URI Rx Alumni Newsletter Fall 2009

Alumni Newsletter

Inside this issue Dean’s Message

2

Construction Update

3

Alumni News and Events

4

Pharmacy Students Advocating For Better Healthcare

5

Graduate / Research Program Update

7

Gift Recognition

8

Answer: “University of Rhode Island pharmacy students.”

The Question: “Who are the winners of this year’s annual Pepto Bowl?”

November 16, 2009 - Three of URI’s own pharmacy students took home the handsome sterling silver bowl in this year’s “Jeopardy-style” National Association of

State Pharmacists Associations and the Nonprescription Medicines Academy Pharmacist Self Care Championship, also known as the “Pepto Bowl.”

Endowed by Proctor & Gamble, the maker of Pepto-Bismol, this was the second year of the competition that tests pharmacist skills related to self-care counseling and over-thecounter drug knowledge.

Fall 2009

The event was held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncassville Conn. URI students Srilatha Vallabhaneni of Hopewell Junction N.Y., Caitlin Lucy of Bangor, Maine and URI alumnus Michael Hanley of Warren defeated defending champions the University of Connecticut, as well as two branches of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Northeastern University.

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter

Message from the Dean Fall 2009 a great one at URI

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Kingston, RI 02881 401-874-2761 uri.edu/pharmacy Mr. Ronald Jordan Dean Dr. Joan Lausier Associate Dean, Academic and Student affairs 401-874-5888 Dr. E. Paul Larrat Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Education Dr. Stephen Kogut Chair, Pharmacy Practice Dr. Clinton Chichester Chair, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Alumni Newsletter: Editors: John Grossomanides, Rita Marcoux, Michael Simeone, and Dawne Strickland.

Layout: Ian Lester

Please visit us on our web site at: uri.edu/pharmacy/alumni Email us at: pharmce@etal.uri.edu Send us a fax at: 401-874-4424 Page 2

October marked a number of great history making events for the College of Pharmacy. We began with the groundbreaking for our new $75M facility in the new North District of the URI campus on Flagg Road.

Beginning with a building donor recognition breakfast of French toast and maple syrup, compliments of the Canadian Maple Growers who sponsor Dr. Navindra Seeram’s natural products research on the health effects of pure maple syrup, the breakfast was marked with a graduate student speech by Raed Omar (‘09), son of Dr. Mostafa Omar (‘82) the benefactor who provided the funds for the initial architecture and engineering studies for the new building. Nearly every major benefactor of the building attended, and we recognized Dr. Carothers, who stewarded the voters’ $65M general obligation bond for the facility through the general assembly. The public ceremony was conducted in bright sunshine next to the sister building, CBLS, with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and President Dooley speaking along with a magnificent speech on behalf of alumni by our major benefactor Thomas M. Ryan (‘75), CEO and Chairman of CVS-Caremark.

A week later we enjoyed the lime light again at the University’s Distinguished Achievement Awards. Dr. Ed Rudnic (‘78) who received is BS, MS, and PhD from the College was honored by receipt of one of the four Presidential Level awards. Scott Campbell (‘77), Dr. Paul DesJardins (‘72) and Dr. Eleanor Perfetto (’80) also received their Dean’s recognition at this event which spaned the entire homecoming weekend. These events were amazing to attend, the success and great work of our fellow URI alumni is astounding to hear about.

These great pharmacists in our case and others across the Colleges model the way for our students and give us great hope that URI will be delivering tremendous value to society and world for many years to come. These recipients personify our tradition of excellence in professional achievement, leadership and community service, thereby bringing distinction to themselves and to the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Finally, we had our comprehensive six-year accreditation team visit this month.

This visit follows nearly 2 years of extensive self study by the college faculty. The enormous effort was led by Dr. Marilyn Barbour who has

been instrumental in both the University’s NEASC accreditation and previous College accreditation efforts.

Every faculty member worked under a group of section chairs on analysis of our program, and we had volunteers from our partners and alumni join. The team visit involved extensive interviews with students, alumni, preceptors, faculty and administrators. While the official report will not be made until after the ACPE Board of Directors meet in December, we have had a preliminary report that looks good. The report was complimentary about our students and the outside teaching sites and preceptors, and we appreciate those sites and individuals who volunteered their time to help with the visit. We’ll keep you informed as the report is finalized.

