Alumni Reconnect, Reminisce During SOP’s All Alumni Reunion Weekend

Alumni from all classes come together for a fun-filled weekend featuring a baseball game at Camden Yards, “Taste of Baltimore” luncheon, and milestone class celebrations.

By Malissa Carroll
September 23, 2014

Nearly 100 alumni and their families returned to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy to reconnect and reminisce with faculty, classmates, and friends during the third All Alumni Reunion presented by the School’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs and Alumni Association.

“It is a special honor to be able to share our School with alumni and highlight all that makes this institution so unique,” says Jennifer McGinley, associate director of alumni affairs at the School. “Alumni serve the School in many ways. We could not provide expert patient care, conduct innovative research, or educate the next generation of pharmacists and scientists without their support. The All Alumni Reunion gave our alumni an opportunity to enjoy time with former classmates while reflecting on their time as student pharmacists, building a sense of community among the group and renewing their ties to the School.”

The reunion, which graduates from all years were invited to attend, kicked off on Sept. 12 with a trip to Camden Yards, where alumni, family members, and friends cheered as the Baltimore Orioles declared victory over the New York Yankees. The festivities continued on Sept. 13, with a “Taste of Baltimore” luncheon. Alumni and their families joined current faculty, staff, and students in sampling a wide array of savory treats from some of Baltimore’s well-known neighborhoods, including Little Italy and Greek Town. Natalie D. Eddington, PhD ‘89, FCP, FAAPS, dean and professor of the School, provided opening remarks, noting how the School has evolved over the years.

“The School of Pharmacy values its alumni, and we want you to see how far we have come,” said Eddington. “Today’s School is one of which you can all be proud. We remain focused on graduating the best pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, and pharmaceutical health services researchers. We continue to lead pharmacy practice with our innovative patient care programs, make groundbreaking discoveries in our research labs, and provide valuable research that impacts health outcomes and public policy. We have truly become a comprehensive School of Pharmacy, and at this All Alumni Reunion, I celebrate with you not only as dean of the School, but also as a proud alumnus.”

Julian Chun, PharmD ’02, MBA, president of the School’s Alumni Association, described the Alumni Association’s role in helping to organize the event and encouraged attendees to get involved with the organization.

“It’s great to see so many of you here today, reconnecting and reminiscing with former classmates and faculty,” said Chun. “Pharmacists’ roles within the health care team are changing, and the Alumni Association helps to ensure that the School keeps pace with those changes by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of our members. We serve as leaders, advocating for our profession in numerous ways. We also foster educational and networking opportunities in which both alumni and current students are encouraged to participate. We take pride in our School, and hope that this weekend’s activities inspire you to get involved with us as well.”

As attendees enjoyed music and entertainment, Lisa Hutchins, PharmD ’14, presented third-year student pharmacist Ellie Kline and second-year student pharmacist Farrah Tavakoli with Students for Scholarships awards to recognize their academic achievement and demonstrated leadership skills. These special awards were funded by a gift to the School from the Class of 2014. Roxanne Zaghab, DM, CKM, director of operations and business development for the School’s Center for Innovative Pharmacy Solutions (CIPS), also presented certificates redeemable for free continuing education programs to several alumni.

Milestone classes were also recognized during the celebration, including special recognition for the Class of 1954 from which four members were present to celebrate their 60-year reunion.

“Attending this reunion has been a great experience,” said Fred Magaziner, BSP ’54. “Pharmacy was the only profession that I knew as a child. I worked as a pharmaceutical delivery boy as well as behind the counter at my local drugstore. It was great to have the opportunity to reconnect with my former classmates at the reunion. Our discussions brought back a lot of good memories from the time that we spent at the School, and I thank both the School and the Alumni Association for putting together such a tremendous event.”

Bernadine Ginsberg, BSP’ 54, added, “The School and the Alumni Association did an excellent job hosting this event. It was truly a wonderful experience. As one of only four women in my graduating class, I am thrilled to see women so well-represented in the profession today.”

The luncheon concluded with tours of the School, which showcased the new addition that opened in 2010, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms and cutting-edge research and practice laboratories.

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