The WSU pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences community raised over $100,000 at the Crimson Gala to support students and name the Dr. Danial Baker Drug Information and Telehealth Center. The reenvisioned center will build upon the over 50-year history of the Drug Information Center to continue as an invaluable source for information on medications with expansion into telehealth. Student pharmacists will then have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a virtual practice setting as a future pharmacy practice experience rotation option. Funds from the naming will go towards the Dean’s Excellence Fund to support the areas of greatest need within the college and better prepare our students for their futures as health care providers and scientists.
The annual Crimson Gala is a celebration of pharmacy leaders who shape the profession for future generations as well as all of those who help to pave the way for the next generation of Coug pharmacists and scientists through their guidance and leadership. It is a chance to recognize awardees, catch up with friends and classmates, and raise funds for scholarships and academic programs at the college.
Congratulations, to the awardees celebrated this year:
R. Keith Campbell Lifetime Achievement Award
The R. Keith Campbell Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2017 to honor Professor Keith Campbell (’64) who served as a professor at the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for 40 years. Professor Campbell was the first recipient of the award, which was subsequently named for him. The award recognizes a track record of excellence in pharmacy, patient care, advocacy, research, service, and mentoring or teaching. It is the most prestigious honor bestowed on an individual from the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Danial Baker (’78)
Danial Baker is a Regents Professor Emeritus at Washington State University and a global leader in drug information. With over four decades of service, he directed WSU’s Drug Information Center (1983–2024), published over 3,000 works, and served on editorial boards and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Healthcare Safety and Quality Expert Committee. He’s earned top honors including the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) Bowl of Hygeia, Pharmacist of the Year, and USP Thomas S. Foster Award. His legacy spans academia, managed care, and international collaboration—an enduring testament to a lifetime of dedication to advancing pharmacy and public health.
Alumni of the Year
The Alumni of the Year award was established by the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council in 1991. The award recognized alumni for personal achievements and contributions to community, society at large or the health care profession.
Last year, the college expanded the recognition to include alumni from the PhD program, as well as Recent Alumni of the Year, otherwise known as RAY, which celebrates a graduate from the last 10 years.
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program
Candice L. Willmon (’06)
A quote from Candice L. Willmon’s nomination: “[Candice] is the Franchise Team Lead, Bladder and Renal, US Medical Affairs Oncology at Pfizer. She has played an active role in launching and garnering FDA approval for an antibody drug conjugate chemotherapy agent for bladder cancer. She leads a team of Medical Directors that support FDA-approved chemotherapy agents in bladder and renal cancer… As a true Coug, she gives back to [the college] in time and resources.”
Pharmacy Program
Crystal Bryan (’12)
A quote from Crystal Bryan’s nomination: “Crystal has also been a crucial partner in her role with Cascadia Pharmacy Group which aligns with the college’s goals to serve underserved and rural communities. She has been able to share her career journey with PharmD students in the Career Seminar Series and is a strong advocate for current pharmacists, future pharmacists, and the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences!”
RAY (Recent Alumni of the Year)
Brandy Seignemartin (’20)
A quote from Brandy Seignemartin’s nomination: “Less than two years from graduation, Brandy became the Executive Director of the Alaska Pharmacists Association…In 2024 Brandy’s efforts led to Alaska pharmacists being recognized as providers with Alaska Medicaid. This will have a huge impact on access to care for people in Alaska through a sustainable business model that ensures pharmacist providers can stay in business.”
Preceptors of the Year
Through teaching and mentorship, preceptors guide pharmacy students as they work with patients in a variety of health care settings. These experiences are pivotal in determining a pharmacy student’s future career. In a testament to the importance of preceptors, student pharmacists submitted 329 nominations for over 182 preceptors this year.
Andrea L. Howell (’90)
Pullman Regional Hospital
A quote from Andrea L. Howell’s nomination: “Dr. Howell was immediately welcoming to me. She gave me the opportunity to interact with patients and practice skills that I’ve been learning in class. I also feel like the atmosphere in the pharmacy is amazing. Everyone respects and likes each other and works together extremely well. This was a great place to learn.”
Travis Laselle*
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center Hospital
A quote from Travis Laselle’s nomination: “Dr. Laselle took time to explain complex clinical concepts clearly, encouraged critical thinking, and challenged me to grow both professionally and personally… I left this rotation feeling more confident, inspired, and better prepared for my future as a pharmacist.”
*Preferred not to be pictured.
Hyun Joo Lee
Providence Swedish: Credena Health Pharmacy First Hill
A quote from Hyun Joo Lee’s nomination: “Dr. Lee made an exceptional effort to make sure that his staff took care of me. Not only did he make sure that they challenged me, they made sure that my learning wasn’t hindered. I feel that I am a different student after this rotation and I’ll forever be grateful for this experience.”
Lukas Van Voorhis (’19)
Genoa Healthcare #20283: 1st Avenue Pharmacy
A quote from Lukas Van Voorhis’ nomination: “Dr. Van Voorhis genuinely cares about his patients and encourages his students to learn…He doesn’t just want us to get through the rotation, but wants us to learn and have a great experience while there. He cares about how the rotation is for students and is constantly looking for ways to improve the learning environment.”
Mentor of the Year
The Fred Meyer Alumni-Student Mentor Program pairs alumni mentors with students to share their wisdom and experience with the next generation of Cougar pharmacists. Through the program, alumni mentors guide students through the four-years of their pharmacy education and help them prepare for their future careers. In recognition of this influential work, each year the college selects mentors from student nominations for the Mentor of the Year award.
Ahmed Ali (’08)
A quote from Ahmed Ali’s nomination: “[Dr. Ali] took the time to thoroughly explain pharmacy operations, ensuring I understood both the technical and patient-care aspects of the field…His kindness, patience, and unwavering support made a significant impact on my learning journey, shaping me into a more confident and capable healthcare professional.”
Thank you to our 2025 Crimson Gala sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
- Cascadia Pharmacy Group
Cougar Sponsors
- Danial (’78) and Sue Baker
- David Bell (’76) with Ron Schleif (’76) and Carol Nightingale Schleif (’79)
- Rick (’71) & Jacque Doane
- Class of 1978
- John (’65) and Deborah Oftebro
Crimson Sponsors
- Alaska Airlines
- United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
Gray Sponsors
- Albertsons Companies, Inc.
- Centralia Pharmacy
- Frank (’82) and Monica (’82) Cholaj
- Fred Meyer
- Randy (’88) and Lori Legg
- Rosauers
- Walgreens
Wine Sponsor
- Cougar Crest Estate Winery
If you would like to contribute to the success of our students, please contact Kelly Sylvester, director of development and alumni relations, at kelly.sylvester@wsu.edu or call 509-368-6675.