Enjoy this newsletter! Your college is moving forward rapidly and positively toward a better future, and we are all grateful for your interest and support of our program.

Ronald Jordan, Dean

Fall 2009

URI launches construction of $75 million pharmacy building

Above left to right: Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Judge Frank Caprio, Chairman, Board of Governors, David Dooley, President, URI, Thomas Ryan, Chairman, President, and CEO CVS/Caremark, Governor Donald Carcieri, Ronald Jordan, Dean, College of Pharmacy, Robert Weygand, Vice President, URI

F i r s t w e e k o f O c t o b e r - S u f f o l k C o n s t ru c t i o n s e l e c t e d a s g e n e r a l c o n t r a c t o r s October 5 - Ground breaking ceremony Last week in November - Contract with Suffolk finalized December 22 – Construction fencing commenced Page 3

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter

M a r i s s a S a lv o , C l a s s of ‘ 0 9 While Merissa may be fresh out of the College of Pharmacy, she has had no trouble finding outstanding opportunities following her tenure at URI. Her education and involvement has brought her to a Pharmacy Practice Residency in the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, practicing patient care at the St. Louis County Department of Health’s North Central Clinic.

“As a resident, I am expected to provide evidence-based, patient-centered, medication therapy management services and exercise practice management skills within the county healthcare system and at the college,” said Salvo. “Throughout my residency, I am participating in the Resident Education Academy, a certificate program designed to introduce residents to teaching and learning principles. I will work as a member of a small resident group developing and delivering a therapeutics lecture during the spring semester at St. Louis College of Pharmacy.”

In her sixth year at URI, Salvo was moved by mentors and faculty to expand her experience of academia through a residency program. Salvo, having enjoyed rotations with Associate Professor Tracey Taveira in ambulatory care, Professor Anne Hume in acute care, and an academic teaching rotation with Associate Professor Celia MacDonnell, hopes to pursue similar mediums of practice in her career as a pharmacist. It was through these and other professors and preceptors, with whom she worked during her sixth year in the College of Pharmacy, that she found her residency program in St. Louis, one that would not only lead her into the patient care and teaching positions she enjoyed, but expand her options as a growing pharmacist.

“So far, my experiences have been truly worthwhile. I interact with patients, providers, and pharmacy students on a daily basis, gain insight into a career in academia, pursue scholarly investigations, and work with pharmacists who are truly shaping pharmacy practice.”

M aine Alumni E vent On October 3rd, Brian (‘80) and Debbie Dallaire hosted 15 Maine alumni and their guests at their beautiful seaside home in Biddeford, Maine. Dean Jordan updated alumni on the status of the new building and spoke about the upcoming groundbreaking which happened on October 5th. Detailed photo renderings provided alumni with an idea of its appearance.

Brian is a major benefactor to the building naming both the Student Organization Office along with the Drug Information Center.

The Dallaire’s personally catered this event and welcomed the opportunity to assist the College with future functions in Maine.

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Fall 2009

URI Pharmacy Students Travel to Washington D.C. Advocating For Better Healthcare A group of Rhode Island pharmacy students and professors led by their dean traveled to the capitol for RxImpact day led by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. The students asked for government to improve accessibility and coverage for medication therapy management and to rid the healthcare system of onerous regulations. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse were among the few with whom the group met in order to discuss the matter.

On June 17th, a group of seven URI pharmacy students traveled along with their dean to Washington D.C. for better healthcare legislation. The newly founded National Association of Chain Drug Stores hosted the event on Capitol Hill. The

students discussed key issues with US senators and representatives.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is an upcoming organization that is focused on the development of community pharmacy within healthcare. The NACDS supports lowering overall medical costs through correcting insufficiencies within the healthcare system.

On this occasion, the group of students and professors met with Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative Jim Langevin. They also met with the assistants of both Senator John Kerry and Representative Jim Mcgovern.

The major concern was to emphasize the importance of medication therapy management. The students asked for easier accessibility for Medicare patients to receive

the proper counseling. Medication therapy management is counseling patients on specific diseases and/or drug regimens that they may have. The group showed how providing funding for reimbursement for such services would lower overall healthcare costs.

Ron Jordan, dean of the college of pharmacy at URI, stated, “Community pharmacists are the most accessible yet most underutilized healthcare professionals within our nation.”

