Cynthia Boyle’s Legacy Continues Through Transformational Endowment
Gift establishes the School’s first endowment supporting experiential learning and the Academy of Preceptors, ensuring lasting support for students, preceptors, and the future of pharmacy education.
By Pam Carder
April 27, 2026
On April 15, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) celebrated the remarkable career and enduring impact of Cynthia Boyle, PharmD ‘96, FAPhA, FNAP, FASCP, a beloved educator, leader, and alumna whose latest act of generosity will shape the future of pharmacy education for years to come. Boyle, former executive director of the School’s Experiential Learning Program (ELP), has established UMSOP’s first endowment dedicated to experiential learning and the Academy of Preceptors. Her gift reflects a continuation of her life’s work and a powerful investment in the next generation of pharmacists.
View the event photo album on Flickr.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other colleagues gathered in Pharmacy Hall for a special reception honoring Boyle, held just prior to the School’s annual Academy of Preceptors event – an especially meaningful setting given her role in creating and shaping the program.
A Career Defined by Service and Innovation
“Dr. Boyle’s career reflects the very best of our profession,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “She has devoted herself to serving others and advancing pharmacy education, leaving an indelible mark on this institution and the many students and colleagues she has mentored.”
A proud alumna, Boyle returned to the School not only to teach but to lead and innovate. During her tenure on faculty, she helped transform the ELP into a nationally respected model, ensuring that students received not just training, but meaningful mentorship and real-world preparation. Boyle retired from UMSOP in 2022 and was awarded professor emerita status.
Building a Community of Educators
Among her most influential contributions was the creation of the Academy of Preceptors in 2004, an initiative designed to support and recognize the practitioners who guide students in real-world settings. Through this effort, Boyle fostered a strong, connected community of educators committed to excellence in teaching and practice.
The new endowment builds on that foundation by supporting leadership development for preceptors, funding the Preceptors of the Year initiative, providing student recognition awards, and enhancing experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for evolving health care environments.
A Lasting Impact on Students and Colleagues
For many, Boyle’s influence is deeply personal.
Tuan Huynh, PharmD ‘11, AAHIVP, HIVPCP, assistant director of ELP and a former student and advisee of Boyle’s, recalled the welcoming and supportive environment she fostered.
“Dr. Boyle inspired not only me, but so many students through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to experiential learning,” he said. “Her mentorship and the impact of preceptors shaped my own path – from becoming a preceptor myself to returning to the School in a leadership role.”
Huynh added that Boyle’s generosity has already sparked new momentum within the program, inspiring fundraising efforts that provide experiential learning support funds and reduce barriers to these opportunities.
Investing in the Future
Throughout her career, Boyle has emphasized the importance of community and giving back – values reflected in both her philanthropy and her work.
“I hope that others will think about giving to what they believe in when they are able,” Boyle said.
Her endowment ensures that experiential learning at the School will continue to evolve and thrive, supporting both the educators who mentor students and the students preparing to enter a complex and changing health care landscape.
“Dr. Boyle’s impact on this School is immeasurable,” Michel said. “Through this endowment, her legacy will continue to shape who we are, and who we will become.”
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