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UIC PHARMACY: 165 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
UIC PHARMACY: 165 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
Since its inception in 1859, the UIC College of Pharmacy has been a leader and pioneer in pharmacy education, research, and service, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of pharmacy, pharmacists, researchers, and healthcare leaders in Illinois and beyond.
As we reflect on our college’s rich history and impact, we express gratitude for all those who have contributed over the past 165 years—from the college’s founders to the dedicated faculty, staff, students, and alumni who continue to carry the torch and advance our mission of excellence in education, research, and service.
Here’s to 165 years of learning, discovery, and growth— and to many more years of success!
We will be celebrating this anniversary in person in fall 2024—more information will be coming as we get closer to the official anniversary date of September 12, 2024.
1833
The City of Chicago is incorporated.
1852
The American Pharmaceutical Association, now known as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is formed.
1859
On September 12, the charter that forms the Chicago College of Pharmacy is signed, marking the official establishment of Illinois’s first school of pharmacy, the sixth school of pharmacy in the nation, and making it the oldest college in the University of Illinois System.
1861
The college graduates its first class of two students.
1862
Chicago College of Pharmacy closes due to the Civil War Professors and students join the Union forces.
1868
The college begins a monthly academic periodical called The Pharmacist, the third pharmaceutical journal in America.
1871
The Great Chicago Fire destroys roughly 3.3 square miles of the city and over 17,000 structures, including the college’s own building. Albert Ebert begins writing letters to friends and pharmacist colleagues around the world to help save the college. The rescue effort was led by Dr. John Attfield, who was able to secure support from people and organizations in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Russia, Italy, and across the United States.
1872
The college is rebuilt and reopens on October 2, 1872. The new building is named in honor of Dr. Attfield.
1880
The college assists in the creation of the Illinois Pharmaceutical Association
1896
On May 2, 1896 The Chicago College of Pharmacy becomes part of the University of Illinois. The college is renamed the University of Illinois School of Pharmacy
1912
Along with the Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry, the college moves to Chicago’s west side on South Wood Street.
1917
The Northwestern School of Pharmacy merged with the University of Illinois School of Pharmacy. The Northwestern School of Pharmacy operated from 1886 to 1917.
1932
The college is renamed and becomes the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy.
1941
The college introduces graduate degree programs: Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy
1950
Head of the university’s Institute for Tuberculosis Research Sol Rosenthal develops the Tice strain of the BCG vaccine to prevent tuberculosis.
1954
The College of Pharmacy moves to a newly constructed six-story building and current home– 833 South Wood Street
1965
The University of Illinois Chicago Circle campus opens.
1969
The college graduates its first cohort of pharmacy residents
1982
The Medical Center and Circle campuses consolidate to form the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
1984
The college moves exclusively to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree as the only professional degree awarded.
1986
The BCG vaccine originally developed at the college’s Tuberculosis Institute gains official approval for treating bladder cancer
1999
The college celebrates the groundbreaking of the Dorothy Bradley Atkins Medicinal Plant Garden.
2003
The college receives a $15.7 million grant to develop new antibiotics to treat and prevent Anthrax infection.
2008
The college suffers its second “Great Fire.” A fire in the 833 South Wood Street building forces classes to be canceled for a week and results in months of rebuilding.
2010
The college expands to a second campus in Rockford, Illinois
2014
The college graduates its first cohort of PharmD students from the Rockford campus.
2016
The college unveils the Foglia Compounding Lab, a world-class training space for students to learn compounding, sterile, and non-sterile preparation of medications.
2017
Pozen Plaza is dedicated, and the college installs the world’s second-largest mortar and pestle at 833 South Wood Street.
2019
The Herbert and Carol Retzky Simulation Lab is unveiled, providing students access to a state-of-the-art education and training space.
2020
College helps lead the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine to people across Chicago and throughout Illinois. Phexxi, a contraceptive gel developed by UIC Pharmacy’s Don Waller, hits the market.
2021
The college launches the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree and a PharmD in seven years.
2022
The college unveils six new concentrations to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, unlocking new academic and career opportunities for its students.
2024
The college celebrates its 165th anniversary.
Future of Excellence in Education, Equitable Patient Care, and Research is
way with the Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion (DDCRP).
The UIC College of Pharmacy along with the UI Centre and our partners in the UI Cancer Center, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) are set to launch a new initiative that will leverage our robust academic health enterprises by doing something only UIC is uniquely positioned to do: Provide the broadest access to the highest levels of educational, research, and clinical excellence.
THE DDCRP WILL:
1. Allow our students the opportunity to learn from the best in an environment not often experienced at other R1 Universities.
2 . Bring necessary attention and resources to health equity and drug discovery that will impact our local and global community.
3 . Create a new state-of-the-art facility for top-notch researchers to collaborate under one roof.
We need your support to bring this project to fruition. To learn more about the DDCRP and how you can help strengthen the future of the UIC College of Pharmacy, e-mail senior director of development Derrick Collins at dmc22@uic.edu or call 312.996.3376
