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College Connections
An electronic newsletter from the College of Pharmacy
July 25, 2025
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Dear Colleagues, Students, Alumni, and Friends,
As we welcome the warmth and energy of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable milestones we’ve achieved together at the UNMC College of Pharmacy.
First and foremost, congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your perseverance, dedication, and resilience have been nothing short of inspiring. You leave our halls ready to lead, innovate, and serve in communities across Nebraska and beyond. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited for the impact you will make in the profession of pharmacy.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to welcome back our returning students this August—and especially excited to greet our inaugural cohort of P1 students in Kearney. This expansion represents a significant step in our commitment to increasing access to pharmacy education and addressing workforce needs across the state.
We also celebrate a major achievement in reaching our $27.5 Million goal for the Only in Nebraska campaign. With over 1,100 individual donors, this success is a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the shared belief in the College’s mission to advance pharmacy education, research, and patient care. There are over two years left in the campaign, so will continue to push towards our new goal of $33 Million.
Another highlight this spring was our Research Strategic Planning Retreat, which brought together faculty and external stakeholders for a day of thoughtful discussion and bold visioning. The enthusiasm and collaboration on display reaffirmed our commitment to research excellence and innovation.
On a personal note, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my first six months as interim dean. It has been an interesting and, at times, uncertain journey—but throughout, I have been inspired by the unwavering dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. Your focus on our mission and your commitment to excellence continue to move the College forward.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the months ahead.
Warm regards,
Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA
Interim Dean
UNMC College of Pharmacy
| | | 2025 Spring Honors Convocation and Commencement | | The 2025 Scholastic Honors Convocation was held on May 8 at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Forty-five students were vested with their doctoral hoods and took the Pharmacist’s Oath. Spring Commencement took place at Baxter Arena on Saturday, May 10. | | 2025 Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Recipients | | |
Emma Alexander, Sidney
Distinction
Munisa Asleiva, TJK
Marten Berke, Omaha
Theodore Blum, Wahoo
Highest Distinction
RaeAnn Buchhammer, Curtis
Tara Buettner, St. Edward
High Distinction
Hannah Carhart, Norfolk
Mahtab Chitsazi, IRN
Catherine Christopherson, Omaha
Gabriel Codling, Omaha
High Distinction
Emily Do**, Spearfish, SD
Leslie Estrada González, Newman Grove
Emily Evans*, Omaha
Distinction
Abby Friesel, Pawnee City
Lydia Fritsche, Maywood
Damon Gall, Norfolk
Andrea García Ferré, Guaynabo, PR
Geena George, Omaha
Jeremiah Grubb, Tilden
Sovit Gurung, Omaha
Eric Hiatt, Omaha
High Distinction
Jesica Hrabe, Anselmo
High Distinction
Isaac Hueftle, Cozad
Distinction
Anna Ingamells, Witchita, KS
High Distinction
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Kenadie Janulewicz, Gretna
Distinction
Jacob Jensen, Bennington
Distinction
Bailey Kraus, Atkinson
Distinction
Drew Krienert, Osmond
Distinction
Kellie Kroeger, Schuyler
Aaron Kurpgeweit, Falls City
Distinction
Justine Lodge, Fremont
Sonoor Jafar Majid, Lincoln
Distinction
Jimmy Nguyen, South Sioux City
Macy Peterson, Fairbury
High Distinction
Shane Rapp, Fremont
Emerson Roberts, Lincoln
Jamal Saydo, Lincoln
Distinction
Taylor Sorenson, Elkhorn
Holli Thomas, McCook
High Distinction
Quentin Timblin, Gering
Bria Tomlin-Paitz, Cambridge
High Distinction
Daniel Tran, Omaha
Distinction
Brody Tritle, Ames, IA
Haley Vlcek, Plattsmouth
Carissa Wilson, Gretna
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*Student earning a dual PharmD and MBA degree
**Student earing a dual PharmD and MPH degree
| | Spring Honors Convocation Awards | | |
The College of Pharmacy Class of 2025, represented by class president Theo Blum,
presented awards for Preceptor, Faculty Preceptor, and Site of the Year. Alumni president, Jolyn Merry, presented the 2025 Alumni Early Career Achievement Award, and the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
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Preceptor of the Year
Dr. Morgan Pritchard is a 2022 UNMC graduate who currently precepts students at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, NE.
