Fred Abramson Honored at the Alumni Association’s Annual Graduation Banquet

Pharmacy practice lab in the new Addition is named in honor of its long-time director

By Becky Ceraul
May 27, 2009

Assistant Professor Fred Abramson, BSP, RPh, was surprised to learn at the School of Pharmacy Alumni Association’s annual graduation banquet for the Class of 2009 and reunion for the Class of 1959 that the pharmacy practice lab in the new Pharmacy Hall Addition, now under construction, will officially be named in his honor.

The Alfred Abramson Pharmacy Practice Lab or “Fred Lab” will open in the fall of 2010 when construction on the Addition is complete. It will house a community dispensing area, an institutional pharmacy, state-of-the art robotics, and a patient counseling area.

“Tonight, I have the distinct pleasure to honor someone who embodies the traditions of the School and who has influenced the lives of many, many of our graduates,” said Dean Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, in making the announcement at the banquet, which was attended by more than 250 students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, friends, and corporate sponsors.

“Fred Abramson has been teaching at the School of Pharmacy for over 30 years. In that time, he has established a legacy of mentoring students in community pharmacy and producing alumni leaders who understand the fundamentals of professionalism and pharmacy practice. His ‘Rules to Live By’ have become the foundation for best practices for School of Pharmacy graduates.

As the practice lab is the heart of the School of Pharmacy, we thought it only fitting that our new lab in the Addition be named for someone who has been at the heart of the practice lab for over 30 years. It has been affectionately called The Fred Lab for many years, so now we are making it official,” said Eddington.

“I am overwhelmed by this honor,” Abramson said upon being called up on stage to unveil a rendering of the new lab. “Everybody knows where my heart is and how much I love our students. It is a pleasure and an honor to lead such a wonderful group in the lab. It’s also a privilege to work with such a wonderful faculty, who’ve always supported me and helped me. I thank you so much for this recognition.”

The School has established The “Fred Lab” Endowed Fund to provide support for this lab. Please visit www.campaign.pharmacy.umaryland.edu to make a gift.