Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni Awards

2011 Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni

From the left: Mark Gregory, Susan Meyer, Dean Sprague, Renee Coffman

Renee Coffman, BSPh ’87

Renee Coffman is co-founder of the Roseman University of Health Sciences and serves as its executive vice president for Quality Assurance and Intercampus Consistency and the dean of its College of Pharmacy. Following her graduation from ONU, Coffman worked as a pharmacist in her hometown of Bucyrus, Ohio, and in Piqua, Ohio. Coffman went on to become a founding member of the faculty at Western University of Health Sciences, where she also held the position of facilitative officer for student services.

In 1999, Coffman and her husband, Dr. Harry Rosenberg, moved to southern Nevada and founded the first college of pharmacy in the state. Over the next 10 years, the Nevada College of Pharmacy expanded to become the University of Southern Nevada, adding a College of Nursing, an MBA program and a College of Dental Medicine and extending its educational offerings to a campus in South Jordan, Utah. In 2011, the Board of Trustees voted to honor its co-founders by renaming the institution the Roseman University of Health Sciences.

Coffman is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American Pharmaceutical Association, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, the International Federation of Pharmacy, Phi Kappa Phi and Rho Chi Honor Societies, and the Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society.

Mark J. Gregory, BSPh ’82

Mark Gregory is vice president of pharmacy and government relations for Kerr Drug Inc., a regional, 90-pharmacy chain in North Carolina. Gregory has been in his current position since September 1997. His current responsibilities include oversight of pharmacy systems and automation, managed care contracting, store support, pharmacy administration, operational policies and procedures, compliance programs, university relationships, and government affairs activities. He also serves as Kerr Drug’s privacy officer and chairman of Kerr Drug’s PAC.

Gregory was a practicing pharmacist for 11 years when he assumed corporate positions as manager of Pharmacy Systems and Third Party Programs at Thrift Drug Company in Pittsburgh, Pa. After the acquisition of Thrift Drug by the Eckerd Corporation, Gregory worked for a brief period of time in pharmacy operations for Eckerd.

In addition, Gregory is past president of North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, current chairman executive committee North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, immediate past chair of NACDS Policy Council, and immediate past facilitating chair for Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action (CCPA).

Susan M. Meyer, BSPh ’83

Susan Meyer is associate dean for education and professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. Meyer received a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University and her Master of Science and Ph.D. in pharmacy practice education from Purdue University. In 2001, Meyer was recognized as a Purdue University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Distinguished Alumna for significant contributions to the profession of pharmacy

From 1987 through 1990, Meyer served as an assistant professor in pharmacy practice and administration at the College of Pharmacy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Meyer was selected as Teacher of the Year and was twice acknowledged for her dedication and service to the undergraduate community. In 2010, the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Students of Pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh, selected Meyer as Faculty Member of the Year for outstanding leadership. From 1990 to 2006, Meyer served as a staff member for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). She managed the development of the Education Scholar teaching development program for health professions educators; supervised the development and revisions of the CAPE educational outcomes; and led the AACP’s institutional research activities.

Meyer represents pharmacy education on the Healthy People Curriculum Task Force, an interprofessional group convened by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research. In 2010-11, Meyer participated as a member of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative Expert Panel that authored “Core Competencies for Interprofessional Practice” and now participates on the HRSA-convened working group on Faculty Development in Interprofessional Team-Based Care.

2010 Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni

From the left: Theresa "Tip Parker, Val Watts, Llyn Lloyd

Llyn Lloyd, BSPh ’60

While a student at Ohio Northern, Lloyd was involved with the football and track teams, the Student American Pharmacists Association, choir, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was listed in two different “Who’s Who” publications: “Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities” and “Who’s Who in America – Western Edition.” After graduating, he spent a year in Danville, Ohio, before moving to Idaho in 1961. In 1962, he was a sales representative for Merck, Sharp, & Dohme.

Lloyd and his father purchased Arco Rexall Drug Store in Arco, Idaho, in 1963. He spent 13 years working and operating the store before selling the establishment and moving to Boise, Idaho, to work for the Boise VA Medical Center as a pharmacist. During this time, he served as chairman of continuing education, secretary-treasurer, vice president, and president of the Idaho State Pharmacy Association. He received the A.H. Robins Bowl of Hygeia award in 1973. In the community, Lloyd was active with the Chamber of Commerce (serving as president for one year), the Butte County American Cross, the Challis National Forest Advisory Board, and the Southeast Idaho Comprehensive Health Planning Committee.

In 1980, he was appointed to the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy. During this time, he completed his master’s degree at Boise State University. He became the executive director for the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy in 1982 and then the executive director of the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy in 1986. He was elected vice president of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Committee (NABP) in 1990. In 1991, he served a one-year term as NABP president-elect before being selected president. In 1993, the NABP selected Lloyd to become the Executive Committee chairman.