Those on rotation with her have stated that she strikes a perfect balance with providing all the tools needed to learn independently and succeed while continuing to offer support and be receptive to any questions students have.
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Faculty Preceptor of the Year
Dr. Nathan Sutera is a Clinical Assistant Professor and serves as the Pharmacy Coordinator for Psychiatry at Nebraska Medicine.
Students consistently praised Dr. Sutera for making complex psychiatric topics approachable and going above and beyond to ensure students feel confident and prepared.
Dr. Sutera also received this honor in 2023.
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Rotation Site of the Year
Bryan Health Medical Center in Lincoln, NE was selected as this year’s Site of the Year.
This site was described by students as a fantastic facility with a breadth of specialties allowing for direct work with the whole interprofessional team.
Pharmacists Jolynn Merry, Samantha Smith, and Amy Severin accepted the award on behalf of Bryan Health Medical Center.
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Dr. Branden Nemecek (‘11) was awarded the Early Career Achievement Award. Dr. Nemecek is an Associate Professor at Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacy specialist in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Dr. Nemecek also serves as Chair of the International Pharmacy Advisory Committee. In addition, he has authored 17 peer-reviewed articles, 10 book chapters, and over 50 posters.
Dr. Jack Fincham (‘75) (pictured) was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Throughout his career, Dr. Fincham has focused on vital areas such as health policy, pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoepidemiology, patient outcomes, and global public health. His work has influenced not just academic institutions but healthcare systems worldwide. He currently serves as a special appointee to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research College of Reviewers, continuing to shape research and innovation on an international scale.
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Academy of Student
Pharmacists Award
Emerson Roberts
Bradley G. Wulf Memorial Award
Brody Tritle
Clinical Services Award
Andrea García Ferré
Cunningham Memorial Award in Pharmacodynamics
Gabriel Codling
Edward B. (Ted) Roche, PhD “Soul of the College of
Pharmacy” Scholar Award
Andrea García Ferré
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Excellence in Advanced Practice Experience Recognition
Theodore Blum
Joseph B. Burt Memorial Award
Theodore Blum
Kappa Psi Grand Council
Scholarship Key Award
Theodore Blum
Patient Care Champion Award
Abby Friesel
Phi Lambda Sigma Award
Anna Ingamells
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Rho Chi Achievement Award
Jessica Hrabe
Stephen A. Scholtz Memorial Award
Anna Ingamells
US Public Health Service
Excellence in Public Health
Pharmacy Practice Award
Emily Evans
Varro & Virginia Tyler Award
Macy Peterson
Viatris Excellence in
Pharmacy Award
Tara Buettner
Wolters Kluwer Award of
Excellence
Justine Lodge
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On April 23, the College of Pharmacy hosted a drop-in study and wellness break, offering students, faculty, and staff a chance to unwind during the busy pre-final's week. The event provided a much-needed opportunity for members of the college community to step away from their daily routines and focus on self-care.
Participants were invited to explore the galleries at their own pace, offering a calming and reflective experience. In addition to viewing the exhibits, attendees could tap into their creative sides by participating in hands-on art-making activities.
The event was part of the College’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health and well-being, especially during high-stress periods such as finals and major project deadlines.
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Pharmacy Exhibit Opens on Campus
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The Wigton Heritage Center is now home to a new exhibit celebrating the history and impact of the College of Pharmacy at UNMC.
This collaborative project was developed by the McGoogan Health Sciences Library, College of Pharmacy faculty, notably Dr. Ally DeringAnderson, and the UNMC Alumni Office.
The exhibit features display cases filled with artifacts from the college and its distinguished alumni, as well as an interactive digital screen that offers visitors a deeper look into the college’s legacy.
The College of Pharmacy hosted an open house on June 3 to celebrate the exhibition opening.
You can explore the exhibit online!
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Class of 2026 Pinning Ceremony
The Class of 2026 was welcomed to their P4 rotation year during the annual College of Pharmacy Pinning Ceremony and reception on Thursday, May 1.