URI's Making A Difference campaign hits $100 million mark 15 months ahead of schedule October 17, 2009 – University of Rhode Island President David M. Dooley announced that the University's Making a Difference capital campaign has achieved its $100 million goal, a full 15 months ahead of schedule. The campaign is scheduled to officially close December 31, 2010.

"Reaching the $100 million mark for the University's campaign is remarkable progress, and the willingness of so many of our alumni and friends to support the University is inspiring," said URI President David M. Dooley.

"We have a strong foundation of

excellence at URI, but it has only been recently that a lot of the critical pieces have come together for us to move aggressively toward even higher levels of distinction and achievement.

We need to continue our course to reach the heights that the University is capable of achieving. Together, we can make amazing things happen."

Nearly 9 percent of campaign dollars raised have been earmarked to athletics, and another 7 percent has been designated for the annual fund (Fund for URI). Approximately $8.5 million

has been donated to help support new building construction which is funded, primarily, through taxpayer approved bonds. This private support enhanced two buildings in the past year: the Graduate School of Oceanography's Undersea Space and Exploration Center and the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences building.

Funds have also been raised and earmarked for other construction projects, including the new College of Pharmacy building.

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The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter

Navindra Seeram Winner of the American Chemical Society Agriculture & Food Chemistry Division 2009 Young Scientist Award URI pharm acy resear cher seeks pa rt ic ipa n ts f or L ip i tor m e ta b ol i s m s t u d y i n p at i e n t s w i t h d i a b e t e s December 1, 2009 – A researcher in the University of Rhode Island’s College of Pharmacy is seeking subjects for a study focusing on the metabolism and side effects of Lipitor™ on patients with diabetes.

Fatemeh Akhlaghi, URI associate professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, has a $200,000 American Heart Association grant to examine the effects of Lipitor, also known by the generic name of atorvastatin, on 50 patients with diabetes and 50 without the disease.

Study subjects must be 18 to 65 years old, taking Lipitor, and be willing to have their blood drawn at URI Health Services or a South County Hospital laboratory at the South Kingstown Office Park on Salt Pond Road. Each participant will receive $40 compensation.

Akhlaghi said initial lab studies suggest that patients with diabetes are less able to metabolize Lipitor, which can lead to severe muscle pain.

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Fall 2009

G r a d u at e / R e s e a r c h P r o g r a m U p d at e In addition to training tomorrow’s pharmacists, the College of Pharmacy also trains tomorrow’s pharmaceutical scientists. The graduate Pharmaceutical Sciences program seeks to train graduate students in the basic and applied science of biomedical research. The program offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Pharmaceutical Science with specializations including Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacology & Toxicology.

Currently, there are 39 Ph.D. and 16 M.S. students enrolled in the program. Admission is highly competitive, receiving 150 applications last year with an acceptance rate of only ten percent.

Graduates receiving M.S. or Ph.D. degrees have obtained research positions at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as post-doctoral fellowships at some of the nations leading medical research universities.

Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program is cutting edge, collaborative, multidisciplinary and well funded by the NIH, the pharmaceutical industry and other organizations. Research focuses include cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as health systems and public health. Recently, the NIH National Center for Research Resources awarded the College of Pharmacy a five-year, $18 million grant to support continued biomedical research. This is the third

COPPRS The College of Pharmacy has a new graduate student organization appropriately named the College of Pharmacy Professional Research Society (COPPRS).

COPPRS was started as a way to integrate College of Pharmacy graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in all areas of research, including the biochemical and health outcomes focused groups. The organization is committed to fostering a researchoriented educational environment that upon completion of their education here at URI, produces individuals who will make significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the health care field. The group aims to promote unity amongst graduate and postdoctoral students in the college, promote social organization of its members, foster professional development through crossdiscipline education and interaction as well as better the College, University and local community through their community service efforts.

award the college has received with previous awards of $8 and $16 million supporting the development of the Rhode Island IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (RI-INBRE) Centralized Research Core Facility. This facility, located in Fogarty hall of the Kingston campus, is state of the art and equipped with instrumentation and lab personnel that facilitate high-quality, collaborative, inter-state biomedical research at a centralized location. The central locality of the RI-INBRE lab allows immediate access for all graduate students and ensures the ability to complete high-level and impactful biomedical research on the Kingston campus.

