DRAKE UNIVERSITY
THE ONES WHO ADMINISTER HOPE
A Renae Chesnut, EdD, MBA, RPh Dean & Professor Drake University CPHS
s we reflect on the past year, we are proud of the Iowa pharmacy community for its continued dedication to the profession. A phrase that has been a staple at Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences over the last year is "administering hope." As we pass the one-year anniversary of administering vaccines, we appreciate the immense work the Iowa pharmacy profession has done to protect and instill a sense of hope in our communities. The College administered hope through 10,000 vaccines to Polk County residents on Drake’s campus in the 2021 spring semester in partnership with the Iowa Public Health Department and Hy-Vee. This number does not include the thousands of vaccines administered by students and faculty at their sites and volunteer clinics throughout Iowa and the country to date.
post-graduate positions. Our program was ranked first among private Midwest programs and third among all Midwest programs in the 2021 ASHP residency match. Several students were also the recipients of national honors: • Gustavo Flores (P2) was one of five pharmacy students in the nation among 489 applicants to receive a CVS Health Minority Scholarship. • Isabelle Tharp (P4) was named one of three 2021 Next-Generation Future Pharmacist Award finalists by Parata Systems and Pharmacy Times. She also received the APhA-ASP Good Government Award. • Anna Braun (P1), Ali Goldensoph (P2), and Anna Parr (HSCI-JR) were three of 18 students in Iowa awarded 2021-22 Iowa Space Grant Consortium Research Scholarships. Recent recognitions and awards for the faculty include the following:
Administering hope also occurred through several initiatives: • The University kicked off a new fundraising campaign – The Ones: The campaign for the Bold and the Brave, with priority areas in digital proficiency, strengthening America’s heartland, creating a University for all ages and walks in life, developing leaders and changemakers, and transforming lives every day. • A $1.6 million federal grant to the CPHS will fund a new telehealth initiative for rural communities in partnership with Certintell Health and Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Inc. • Several new scholarship awards were announced for students including a research award, a first-generation college student award, and an award for students who plan to serve rural Iowa in their careers. • We welcomed the third Drug Development Fellow at Drake in partnership with Vanadro Drug Development Consulting. Our students continue to excel in obtaining residencies, highly competitive fellowship positions, and other
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| The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association
• Lynn Kassel was named the 2021-22 Drake University Troyer Research Fellow. • Erik Maki was appointed to a three-year term on the Iowa Board of Pharmacy by Governor Kim Reynolds and received the 2021 Drake University Levitt Distinguished Community Service Award. • Tim Welty was appointed to a five-year term on the International League Against Epilepsy – North American Board. • Sally Haack received the University’s 2021 Principle Financial Group Global Citizenship Award. In addition, congratulations to Drake pharmacy alum and retired otolaryngology head and neck surgery physician, Steven Herwig, who received the 2021 Lawrence C. and Delores M. Weaver Medal of Honor, the highest honor given by the College. As a result of the work of our faculty, staff, preceptors, alumni and students that led to these collaborations and accomplishments, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences continues to live up to its mission of preparing today’s learners to be tomorrow’s health care leaders. To all of the IPA members who support our College and assist us in these endeavors, thank you for your commitment to our College and your communities as you administer hope. ■