Thirty-two students enjoyed lunch, provided by the Alumni Association, and words of rotation wisdom from P4s Brody Tritle and Justine Lodge. Dr. Carrie McAdam- Marx led students in reciting the Oath of the Pharmacist and instructed the students to place their pins on their white coat lapels.
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Graduate Studies Fellowship Recipients
Seven students in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program have been selected to receive competitive fellowship awards from UNMC.
Each applicant submitted a comprehensive research proposal, which was evaluated on three core criteria:
Scientific potential – the innovation and impact of the proposed study.
Available resources – access to necessary equipment, facilities, and mentorship.
Training plan – a clear outline of the student’s professional development and skill acquisition goals.
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Pratikshya Shrestha
UNMC Graduate Studies Fellowship
Advisor: Ram Mahato, PhD
Current Year: 2nd Year PhD Student
Project: Lipid Nanoparticles mediated co-delivery of siPLK1 and STAT3 inhibitor to enhance radiosensitivity
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Caleb Sandall
Bukey Memorial Fellowship
Advisor: Joseph Vetro, PhD
Current Year: 4th Year PhD Student
Project: Development of Tumor Targeted Peripherally Cross-Linked Polymer Micelles to Improve the Systemic Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer with Chlorambucil Prodrugs
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Princess Simeon
Bukey Memorial Fellowship
Advisor: Paul Trippier, PhD
Current Year: 5th Year PhD Student
Project: Synthesis and Evaluation of Small Molecule Therapeutics for the Treatment of Batten’s Disease
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Sakshi Khairnar
UNMC Graduate Studies Fellowship
Advisors: David Oupicky, PhD & Svetlana Romanova, PhD
Current Year: 4th Year PhD Student
Project: Targeted Delivery of Lactate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor and PD-L1 Blockade for Enhanced Immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
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Fahad Imtiaz
UNMC Graduate Studies Fellowship
Advisor: Corey Hopkins, PhD
Current Year: 3rd Year PhD Student
Project: Targeted Degradation of Microtubule-Associated Serine/ Threonine Kinase-like (MASTL) Protein by a Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC): Application in Chemoresistant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
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Evie Ehrhorn
UNMC Graduate Studies Fellowship
Advisor: Aaron Mohs, PhD
Current Year: 5th Year PhD Student
Project: To Optimize an Antibody Conjugate for Improved Specificity and Bioimaging Techniques in Pancreatic Cancer
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Alfie Case
UNMC Graduate Studies Fellowship
Advisor: Paul Trippier, PhD
Current Year: 4th Year PhD Student
Project: Discovery of Aldo-keto Reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) Degraders for the Treatment of Castration-Resistant Prostrate Cancer
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Dr. Vennerstrom to be inducted in Hall of Fame
Dr. Jonathan Vennerstrom will be inducted into the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) 2025 Division of Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to medicinal chemistry through research, teaching, and/or service to the Division.
Dr. Vennerstrom was previously recognized with a special issue of the ACS journal ACS Infectious Diseases, titled “In Celebration of Jonathan Vennerstrom: A Pioneer in Neglected Tropical Diseases.”
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on August 18, during the 2025 Fall ACS National Meeting in Washington, D.C.
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Faculty Promotions
Don Ronning, PhD- Tenure and named Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program
Mary Leick, PharmD- Clinical Associate Professor
Sean Avedissian, PharmD, MSc, PhD- Associate Professor
| | College of Pharmacy Spotlight | | Highlighting college alumni, students, and/or faculty members! | | | Today, we highlight Ron Hospodka, a Class of 1965 alum with a storied pharmacy career! | | |
Ron Hospodka, BSPharm, MS, MBA, FACA
Class of 1965
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Where were you born and where did you go to high school?
Verdigre (Knox County), NE and I attended Verdigre High School.
Where did you complete your undergraduate requirements for pharmacy school?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
What is your favorite memory from pharmacy school?
Working as an undergraduate teaching assistant for Dr. Witold Saski in his three-semester Pharmaceutical Technology sequence, 1964-1965
Describe your career path since you graduated.