Lloyd received the American Pharmaceutical Association and the Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management Merit Award in 1995 for his advocacy on a national level for recovery support and re-entry programs. In 2003, he retired as the executive director of the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.

Theresa “Tip” Parker, BSPh ’74

At ONU, Parker was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi fraternity and the professional pharmacy fraternity, Kappa Epsilon. She was on the Panhellenic Council and the Panhellenic Judicial Board, a member of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, and a resident assistant. After graduating from ONU, Parker spent 18 months in retail pharmacy. She then became assistant manager, manager of prescription services, and, finally, director of pharmacy systems and technology at Gray Drug Company in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1989, she became senior merchandise manager of pharmaceuticals at Fox Meyer Drug Company in Carrollton, Texas,where she remained until 1992 when began with her current employer, Abbott Laboratories in Abbott Park, Ill. She currently is director of trade relations and operations for Abbott’s Pharmaceutical Products Division. Parker has been involved in the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, American Pharmacists Association, Pharmacy Benefit Managers Association, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. She also served on the board of directors for the National Wholesale Druggist Association Service Corporation.

Val Watts, BSPh ’90

While at ONU, Watts was a member of the pharmacy academic society, Rho Chi Society, and the recipient of the L.K. Darbaker Prize, the Julius Rogoff Foundation Prize and the Higuchi Award. After graduating from Northern, Watts earned his Ph.D. in pharmacology in 1994 from the University of North Carolina. He next became a post-doctoral fellow at the Portland VA Medical Center and Oregon Health & Science University, both in Portland, Ore. His main focus in research was dopamine receptors, G-proteins, and Adenylyl Cyclase signaling. He remained in Oregon until 1998 when his career led him to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He remains there today and is a professor of medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology and the associate dean of research. He is a published author of many peer-reviewed research articles and has received millions of dollars in federal funding towards his research in Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and drug abuse.

2009 Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni

From the left: Albert Sebok, Dean Jon Sprague, Robert McCurdy

Robert McCurdy, BSPh ’65, Hon. D. ’96

McCurdy graduated from ONU in 1965 with a bachelor of science in pharmacy. While a student, he was a member of the Sigma Pi social fraternity, student senate and Phi Delta Chi, of which he also served as advisor for many years. He began his pharmacy career in 1974 accepting a position at Red Shield Drug in Pittsburgh, Pa.. McCurdy also worked with Giant Eagle Markets and became the director of pharmacy of Phar-Mor Inc. in Youngstown, Ohio, where he served as vice president. He served as a member of ONU's Board of Trustees prior to returning as the assistant vice president of development and director of corporate foundation giving in 1996. Since 1997, he has served as the assistant dean and instructor in ONU's College of Pharmacy and is responsible for student affairs and admission to the college. He is a member of the Ohio Pharmacists Association and the Northwest Ohio Pharmacy Association and is on the advisory board for Managed Care On-Line.

Albert Sebok, BSPh ’53, Hon. D. ’88

Sebok graduated from ONU in 1953 with a bachelor of science in pharmacy. While attending ONU, he was involved with the Kappa Psi fraternity. A Cleveland native, he joined Standard Drug as a store manager after graduation. In 1961, Revco acquired Standard, and Sebok began his rise in store operations, culminating in his appointment in 1971 as senior vice president for store operations of Revco DrugStores Inc. Under his leadership, Revco became the largest discount drug chain in America with more than 2,000 stores. Sebok served as an original member of ONU's Pharmacy Advisory Board and was the founder and instructor of the college's contemporary pharmacy practice class. As one of the most generous of ONU's alumni, he is a life member of the Henry Solomon Lehr Society, a society that acknowledges Northern's donors at the highest level of giving. Most recently, fellow alumni established the Sebok Pharmacy Lecture in his honor, which will bring leaders in the pharmacy profession to Ohio Northern to share their experiences with ONU students and the campus community. Sebok has two children, Albert and Susan (Sebok) Navy, BA ’79.

2008 Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni

From the left: James Turner, Vern Hakes and Charles Brading

Charles Brading, BSPh ’57

During his years at Ohio Northern, Charlie was a member of Kappa Psi fraternity and active in baseball, basketball, the American Students of Pharmacy. After receiving his pharmacy degree in 1957, Charlie served in the United States Army. Then, he returned to Wapakoneta to practice pharmacy in his family’s store for 33 years. In addition, he was very active in local politics and served on the city council as well as mayor. Further, he served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, 86^th district from 1991 to 2000. As a member of the House, his duties included serving as chair of the education committee, a member of the health, retirement, and aging committee, a member of the Veterans’ Affairs committee, and a member of the rules and reference committee. While still in independent pharmacy practice, he was a member of the Ohio Board of Pharmacy for eight years, serving as President from 1979-1980. Charlie has received numerous pharmacy awards that include: The Bowl of Hygeia Award, the Retailer of the Year, The Merck-Sharp and Dohme Award, and The Beal Award. He received the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993.