The future of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program has been set in the right direction. With the national attention garnered to improving healthcare, the biomedical research generated by the students and faculty of the URI Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program is more important now than ever. Through its grant funding efforts, the program has ensured future success both in scientific research along with the training of highly qualified and sought after graduate students in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The COPPRS have been a very active group of late with a variety of recent events. Last February, over 30 graduate student and post -doctoral members of COPPRS trekked to Wachusett Mountain for a night ski trip. Several were residents of countries that lack snow, and were skiing for the first time!

As their mission is to promote unity and social organization, the COPPRS hosted a bar-b-que at the beginning of the fall semester.

The event was a hit and allowed for the introduction of new graduate students as well as the socialization and exchange of recent research findings amongst current graduate and post-doctoral students.

These events are in addition to the high level biomedical and health outcomes research that the COPPRS organization is built upon and its members perform in their pursuit of improving human health and health care.

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The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter

Gift Recognition—July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy gratefully acknowledges the alumni, corporations, faculty, foundations, friends, students and parents whose gifts have been received by the College between July 1, 09 and December 31, 09. Your continuing support allows us to educate and train the pharmacists, clinicians, pharmaceutical scientists and community leaders of tomorrow.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information below. In the event of an error or omission, please contact Rich Popovic, Assistant Dean of Development at 401-874-9017 so that we may correct our records.

Lifetime Benefactors CVS/Caremark Corporation Mario Family Foundation Dr. Ernest Mario Omar Family Magnate Foundation Dr. Mostafa M Omar Thomas M & Cathy H Ryan Gifts $10,000-$49,999 Brian K. Dallaire Douglas O & Kathleen O Fisher * Foster Corporation Hoffmann La-Roche Walgreens Richard Allen Yacino, Sr.

Gifts $5,000-$9,999 Timothy E Baker & Baker's Pharmacy of Jamestown Scott A. Campbell & Ocean Pharmacy Charlestown William E Dewhirst David P & Priscilla G Feeney & Oxnard Pharmacy Charles & Joan Frost Matthew J & Jeanmarie Leonard Robert & Janice Pollock Rite Aid Corporation David & Debra Whalley & Newport Prescription Center

Gifts $1,000-$4,999 Frederick W & Beverly Ragosta Burgess Joseph P Burghardt Norman A* & Mary Campbell Brian W. Cornell Lynn K Davis Louis T & Monica Difazio Erica L* & Todd M Estus Kathleen Gazzola John Grossomanides Anne L* & George Hume Julie M Jones Ronald P * & Karen W. Jordan George H Kenson Pauline R Levasseur Rita M Marcoux* & James M Gutkowski Andrea V & James O' Hair Page 8

Eleanor M Perfetto Pharmacists Mutual Companies Paul D & Jean A Russell Norman C Saute Yuzuru* & Hiroko Shimizu Michael A & Kathleen Sipala Sherry J Soloff Peter J & Virginia Scorpio Solomon Peter John Swenton, Jr. & Irene Roditakis Rita J Valentino Wal-Mart Gordon S Willcox Wyeth Elena Zour & Francois Menard

Gifts $500-$999 Carole J Amore Dana H Anderson Mario & Veronica Casinelli Christine M & Christopher J Collins Susan Delmonico Eric J Mack John J Mastrianni Lynne C Miller Samuel J Montalto, Jr. Louise DiChiara Pastore Vincent T Piccirillo Christopher V Riel Mary Ellen Rossi Brian & Susan Sawchuk Danny R Simard Eileen Suarez Patricia Lynn Verhulst

Gifts $250-$499 Dugald J Brown Cecilia L Caldwell Paul B. Chace & Old Port Pharmacy Young Soo Choi Christine Mary Dollard Susan McCooey Drady Lisa A Durland Susan C Johnson Sungja Kang Michele B Kaufman & Jo Ellen Fusco Jeffrey W & Samantha L Mattiucci Andrew C Miller Mylan Laboratories Inc Eric W & Karen L Norberg Joyce O'Brien Vincent A & Kathy J Pigula Anthony J Rose Jr Deborah A Thomas Randolph J Weaver & Maple City Pharmacy

