

Pharmacy News and Activities

Young Alumni Earns AwardAtilla Vamos, PharmD ’08, was recently named Employee of the Year by Martin General Hospital in Williamston, N.C., a member of Community Health Systems Inc. Vamos was among more than 120 recipients from the organization honored at a weekend excursion to Nashville, Tenn. Vamos was described by the hospital physicians he works with as “one that takes his job seriously with pride” and an “inciter of teamwork with an overall approach of nobility.” According to Martin General, “Atilla takes on new responsibilities and is always there to impart a helping hand. His demureness in dealing with others is a valuable asset for our patients, employees, our hospital and our CHS organization. Atilla is an inspiration and Martin General Hospital can visualize much success in his future.”

Pharmacy Students Advocated on Capitol HillFifth-year pharmacy students Patrick O. Acheampong, from Columbus, Ohio, William “BJ” Gaddis III, from Hudson, Ohio, Todd Sega, from Edinboro, Pa., and Chris Westrick, from Defiance, Ohio, participated in the NACDS (National Association of Chain Drug Stores) RxImpact Day in March.

The event brought more than 200 advocates from across the country to Washington, D.C., to talk with members of

Congress about pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policy and issues related to health care reform.

During the inaugural Sebok Pharmacy Lecture, speaker Steven C. Anderson, president and CEO of the NACDS, invited ONU pharmacy students to join him on Capitol Hill because, with a changing health care system that is in “dire need of accessible care,” they had the opportunity to help change it. “Pharmacy will become whatever people like you envision it, and its advancement will reflect the energy with which you engage it.”

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Pharmacy Golf Day – Aug. 27Mark your calendar for the pharmacy golf outing and CE. Contact Dr. Robert McCurdy, BSPh ’65, Hon. D. ’96, at [email protected] for more information.

Homecoming 2010 – Oct. 8-9Make plans to join this time of reunions and celebrations with alumni, friends, family, faculty and students. Register by calling 419-772-2727 or online at onualumnicommunity.com

In MemoriamJack McCracken

Jack McCracken, BSPH ’53, of Waynesburg, W.Va., died Dec. 11, 2009, at the age of 81. He enlisted in the Navy in 1946 and served aboard the USS Severn AO-61, which hauled oil into the Pacific area, before receiving an honorable discharge in 1948. He graduated in 1953 from ONU and opened McCracken Pharmacy in 1961. He partnered with Tom Jackovic in 1966. McCracken retired in 1992.

In 1999, McCracken received a special award from Dr. DeBow Freed, Hon.D. ’99, then-president of Ohio Northern University, for his many years of service and many contributions.

He was a member of the Whiteley Creek Community Church and retired member of the Waynesburg-Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company. He was a former member of the Waynesburg Lions Club, Waynesburg Lodge No. 153 F.& A.M., the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, the Syria Temple AAONMS, and Washington Caravan No. 2. He was a 32nd degree mason with the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh, and past noble grand of IOOF 469, Waynesburg. In Waynesburg, he also was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 4793, BPOE Elks No. 757 and Chamber of Commerce, receiving its first Distinguished Service Award for “making Waynesburg a better place to live.”

He is survived by his wife, Dolores, sons, John P. and Jeffrey L. (Helen) of Waynesburg and Jack Jay (Annie) of Bluffton, Ohio, and four granddaughters.

Alumni Weekend 2010June 4-6, 2010

Ohio Northern University

October 8-10

HOMECOMING 2010Alumni Weekend 2010 – June 4-6Meet former classmates, make new friends, and enjoy our beautiful campus and facilities. Make plans to attend the seminars, banquets and other programs. Register by calling 419-772-2727 or online at onualumnicommunity.com For

reservations, please call

866-713-4513www.innatonu.com

Upcoming Events

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Th e Sebok Pharmacy Lecture

On Jan. 19, the Raabe College of Pharmacy held the inaugural Sebok Pharmacy Lecture, an endowed annual lecture that brings leaders of the pharmacy profession to Ohio Northern University. Steven C. Anderson, NACDS president and CEO, delivered the first lecture “Pharmacies: Changing the Face of Neighborhood Health Care.”