Vern Hakes, PHC ’33, Hon. D. ’76

Vern Hakes graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1933 with a 3 year degree as a pharmaceutical chemist. While on campus, Vern served as Regent for Kappa Psi fraternity and was a member of Rho Chi. He served as the snapshot editor of “The Northern” and participated in the Glee Club and interfraternity council. His first job as a practicing pharmacist was with Marshall Drug in Cleveland. He joined Eli Lilly in 1939 as a medical service representative, advanced to district manager in 1954, then became director of marketing and planning of the company’s international division in 1959, and assumed the vice presidency in 1965. During his career with Lilly, Dr. Hakes continued his relationship with Ohio Northern. He served as President of the Alumni Association, is a member of ONU’s Heritage Club, and a lifetime member of both the Lehr Society and the University’s Board of Trustees. The University has honored Dr. Hakes with an honorary doctorate degree in 1976 as well as the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. Dr. Hakes and his good friend, Erv Pierstorf, provided generous funding for the addition to the pharmacy building. In addition, the Rho Chi insignia located just outside the pharmacy building serves as a memorial to his son, Robert, BS Pharm, 1955. Robert’s granddaughter, Jessica, currently attends ONU.

James E. Turner, BSPh ’63

While attending ONU, Jim was a member of Kappa Psi fraternity, Rho Chi, the Northern Yearbook, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, Jim practiced pharmacy in his hometown of Newark, OH before joining Eli Lilly as a sales representative. Then, the opportunity to purchase Gardner’s Drugstore in Ada, OH presented itself. Jim and his wife, Mary Ann Gardner Turner, purchased the store and returned to Ada. Soon after returning to Ada, Jim joined the faculty at the Raabe College of Pharmacy as the pharmacist for the model pharmacy and then developing the externship program. He visited hundreds of pharmacy students at various pharmacies around the state. He served as advisor for Phi Lambda Sigma and Kappa Psi. In addition, Jim served as treasurer for the Ohio Pharmacists’ Association as well as a member and President of the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. Further, Jim’s community service included the Hardin County Health Board, the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, and membership of the Liberty Bankshares Board. The voice of the Ada home football games was that of Jim Turner for many years. The University recognized Jim for his many years of service upon his retirement in 2001.

2007 Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni

From the left: Robert Parsons, Tammy Stefanovic, Frank Wickham, Dean Jon Sprague

Robert Parsons, BSPh ’71

Robert Parsons graduated from Ohio Northern University with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy. He then enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard and served for six years as a pharmacy specialist. Parsons has many years of pharmacy practice experience that include both retail and hospital settings. He served as director of pharmacy services at Selby General Hospital for 13 years. While he continues to practice pharmacy on a part-time basis, Parsons has served as the executive vice president of the Ohio Society of Health System Pharmacists (OSHP) since 1999. He has been the recipient of several prestigious awards which include OSHP’s Walter Frazier Award, OSHP’s Richard Surface Award, and the Ohio Pharmacists Association’s Keys Award. Parsons is also a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

Tammy (McIntire) Stefanovic, BSPh ’88

Tammy McIntire Stefanovic, a long-time pharmaceutical executive, joined Apotex as president of its U.S. operations in early 1999. She was previously vice president of pharmaceutical services for Cardinal Health Inc., a $10.5 billion national drug wholesaler based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings extensive experience to the Apotex U.S. team in negotiating and developing marketing strategies to build relationships with key pharmaceutical customer segments, pricing strategy development, revenue growth and acquisition integration capabilities. Stefanovic, a registered pharmacist, joined Cardinal Health as manager of pharmaceutical services in 1991, focusing on formulary management and maximizing supplier revenues. Promoted to director of pharmaceutical services in 1993, she spearheaded initiatives ranging from rapid distribution programs for new products to managing incentives and sales plans for a field sales force of 150. Her demonstrated leadership abilities led to her appointment as vice president of pharmaceutical services in 1995 where she assumed responsibility for generic pharmaceuticals, generating revenues in excess of $850 million. Stefanovic holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University and a masters of pharmaceutical administration from Ohio State University.

Frank Wickham, BSPh ’60

Franklin Z. Wickham, president of Zane Gideon Associates, Inc. and principal consultant served as the executive director of the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy for more than 22 years and assistant to the executive director for eight years. During his employment with the single state agency in Ohio responsible for administering and enforcing all of the laws governing the practice of pharmacy and the legal distribution of drugs in Ohio, Wickham developed an expertise and considerable knowledge regarding the federal and state issues regarding health care systems, health care professionals and the use of drugs by health care providers. Wickham holds a master’s degree in pharmacology from the University of Kansas and a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University in 1997. Wickham taught Pharmacy Jurisprudence at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. Wickham has served as the part-time director of The Pharmacy Law Institute at the Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy since 1999.