NEWS & NOTES New award created to support Black and Indigenous pharmacy students REXALL PHARMACY GROUP DONATES TO ESTABLISH THE REXALL AWARD IN PHARMACY TO SUPPORT BLACK AND INDIGENOUS PHARMACY STUDENTS
Thanks to the generosity of Rexall Pharmacy Group, the Faculty of
a sustainable impact,” says Tunde Kolarinwa, Vice President of Talent
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta
Management and the HR Support for Rexall’s ASPIRE Inclusion and
now has the Rexall Award in Pharmacy for Black and Indigenous
Diversity Network, which represents BIPOC members of Rexall and the
second, third or fourth year pharmacy students. The hybrid award is
McKesson Canada enterprise.
one of the ways that Rexall has begun efforts to move beyond awareness
“This award will go a long way for the integration of Black and
and advocacy to more tangible actions to support equity, diversity and
Indigenous students into a mainstream program like pharmacy and
inclusion (EDI).
contributes towards the recognition of the diversity they bring to the
“We want to make an impact and a difference,” says Tracy Paulo-
field,” says first year pharmacy student and Black Pharmacy Students’
Brown, Director, Talent Attraction and Diversity. “We want to provide
Association member, Imabong Nzurum. “The scholarship will also
opportunities to make education more accessible where systemic racism
provide a measure of financial freedom that will increase interest in the
is present. Awards and bursaries are one way we can help support people
program for younger Black and Indigenous students.”
and work to dismantle that.” Rexall’s mission is to care for Canadians’ health, one person at a
“We’re happy to have Rexall partner with us to support Black and Indigenous pharmacy students,” says Dr. Neal Davies, Dean and
time, and Paulo-Brown says EDI is an integral part of that. “It provides
Professor of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “It’s
opportunity for innovation and growth. And beyond doing great things
important to us that our BIPOC students are celebrated and supported,
for the organization, it does great things for our patients and the
so they can go on to make an impact in the communities they serve.”
community.” When choosing where to begin lending support, Paulo-Brown says
The Rexall Award in Pharmacy will be open for applications in the next academic year (2021-2022). Selection will be based on academic
it was an easy decision for Rexall to start with students. “Students are
standing, indicated financial need, and demonstration of Rexall’s
our future,” she says. “When you think of growth and development, you
ICARE values of Integrity, Customer-First, Accountability, Respect and
should think of the next generation.”
Excellence.
“As a community pharmacy, it is important we are reflective of the
Rexall is in the process of creating similar student support programs
communities we serve. Partnering with U of A to ensure members of
at multiple other Canadian universities to reduce financial barriers
the BIPOC community have one less thing to worry about through this
for Black and Indigenous students in pharmacy programs across the
award is an initiative we are excited about and are confident will make
country.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
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