“Pharmacy will become whatever people like you envision, and its advancement will reflect the energy with which you engage,” said Anderson. “Effective consultations and wise operational decisions, stitched together over the course of decades, create an impressive career. But Albert Sebok has accomplished even more than that. His commitment to pharmacy goes far beyond talk of a distinguished career. It also defines what it means to be part of, and to advance, one’s profession.”

The lecture is named after Dr. Albert A. Sebok, BSPh ’53, Hon. D. ’88, who served as an original member of ONU’s Pharmacy Advisory Board and coordinates the Contemporary Pharmacy Practice course at ONU. (See related story, page 19.)

Steven C. Anderson

Dr. Albert A. Sebok

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Collaboration is Key to Building Pharmacy’s FutureThis week, I had the privilege of delivering the first Sebok Pharmacy Lecture at Ohio Northern University’s Raabe College of Pharmacy. The event honors Albert A. Sebok, whose 60-year affiliation with the University, distinguished career at Standard Drug and Revco and winning of NACDS’ Pratt Award in 1991 only provide a summary description of his rich contributions to pharmacy.

NACDS’ participation in the Sebok Pharmacy Lecture is a perfect example of our strategic focus on broadening awareness of pharmacy’s role as the face of neighborhood health care, as well as on helping to raise up the next generation of pharmacy advocates and ambassadors. It also exemplifies the collaboration that is possible and necessary between schools of pharmacy, the pharmacy profession and industry, supplier companies, NACDS and allied organizations, and many other stakeholders.

I have to heap praise on everyone at Ohio Northern for everything they are doing to showcase pharmacy. They thought of everything in launching this lecture, which is a fitting tribute to an industry legend and a case study in using event-based marketing effectively. The commitment of the administration and faculty was unmistakable.

The University staff succeeded in pitching the event to the media, which resulted in amazing stories on the news that focused on pharmacy’s ever-enhancing role in health care delivery as well as excellent local and trade press coverage.

The students featured bright eyes and bright minds, which no doubt will contribute to their bright future. Friends of the University were on hand to add their support and encouragement as well.

Two years ago, when NACDS launched its pharmacy image campaign to obsessively communicate the “Pharmacies. The face of neighborhood health care” theme, we hoped we would have the opportunity to collaborate and play some small role in events like the Sebok Lecture.

Events and opportunities like this one, connected by a consistent and cohesive theme, will contribute to increased recognition and results for pharmacy. I hope that in reading this, you feel the enthusiasm that we have for getting the word out about pharmacy. Congratulations and thank you to everyone at Ohio Northern for their passionate and professional approach to this mission. It was an honor to be involved, and NACDS looks forward to the next opportunity!

Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE

NACDS President and Chief Executive Officer

Published in the e-newsletter of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Reprinted with permission.

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ONU Honors Distinguished Pharmacy AlumniThe Raabe College of Pharmacy honored two alumni with Distinguished Alumni Awards in November for their outstanding career accomplishments and their contributions to ONU. “We are very honored to recognize these distinguished alumni,” said Dr. Jon Sprague, dean of the college. “These individuals laid the foundation for the proud tradition and excellence our College of Pharmacy has gained in its 125-year history.”

Robert McCurdy, BSPh ’65, Hon. D. ’96Dr. Robert McCurdy graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy. While a student, he was a member of the Sigma Pi social fraternity, Student Senate and Phi Delta Chi, of which he also served as advisor for many years. McCurdy is an honorary member of Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa, both national leadership honoraries. He earned his M.Ed. in counseling in 1969 from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn., and he received an honorary doctorate in pharmacy from Ohio Northern in 1996.