Gifts below $250 Sharon H Abraczinskas American Academy of CME Inc Elizabeth VanVeldhuisen Matthew J & Nicolette Andolfo Joseph M Anthony & Edith Sequino Anthony Kathleen Miller Antil Paula Archer Jeffrey J Ares Carl J Ashworth Gary F Avila Paul Barbour Frederick J Barrowclough Bay Realty Ltd Bertha E Beaudreau & Richard N Larkin Dawne F Benevento Tracy A Benson Lori Ann Bilodeau Laureen Bisaccia Caitlin K Botelho Joanne Knaus Bouchard & William R. Bouchard Clare Boudreau Thomas Francis Brady Jeffrey P Bratberg * & Patricia Cavanagh

Robert E. Brown Josie P Campbell Kristen J Candon Paul H & Sharon Quirk Capuano Capuzziello & Associates Caremark RX Inc Katie A Carlson David B & Rebecca Carosella Carmine Catalano Elizabeth A & Roderick AJ Cavanagh John Stuart Champion Chih-Wu & Pei-Tei L Chang Warren S Chernick Diana F Clarke Dorothy Ann Coffin James F. Conroy Vincent J Corea & Jackie Corea Janet L & Richard A Costa Gordon Paul & Marcia Carroll Daglieri Nancy L Davis Jeffffrey A Del Ricci Jr Delta Kappa Gamma Soc Epsilon Gayle P & Peter Vincent DeMinico Marie Gora DiMicco Domenic & Rosemary Diorio Amario Diorio Rebecca L Dobbs Patricia A Doherty Melanie Metzger Dougherty Ronald Dumais Durkin Cottage Realty James P & Rebecca A Durkin Ronald H. Duvall Roy A Eckloff, Jr. Elizabeth Eldredge Anthony J. Elia Richard Evangelista Michael A & Michele A Ferrucci Dennis William Flowers Skip Folsom Leonard Arthur Forcier Pauline Gagnon Foss Lester Morton Friedman Michael A & Barbara Weiner Frost Brian L Furbush James G Gallagher Jr Gerry Enterprises Inc Gretchen K Golikov Anne L Gould John C Grady Robert S Haas & Thelma Ballirano Hass Thomas E Hackett Patricia A Hagerty Michael Hanley Elena B Haveles Roderick B Henderson Timothy M & Linda V Hennessey Jason M & Susan P Holt Janney & Associates LTD Gregory W Johns Joan L Johnson Mary E Kelly Heemong Kim Vaughn C Kinosian Sergio Kinsala Paula J Knight Lisa M Komadina Philomena W Kong Karen E Kopoian Dawn L Laido William J Lambert Bertrand J Laprade Heather A Larch Ann M Largay Frank Laurito William J G & Audrey Lawton Laura Leso Laurie L Lincoln Micole Linehan Ronald M Lombardi Celia MacDonnell* David Joseph Magiera Joseph Louis & Sonja A Masso McKesson Corporation Peter McMurray

Kathleen M Melbourne Natalie A Mendham Stuart T Meridian Larry Meyerson Middletown Cruise & Travel Agency Donna L Miller Edward T Moldenhauer Jr Justina A Molzon Jeanne M Moriak Eric E Morse Richard L Moultrop Pauline A Murphy Patricia R * & Neil Murray NAAMECC Carolyn Quinlan Nadworny Joseph D Nasca James Patrick Nash Newport Federal Savings Bank Kenneth F & Alicia Olszewski Mark F Orszulak Carol Lea Ours Karen M Overstreet Richard E Palumbo Ronald Mario & Eileen Paolino Eugene Anthony Parker Sara Pawlowicz Elizabeth Payson John Jay & Maureen A Pelosi Sherry Pierce William Francis Pittman Rogene Poffenberger Frederick C. & Joan E. Polseno Diane D Powers Prime Education Inc. Pro-Change Behavior Systems Inc. Surendra K Puri Shirley Freeman Putney & Edward J Putney Charles Joseph Raiola Marcus & Eleanor Rand Mary Carr Rice Cheryl Lynn Ritzi Eric P Rodes Constantine Roditakis Eric A Rose Elizabeth I Russell RxInsider Ltd Mark L Saible Rosalie Saltzman Schering Corp Mary McDonald Schmidt Ann M Schumacher Joan P Scott Leonard G Seader Cosimo A Serio Janet Shurtleff Susan Helga Sidel Jason C & Tovia A Siegel Michael L* & Jennifer Simeone Smithfield Lions Club Susan I Soldivieri South County Men's Indoor Soccer Team Robert T Steadman Sr William J Summa, Jr. Charles A Sweet Jessica L Tavares Louise F Theberge Anthony J Trask Mary Ann A Tsonos Nicole Vaccari Vanguard-Fine LLC Washington County Retired Teachers Association Jason D Welesko William Z Welsh, Jr. Anna M White Paul R Winter Raymond A & Deanna DiBiasio Wright Josephine Zaccagnini John R & Cheryl A Zevzavadjian

