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Washington State University
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni & Friends

How one alumnus transformed his Seattle pharmacy into a community center

You probably have never considered your local pharmacy to be a community center. But that’s exactly what class of 2008 WSU PharmD graduate Ahmed Ali wanted to create when he started his own pharmacy in the southside of Seattle three years ago. Ali’s Othello Station Pharmacy serves the predominantly East African and Somali community in Rainier Valley. It is also the community in which Ali grew up after relocating to Seattle from Somalia in 1998 at the age of 17.

“It was a completely different world and different language. I had to do a lot of learning, and my parents were the driving force for … » More …

Two students who found a passion for pharmacy and each other

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences would like to feature one of the many couples who found their match in pharmacy school. Ryan Nottingham and James (Jimmy) Leonard found their passion for pharmacy and each other while pursuing their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Hear their story and what they have been up to since graduating.

In 2016, Ryan Nottingham and James (Jimmy) Leonard sealed the deal –personally and professionally. Shortly after receiving their Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Washington State University, the two committed to spending the rest of their lives together on June 25, 2016, in … » More …

Mentors of the Year

By sharing their own experiences, alumni mentors provide a roadmap for students to better navigate challenges and successes during their education and into their future. In recognition of this influential work, each year the college selects two mentors from student nominations for our Mentor of the Year award, recognizing those mentors who show a dedication to helping their mentees develop into outstanding health care professionals. » More ...

Pharmacy alumna lands executive fellowship at WSPA

Brandy Seignemartin, class of 2020, landed her dream job after graduation and is working as an Executive Fellow for the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) in Renton, Washington. During her time at the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seignemartin was instrumental in helping to secure passage of state legislation in Olympia that allows health science professionals to precept across different professions. » More ...

Precepting the next generation

For the 1,440 hours spent on rotation during the fourth year of a pharmacy student’s degree, 240 hours are spent with any one preceptor over 6 weeks. In those 240 hours, pharmacy students are taken under a preceptor’s wing to learn first-hand what it means to be a pharmacist. 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. » More ...

Accepted by a penny postcard: reflections of a class of 1941 graduate

It is a rare opportunity to hear stories from the past, during a time when email and cell phone cameras didn’t exist. Today we bring you a first-person account from an amazing woman, Kathryn Hammarstedt (formerly Church), and her memories of attending pharmacy school at WSU just before the start of World War II. Hammarstedt began her career in the 40s when a woman in science was far from common. After taking a hiatus to raise four children, she transitioned back to her lifelong practice. Hammarstedt turns 100 years-old on June 16 and we would like to celebrate her many years of wisdom with our … » More …

Alumni Spotlight

Getting a Doctor of Pharmacy degree presents a diverse array of career opportunities. Many graduates from the CPPS Doctor of Pharmacy program have gone on to a number of successful careers outside of practice, including academia, research, advocacy, business administration, and even the tech industry. Meet some of WSU pharmacy's movers and shakers in various industries. » More ...

Graduate returns home to work in rural health care

In the pocket of central Washington, lies the small farming community of Mattawa, population: 4,437. Most residents of the predominantly Latino town work in the acres of surrounding orchards, picking fruit that end up in supermarkets halfway around the world. This is where 26-year-old Osmark Jauregui, part of WSU’s PharmD inaugural Yakima class, found his calling as a pharmacist. » More ...

WSU pharmacist wins esteemed Bowl of Hygeia award

After a 50-year career in pharmacy that included decades of volunteer leadership in the local community, Washington State University alumnus Robert (Bob) Scheidtmann, class of 1966, will receive the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award for 2020 from the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA).

Established in 1958, the Bowl of Hygeia Award recognizes pharmacists who possess outstanding records of civic leadership and take active roles in their communities. The award is presented annually by state pharmacy associations and all honorees are recognized nationally through the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

Scheidtmann, who was born and raised in San Francisco, attended UC Berkeley prior to Washington State University. … » More …

Annual Crimson Gala Celebrates William Gaskins, College Mentor and Community Leader

Year-round, alumni, faculty and friends of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) work tirelessly to innovate and advance the student pharmacist experience. Through regular meetings, generous contributions, and thoughtful preparation and guidance, CPPS has managed to advance its program with many wins this year. The annual Crimson Gala is one of the ways the college thanks their up-front and behind-the-scenes supporters.

This year’s gala honored William (Bill) Gaskins (class of ’69) with the first-ever R. Keith Campbell Lifetime Achievement Award. Bill’s ongoing commitment to advising and mentoring student pharmacists has made a significant impact on the outcomes of many … » More …