Beginning his career at Ohio Northern as the program director of McIntosh Center, McCurdy also held positions at the University of Hartford and Carnegie Mellon University. His pharmacy career began in 1974 when he became pharmacy manager at Red Shield Drug in Pittsburgh. From 1977-80, he was pharmacy manager with the Rite Aid Corporation. McCurdy went on to work with Giant Eagle Markets, and, in 1984, he became the director of pharmacy of Phar-Mor Inc. in Youngstown, Ohio. From 1984-96, he was Phar-Mor’s vice president of pharmacy. McCurdy served as a member of Ohio Northern’s Board of Trustees prior to returning to his alma mater as the assistant vice president of development and director of corporate foundation giving in 1996. Since 1997, he has served as the assistant dean and instructor in the Raabe College of Pharmacy and is responsible for student affairs and admission to the college.

During his service to ONU, McCurdy has helped countless students succeed in ONU’s pharmacy program. He is a member of the Ohio Pharmacists Association and the Northwest Ohio Pharmacy Association and is on the advisory board for Managed Care On-Line. He was the chair of finance for the First United Methodist Church, a past president and current member of the Ada Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Masonic Lodge. McCurdy

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and his wife, Myrna (Woodward), BSBA ’66, have generously supported Ohio Northern both financially and as volunteers on campus. They have been consistent members of the Henry Solomon Lehr Society, the leadership donor society. They have two children, Chris, BSPh ’94, and Elizabeth.

Albert Sebok, BSPh ’53, Hon. D. ’88Dr. Albert Sebok graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy. While attending ONU, he was involved with the Kappa Psi fraternity. A Cleveland native, Sebok joined Standard Drug as a store manager after graduation. In 1961, Revco acquired Standard, and Sebok began his rise in store operations, which culminated with his appointment in 1971 as senior vice president for store operations of Revco DrugStores Inc. Because of his leadership, Revco became the largest discount drug chain in America with more than 2,000 stores.

For more than 60 years, Sebok has maintained a relationship with Ohio Northern, serving as an original member of the Pharmacy Advisory Board and founding the Contemporary Pharmacy Practice class. He has held numerous positions in the pharmacy industry at the international, national, state and local levels. He has served

on college advisory boards at the University of Texas, the University of Florida, Samford University, the University of Toledo and Ohio Northern.

Sebok was honored in 1991 with the NACDS Pratt Award, which recognized his leadership in chain drug pharmacy. In 1988, Ohio Northern honored him with an honorary doctorate in pharmacy. He and his late wife, Janet, have been extremely generous to ONU, establishing a scholarship in their names. Her memory lives on in the Sebok Lobby of the College of Pharmacy.

As one of the college’s most generous alumni, Sebok is a life member of the Henry Solomon Lehr Society, a society that acknowledges Northern’s donors at the highest level of giving. Most recently, fellow alumni, close friends and associates established the Sebok Pharmacy Lecture in his honor. (See related story, page 17.) This lecture brings leaders in the pharmacy profession to Ohio Northern to share their experiences with ONU students and the campus community. Sebok has two children, Albert and Susan (Sebok) Navy, BA ’79.

2008

Charles R. Brading, BSPh ’57Vern H. Hakes, PHC ’33, Hon. D. ’76 James E. Turner, BSPh ’63

2007

Robert Parsons, BSPh ’71Tammy (McIntire) Stefanovic, BSPh ’88Frank Wickham, BSPh ’60

Past Alumni Award Recipients

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Student Focus

NCPA Scholarship Awarded to Student Chapter President

Chili Cook-off Heats UpThings heated up in January during the Pharmacy Council’s 9th annual Soup & Chili Cook-off. By donating $1 or two canned goods, guests were able to taste two of the contestant’s soup or chili entries. Winners included:

Student Named to National Council on Pharmacy Management

Ashley Overy, a fourth-year pharmacy major from Grafton Ohio, was appointed as the national student representative to serve on the American

Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ Council on Pharmacy Management for the 2010-11 academic year.

The council focuses on professional policies related to the process of leading and directing the pharmacy department in hospitals and health systems. Within the council’s purview are development and deployment of resources, fostering cost-effective use of medicines, payment for services and products, applications of technology in the medication-

use process, efficiency and safety of medication-use systems, continuity of care, and related matters.