Throughout my career, I have held a variety of roles in the field of pharmacy, including positions in academia at both the University of Nebraska College of Pharmacy and Creighton University's School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. At Creighton, I served in both instructional and administrative capacities, including as Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and was named Associate Professor Emeritus in January 2016.
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In addition to my academic duties, I held many roles in community and hospital pharmacies as well as serving on a Board of Directors role for Pharmaceutical Technologies, Inc.
Please list any honors or recognitions you have received during your career.
I have received numerous awards during my pharmacy career, including:
American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE) Fellow, 1965
Cora Mae Briggs Award
For outstanding service to Nebraska pharmacy Nebraska Pharmacists Association and Druggists Mutual Insurance Company, 1990
Outstanding Pharmacist of the Year
Greater Omaha Pharmacists Association (GOPA), Inc.1991
Bowl of Hygeia Community Service Award, 1998
Distinguished Alumnus Award University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Pharmacy, 2005
Guide to America’s Top Pharmacists
Selected as one of America’s top pharmacists by the Consumer’s Research Council of America, 2006
Educator of the Year Award- Creighton University, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015
Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity
Order of the Golden Mortar for 50 years of dedication to Kappa Psi, 2014
Creighton University Honorary Alumnus, 2015
If you could give one message to future pharmacists, what would it be?
Always practice in a way that is legally and ethically in your patients' best interest.
| | Recent Faculty Publications | | |
Comparative Hydrophobicity, Solubility, and Metabolic Stability of 4(1H)-Pyridones, 4(1H)-Quinolones, and 9(10H)-Acridones
Ren R., Zhong L., Noack C., Kaushik D., Leas D.A., Wang X., Dong Y., Charman S.A., Vennerstrom J.L.
ACS Med. Chem. Lett. 2025 16:4 (583-587)
Enhanced Retention of NTSR1-Targeted Radionuclide Therapeutics via Covalent Inhibitors in Pancreatic, Colorectal, and Prostate Cancer Models
Zhang W., Fan W., Brake K., Basiri A., Hyun M.A., Smith L.M., Lele S.M., Aithal A., Jain M., Garrison J.C.
Mol. Pharm. 2025 22:4 (2131-2141)
A novel phosphodiesterase inhibitor for the treatment of chronic liver injury and metabolic diseases
Staller D.W., Panigrahi S.S., Jayasinghe Y.P., Dong Y., Mahto S., Kumar V., Ronning D.R., Mahato R.I.
Hepatology 2025 81:4 (1288-1303)
Rational development of gemcitabine-based nanoplatform for targeting SERPINB9/Granzyme B axis to overcome chemo-immune-resistance
Huang H., Mu Y., Huang Y., Ji B., Wang Y., Chen C.-Y., Chen Y., Luo Z., Li S., Zhang Z., Wang L., Conway J.F., Yang D., Wang J., Sun J., Li S.
Nat. Commun. 2025 16:1
Pharmacokinetic approaches to standardize antiviral exposure in cerebrospinal fluid
Avedissian S.N., Mu Y., McCarthy C., Bosch R.J., Spudich S., Gandhi R.T., McMahon D.K., Eron J.J., Mellors J.W., Liu J., Podany A.T., Fletcher C.V.
Pharmacotherapy 2025 45:5 (251-263)
A review of pharmacokinetic data describing long-acting injectable cabotegravir during pregnancy
Sunagawa S.W., Scarsi K.K.
[Article in Press] [In Process] Expert Opin. Pharmacother. 2025
Pharmacogenetics of plasma dolutegravir exposure during 1-month rifapentine/isoniazid treatment of latent tuberculosis
Covington N., Luetkemeyer A.F., Imperial M.Z., Dawson R., Cramer Y., Rosenkranz S., Swindells S., Gelmanova I., Avihingsanon A., Arduino R.C., Samaneka W., Dooley K.E., Savic R., Podany A.T., Haas D.W.
Pharmacogenet. Genomics 2025 35:4 (140-144)
HIV and Ongoing Methamphetamine Use: A Grounded Theory of Engagement in HIV Care from the BASE Study
Heerten-Rodriguez L., Coleman J.D., Jawed-Wessel S., Havens J.P.
[Article in Press] [In Process] AIDS Patient Care STDs 2025
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