Notes *

Indicates a gift from member of the College’s faculty or staff (including emeritus faculty)

THE SCRIPT Fall 2009

COP wins Pepto Bowl The URI College of Pharmacy is delighted to announce their win at this year’s National Association of State Pharmacists Associations and the Nonprescription Medicines Academy (NASPA-NMA) Pharmacist Self Care Championship, also known as the “Pepto Bowl”. The handsome sterling silver bowl trophy, endowed by Proctor and Gamble, was presented at the New England Pharmacists Convention to recognize the team that wins a “Jeopardy” like test of skills related to self care counseling and nonprescription drug knowledge.

Kappa Psi, taking things down south

Brothers Andrew Benson, Tom Bertha, and Diamond Loyd pose with the award.

Dean Jordan with the winners, Sri Vallabhaneni (P4), Caitlin Lucy (P4), and Michael Hanley (class of ‘07).

The URI team faced stiff competition from the previous winner, UCONN, and a very knowledgable team from MCPHS-Boston. Other teams in the tight competition included MCPHSWorcester and Northeastern University. After trailing in most of the game, some bold bets on a bonus question and in Final Jeopardy resulted in a great win and the second engraved name on the trophy following last year’s win, where UCONN had edged out URI to take the inaugural position on the bowl.

Several URI faculty were involved in the game logistics as well. Dr. Jef Bratberg hosted the event for the second year, always entertaining an early morning crowd. As an NMA Steering Committee member, Dr. Kelly Orr worked with faculty from the other New England Schools regarding pre-production aspects of the game. Once again, Dr. Brett Feret served as one of five score keepers and Dean Jordan sat on the judges panel.

The young and old The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) was introduced to the College of Pharmacy by Dr. Erica Estus, Coordinator of Advanced Geriatric Pharmacotherapy, with the aim to empower student pharmacists to enhance the quality of life and encourage healthy aging for older adults. Promotion of community outreach is also important to fill the gap between generations and build stronger communication ties.

The Beta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Psi was privileged to attend the fraternity’s national Grand Council Convention held this summer in Clearwater, Florida. The chapter sent 15 brothers to this convention. It was held at the beautiful Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and lasted from August 4th to August 9th. The chapter was proud to support alumnus Dr. Matthew Lacroix in his appointment to the prestigious national office of Grand Ritualist, which is a reflection of his commitment and professionalism that he has displayed as a brother and URI Pharmacy graduate.

This convention served as a great networking opportunity, as several notable figures in Rhode Island pharmacy and URI alumni were in attendance. These included Dr. Norman Campbell, Dr. John Grossomanides, Dr. Matthew Lacroix, and several others. Time was spent enjoying the beautiful beach and Florida weather, and the chapter attended a Red SoxRays game at the Rays stadium in St. Petersburg. The convention also featured several informative workshops on brotherhood-building, and also a career roundtable which introduced different pharmacy settings to the brothers. GCC was an extremely memorable experienced which helped the brothers in attendance to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood with each other and brothers outside of URI.

LKS awarded for good deeds This summer marked the 2009 LKS Regional Meeting. Seventeen of the Xi Chapter sisters traveled to Hartford, CT to represent the University of Rhode Island. While there they learned everything from recruitment tips and new fundraising ideas to post graduation life lessons from our alumni. The chapter was recognized for excellence in philanthropy, and was one of only seven chapters to receive a President’s Choice Award. The elegant dinner cruise aboard the Lady Catherine along with the annual Blue and Gold Dinner made for an excellent weekend full of sister bonding and inter-chapter communication. All in all the meeting was one of the very best, and Xi Chapter can hardly wait until next summer’s biennial convention in Pittsburg, PA.

Above, sisters of LKS gather and smile during the Regional Meeting in Hartford, CT.