“Ashley’s selection for this national committee is a great honor for both her as an individual and for the College of Pharmacy,” says Dr. Kelly Shields, ONU associate professor of pharmacy practice and director of the Drug Information Center. “This honor affirms her dedication and involvement. It also highlights the emphasis

Richard Boyd, a member of ONU’s National Community Pharmacists Association’s (NCPA) Student Chapter, received a Presidential Scholarship for the 2009-10 academic year from the NCPA Foundation. He was one of only 18 students from across the country to earn this scholarship, which recognizes leadership qualities as well as academic achievement. The ceremony was held in New Orleans in October.

Boyd, a fifth-year pharmacy student from London, Ohio, is the current president of the ONU student chapter and member of the NCPA Business Plan Team. Founded in 1898, NCPA represents the nation’s community pharmacists including more than 22,700 independent pharmacies.

Popular VoteFirst—The Tried & True,

Anthony Fritz (P2)Second—Nichols’

Secret Family Recipe, Jared Nichols (P2)

Third—Better Than Dr. Martins’ and

Dr. Kier’s Chili, Dr. Pat Parteleno, PharmD ’91

Judges VoteFirst—White Chicken Chili,

Valerie Cooper (P5) and Lisa Vranekovic (P5)

Second—Campfire Chili, Dennis Stockert, husband of Dr. Amy Stockert

Third—Chili Dog Nachos, Monica Weisenberger (P5) and Sarah Antolga (P5)

that the University places on student involvement in organizations and the support provided by faculty and administration to encourage student growth.”

Selection for this position was competitive and recognizes Overy’s passion for health system pharmacy as well as her leadership skills. With the current focus nationally on health care, the council will be involved with considering the impact of reform on hospitals and health systems.

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Alumni support is essential to Ohio Northern University’s efforts to preserve our rich tradition of excellence. The GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Society offers a key opportunity for recent graduates to support ONU at leadership levels.

Annually, the University provides $1.3 million in scholarships to help students balance coursework and alleviate financial burden, provide research and cultural opportunities, and support unexpected possibilities.

GOLD Society members can join at the following gift levels:

$500 – graduates from 6-10 years ago•$250 – graduates from 0-5 years ago•

Make your annual gift now using the enclosed envelope or give online at www.onugive.com

Contact Scott Wills, BSBA ’87, at [email protected] or 419-772-2705.

Tomorrow Starts Today.Giving Back, Changing Lives.

GOLDSOCIETYGraduates of the Last Decade

“I am feeling more equipped than ever to impact the pharmacy world. Your generosity and thoughtfulness have played a vital role in my success at Northern.”

Leslie HartFifth-year pharmacy major Cooperstown, Pa.

“I now know first-hand just how important it is to support individuals wishing to pursue higher education.”

Joshua IleninThird-year pharmacy major Mantua, Ohio

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Where Are They Now?

Dr. Albert T. Awad, BSPh ’76

An apprehensive teen carried his unblemished notebook to class with a good measure of curiosity, trepidation and tentativeness as he reported to Pharmacognosy 321 that first day of class in September 1974. The course catalog offered only a cryptic prelude of what to expect. “Biomedicinals covered are classified under carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, glycosides,

alkaloids and related products.” Greeting the class on that first day was an enthusiastic professor, a bit enigmatic and eccentric in his own right, but with a warm smile and gentle tone that disarmed most of the anxious jitters. The class was regaled with stories of natural products known for centuries, if not millennia, that could relieve unbearable pain, remediate congestive heart symptoms, arrest the malignant ravages of cancer and restore health in a broad array of human disorders. The professor’s excitement and genuineness was not only conspicuous, but also contagious. The power and promise of these ancient potions concocted from diverse natural sources were described with such personal zeal and zest. Modern science was probing the chemical essence of these time-honored brews, tonics and triturates, which were now yielding their chemical secrets to science and medicine. Moreover, with the active components isolated and purified, these crystallized drug substances were unconventionally, yet aptly, described as nothing less than “beautiful.” The thesis was electric. Nature, science, chemistry and pharmacy all combined into a single discipline that now enabled mortals to contemplate the very foundation of healing medicinals, and, as students of Pharmacognosy, we were privileged to share in the revelation of these secrets. To say the least, I was captivated, challenged and energized by this passionate, if not idiosyncratic, professor, Dr. Albert T. Awad.

