Chicago State University Receives Funding for College of Pharmacy Scholarships

Deborah Bayliss | As of Thursday, September 5, 2013

Chicago State University (CSU) recently received news that it’s one of six universities in the nation to get funding through this year’s Cardinal Health Pharmacy Scholarship Program.

“We passionately believe in the essential role that community pharmacists play in making sure patients have convenient access to high quality, personalized healthcare and we’re proud to partner with Chicago State University to develop tomorrow’s pharmacy leaders,” said Mike Kaufmann, chief executive officer of Cardinal Health's Pharmaceutical Segment.

Cardinal Health has invested more than $2.2 million in pharmacy education since 2011.

In an effort to promote diversity both in healthcare education and small business ownership, Chicago State University College of Pharmacy was awarded $125,000 to fund scholarships for pharmacy students interested in independent pharmacy ownership.

“Cardinal Health’s investment toward our students’ success speaks volumes about their commitment to ensuring we develop talented health professionals to address the health care needs and challenges of all individuals,” said Dean Miriam A. Mobley Smith, CSU College of Pharmacy. “I am truly excited about this new partnership, and I am looking forward to working closer with Cardinal Health over the next few years and beyond.”

The joint effort of Cardinal Health and the CSU College of Pharmacy is designed to expose student pharmacists to the value of independent pharmacy ownership in urban and rural communities, as well as provide the needed strategies to help ensure these small businesses are competitive in the modern marketplace. The newly funded scholarships will be earmarked for students with expressed interest and/or commitments to independent pharmacy ownership as a career.

The College of Pharmacy expects to award the first Cardinal Health-funded scholarships during the 2013-14 academic years.

The CSU College of Pharmacy received the scholarship grant on July 23, 2013 which marks Cardinal Health’s first financial gift to the college established in 2007.

Since its inception, the College has earned distinction as one of the most diverse colleges of pharmacy in the United States. Nearly 40 percent of CSU student pharmacists belong to groups that are considered underrepresented minorities in healthcare.

"Here at CSU we greatly value partnerships like this effort with Cardinal Health because such initiatives are mutually beneficial,” CSU President Dr. Wayne D. Watson said. “The funds not only help promising students afford their education, they help grow the next generation of leaders in the health care industry on which companies such as Cardinal Health will rely. We are grateful for the generosity of Cardinal Health and look forward to a long partnership that positively impacts the health needs of the region and beyond.”

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