Laura Butkievich '06
Young Alumnus Award
When Dr. Laura Butkievich was a student at STLCOP, she set a goal for herself to become a clinical coordinator within a hospital setting. Just six years after her graduation, she’s accomplished that goal. Laura is the System Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator for University of Missouri Health Care. A leader in her profession, Laura also acts as the PGY-1 Residency Program Director for University of Missouri Health Care, and sits on the board of directors for Missouri Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) and MSHP Research and Education Foundation.
W. Thomas Smith '93/'94
Outstanding Achievement Award
As director of University of Florida’s Online Master of Science in Pharmacy program, Dr. W. Thomas “Tommy” Smith is a course coordinator and professor, instructing doctor of pharmacy students and acting as preceptor for students on academic rotations.
Tommy’s work is focused on disability education in pharmacy curricula and legal and ethical issues related to disability and health care. “I have had the opportunity to engage in scholarly activities involving disabilities,” he says, “particularly focusing on students with disabilities, as well as pharmacy students’ knowledge and comfort with patients with disabilities. It is so incredibly gratifying to shine a light on such an ignored area.”
C. Patrick Tharp '61/'62
Outstanding Service to the Community
In 1989, Dr. Patrick Tharp established The Melling Group, an international consulting company to the pharmaceutical industry that helps drug companies market products in other countries.
Patrick’s greatest passion is suicide prevention. In 2003 he founded Pharmacists Preventing Suicides©, a division of The Melling Group specializing in teaching pharmacists, instructors, and pharmacy students to identify, refer, and assist persons at risk of taking their own lives to reduce suicide attempts and completions. Patrick has lectured on the subject of suicide prevention to mental health professionals, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, as well as church and community groups. Pharmacists Preventing Suicides continues to actively promote pharmacy’s role to improve quality of life and prevent these tragic events.
Michelle Dyer ’98
Outstanding Service to the Profession
Michelle Dyer began her career in pharmacy while she was a student at STLCOP. In addition to attending the College, she also worked at Fritz Pharmacy in Carlinville, IL, her hometown. In 2008, 10 years after her graduation from STLCOP, Michelle would assume ownership of Fritz Pharmacy, renamed Michelle’s pharmacy.
In addition to the pharmacy in Carlinville, Michelle opened a second location in Gillespie, IL. As she looks toward her future in the pharmacy profession, Michelle keeps her customers’ needs in the forefront. “There’s lot changing in pharmacy, and I am working so I can continue to give the best quality of service possible to my customers. These people were my grandparents’ friends, my parents’ friends; they deserve highest quality care.”
Garth Reynolds ’00
Outstanding Service to the College
Garth Reynolds’ dedication to the pharmacy profession and loyalty to STLCOP are reflected in his outstanding professional career. As Pharmacy Supervisor for Dierbergs Markets, Inc., Garth oversees the pharmacy operations for 22 pharmacies in the Great St. Louis area and Metro East Illinois. In addition, Garth is the Immunization Program Coordinator for Dierbergs Markets’ full adult and late adolescent immunization program.
Like his parents and sister, Garth chose St. Louis College of Pharmacy for his education and he believes STLCOP has defined his career community pharmacy. Garth in turn has given his leadership, expertise, and service to the College to help develop future pharmacists. “I have and will always be ready to assist the College to move forward, improve the profession, and educate the future of pharmacy,” he says.
Art Perry ’72
Loyalty Award
The first in his family to enroll in college, Art Perry found success despite numerous challenges. When he enrolled at STLCOP, Art was one of only three African-American students in his class. To pay his tuition and support his wife and children, Art worked the entire time he attended the College, even putting his education on hold for two years so he could work to replenish his savings. In 1972, Art graduated from STLCOP.
His professional success can be contributed to the determination and drive he demonstrated while at the College. Art’s loyalty to Kean Drug spanned a 27 year career, starting as a clerk and eventually becoming manager, followed by six promotions in 19 years with Eli Lilly.
Art has remained a dedicated alumnus to the College. In return, Art has been instrumental in leading the College as it educates generations of future pharmacists. From 1999-2008, Art served on the College’s Board of Trustees, where he helped initiate the rebuilding and expansion of the College’s campus. In addition, he is a past member and honorary president of STLCOP’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.