Albert Tewfik Awad was born in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 25, 1928. Having earned his B.S. in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences in 1952 at Cairo University, Awad served as a registered pharmacist in various drug stores in Egypt and as quality-control chemist at the Tanta Oil and Soap Company. Deciding to continue his education, Awad pursued his M.S. in pharmacognosy, which he earned

from Cairo University in 1960. Two years later, Awad was accepted into the graduate program at the Ohio State University, receiving his Ph.D. in pharmacognosy in 1966. Soon after, Awad was appointed associate professor and chairman of the Department of Pharmacognosy at ONU’s Rudolph H. Raabe College of Pharmacy. In 1969, Awad was granted tenure, was promoted to full professor in 1971, and, in the following year, Awad celebrated his naturalization as a fully enfranchised U.S. citizen. Always proud of his pharmacy roots (pun intended), Awad earned his B.S. Pharm. from ONU in 1976 and was particularly gratified to have been granted his Ohio Pharmacist License in 1981. Awad completed advanced academic training in immunology while on a special sabbatical leave in 1981-82, and, upon returning to ONU, he initiated a new course, Immunology and Biologicals, that he continued to teach until his retirement in 1996. Throughout his 29 years of illustrious service to ONU, Awad published numerous monographs and scientific abstracts and presented a number of talks at international scientific meetings, including several in his native country, Egypt.

Awad has remained an active and ardent supporter of ONU during his retirement years, and, in 2003, was recognized for his years of service and many contributions to ONU by being appointed as professor emeritus. In the subsequent year, the College inaugurated the Albert T. Awad Award in Immunology, generously endowed by Awad, which is presented annually to a fourth-year student who has excelled in immunology and who has expressed an interest in graduate study.

Currently, Awad resides at Baton Rouge Senior Community in Lima, Ohio, where he continues to be an avid reader, staying current with the manifold advances of pharmacy and medicine. Should anyone wish to drop Awad a card or note, his address is:

Dr. Albert T. AwadP.O. Box 137Ada, OH 45810

There is tremendous joy in sharing thoughtful words of gratitude and respect with those who have devoted their lives so that we might develop to our own fullest potential.

Dr. Mike Milks, BSPh ’76, professor of pharmacology

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Advisory BoardDominic BartoneBSPh ’77OwnerHock’s PharmacyVandalia, Ohio

Dr. Bruce Bouts BSPh ’82 General InternistBlanchard Valley Medical Associates Inc.Findlay, Ohio

Col. Mark Butler BSPh ’79 Commander, 59th Clinical Support GroupLackland AFB, Texas

Adrienne (Wood) Donaldson BSPh ’99Professional Services ConsultantMcKesson Foundation Inc.Moon Township, Pa.

Dr. Shawn Eaton PharmD ’01Manager, Professional and College Relations CVSTallmadge, Ohio

George Hill BA ’69, BSPh ’74 Director, Pharmacy ServicesCatholic Health InitiativesUnion, Ky.

Kathy Karas BA, BSPh ’75Pharmacy ManagerBuehler’s PharmacyCanton, Ohio

Richard KeyesBSPh ’92 Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Operations and Mfg.Meijer Inc.Grand Rapids, Mich.

Phillip Lettrich BSPh ’85Director of Professional RelationsEmdeon Business ServicesTwinsburg, Ohio

Jay Meyer BSPh ’82President and COORemedi PharmacyCovington, Ohio

Theresa “Tip” Parker BSPh ’74 Director of Trade Relations & Pharmacy OperationsAbbott PPDAbbott Park, Ill.

