Leadership Messages
March 2024 Message from the Dean
The semester is moving right along! We invite you to mark your calendars for two
important events happening in March that promise to be fun and bring our college community
closer together.
Join Us! We are thrilled to announce our college’s reception at the American Pharmacists
Association annual meeting which is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 5:30-7:30
in Room W414D in the Convention Center. This reception presents a wonderful opportunity
to network with fellow alumni and celebrate our collective achievements. Make sure
to save the date and join us for an evening of fun. The reception is free but please
click this link and register.
Support Us! We have another important date on our calendar: March 20 and 21, 2024.
This day marks our Day of Giving, where we come together to support the future of
pharmacy. Your generosity plays a vital role in funding essential programs and initiatives
that empower aspiring students. I personally ask you to consider contributing to
the Progress Fund, General Scholarship Fund, Student Activity Fund, or any other fund
that resonates with your passion and vision for the future of pharmacy. Every donation,
no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact and propels us forward! Check out this video. Links for donating will be shared on our social media pages and via emails.
Follow Us! For the latest events, initiatives, and engagement opportunities, view
our social media channels.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support. We look forward to seeing you
at the reception. Your support of our college is so crucial! Together, we can continue
to elevate the field of pharmacy, and create a bright future for our students.
Dean Pam Heaton
Message from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity and Inclusion
Greetings friends and alumni!
March is Women’s History Month. In a 2021 Pharmacy Times article, Marilyn Bulloch,
PharmD, gives an enlightening overview of the evolution of women’s roles in pharmacy
practice. Women Pharmacists Day: The Evolution of Women’s Role in US Pharmacy Practice (pharmacytimes.com).
Today, women comprise over 60% of pharmacy school graduates compared to less than
15% in the 1960’s. However, it is estimated that women comprise only 37% of today’s
pharmaceutical scientists. (Pharmaceutical Scientist Demographics and Statistics [2024]: Number Of Pharmaceutical
Scientists In The US (zippia.com)) Many notable women pharmacists and scientists have made outstanding contributions
to practice and research. Two such examples are Mary Munson Runge and Gertrude Elion.
Mary Munson Runge was the first female president of APhA, as well as the first African
American president of APhA. She served on the California State Board of Pharmacy,
and served as president of the California Pharmacist’s Association. APhA has a scholarship
in her name in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to women in
pharmacy.
Gertrude Elion graduated from high school at age 15 and earned a chemistry degree
at age 19. Persevering through financial struggles and lack of employment opportunities,
she eventually was hired by Burroughs Wellcome Pharmaceutical Company. Gertrude went
on to create many life saving medications, including drugs for leukemia, herpes, gout,
and organ transplantation.
Although substantial progress has been made in opportunities for women, there is ample
room for improvement. Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of all women
pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists this month!
Dr. Monica Holiday-Goodman
Thanks!
For other diversity news and observances information and events happening at UToledo,
please visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website.