Robert “Bob” ParsonsBSPh ’71 Executive Vice PresidentOhio Society of Health-System PharmacistsMarietta, Ohio

Meet an Advisory Board Memberand the pharmaceutical industry, makes a great foundation for success. Good communication and listening skills, being flexible and adaptable, and using common sense have allowed me to be successful.

Q: What about your career brings you the most enjoyment?A: Working with a wide variety of professionals across the various customer groups and participating at the national level with the associations.

Q: Do you have advice to offer new pharmacy graduates?A: Be flexible. Go outside your usual comfort zone and try new ways to practice your profession. Look around your communities for opportunities to demonstrate the value of pharmacy.

Q: Share your vision for the Raabe College of Pharmacy’s future.A: I want to see the college be the best that it can be. It is exceptional and should continue to shine as an example of an outstanding establishment for pharmacy education.

Q: How do you hope to contribute to the advisory board?A: I would like to continue to be an exceptional example of a pharmacist practicing in a non-traditional setting. I hope to contribute real-life business experience that can assist in shaping the processes and educational experiences for ONU students and our future pharmacists.

Theresa “Tip” Parker, BSPh ’74Director, Trade Relations and Operations, Abbott Laboratories

Q: How did you decide upon the business side of the pharmacy field?A: After only 18 months working in retail, I was offered a position in the corporate offices of Gray Drugs in Cleveland. I think my flexibility and adaptability during those early months (working frequent vacation coverage in the Dayton area and taking responsibility for managing those stores) were critical factors in my promotion.

Q: What’s a typical day for you?A: As the director of trade relations and operations for Abbott Laboratories Pharmaceutical Products Division, I have responsibility for our relationships with the industry’s trade associations representing our key trade customers. I also ensure that the pharmacy and pharmacists are adequately represented in marketing plans for all of our promoted products.

Q: Describe the knowledge, skills and abilities that have served you best in achieving success.A: Having a solid clinical background from my college coursework and continuing education, along with practical experience working as a pharmacist and in the corporate environment with a retailer, a wholesaler

Nichole (Pearson) Penny BSPh ’98 District Pharmacy SupervisorWalgreens-Grand Rapids East District Kentwood, Mich.

Dr. Ervin Pierstorf ’53, Hon. D. ’78Chairman of the Board and CEO, RetiredFairview Photo ServicesRocky River, Ohio, and Pinellas Park, Fla.

Tom WiechartBSPh ’81PharmacistRite AidLima, Ohio

Suzanne Eastman Wuest BSPh ’74Executive Director for Clinical ServicesCatalina Health ResourceCincinnati, Ohio

Michael C. Yount BSPh ’98, JD ’00Vice President, Regulatory LawRite Aid CorporationHarrisburg, Pa.

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THE RAABE COLLEGE OF PHARMACYUNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENTOHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY525 S MAIN STADA OH 45810-1599

College of Pharmacy featured on Discovery Channel

The Raabe College of Pharmacy was the focus of the Discovery Channel’s “The Profiles Series” in March. The series examines the rigor of pharmacy training and the ever-expanding role of pharmacists as members of the health care team. Viewers learn about the quality pharmacy education students have been receiving for more than 125 years at the University. The Raabe College of Pharmacy’s academic program is the only one in the country where students receive six years of direct exposure to the pharmacy profession.

“The series addresses some of the same critical issues we face teaching our current students and interacting with pharmacists nationwide. Pharmacogenetics, geriatrics and health care reform will have an impact on the future,” says Dr. Jon Sprague, dean of the college. “Ohio Northern continues to move the profession of pharmacy forward in many different areas.”

An award-winning program, “The Profiles Series” is dedicated to showcasing the most important issues of the day. In the past, the series has featured the latest business and technology stories to revolutionary medical and health issues. It also profiles programs from environmental solutions to current educational breakthroughs.View the series online at www.onu.edu/pharmacy