UI College of Pharmacy March 2026 Hawkscripts Express

College of Pharmacy Dean Jill Kolesar, dressed in white coat, with blond hair.

Honoring Zada Cooper's Legacy

Zada Mary Cooper’s legacy of leadership, service, and advocacy continues to shape pharmacy education and the profession. This spring, and in the spirit of Women's History Month, I am pleased to share three important developments that expand the reach and impact of that legacy—both nationally and here at Iowa.

First, we are proud to announce the launch of the Zada Cooper Scholarship Fund through our Zada Cooper LEADS program. This scholarship will support pharmacy students who exemplify the values that defined Zada Cooper’s life and work: Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Distinction, and Service. By investing directly in our students, the scholarship ensures that her commitment to developing principled, engaged leaders continues for generations to come.

At the same time, the Zada Cooper Lecture is moving to the national stage through a new partnership with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The 2026 Zada Cooper Lecture will be presented on March 28 at the APhA Annual Meeting as part of the Women in Pharmacy Leadership Development Forum. This joint presentation reflects the enduring relevance of Zada Cooper’s vision and Iowa Pharmacy’s longstanding leadership within the profession.

We also will celebrate and continue to build this legacy locally. I invite you to join us for Zada Cooper LEADS on May 2, where we will gather as a community to honor Zada Cooper’s impact, celebrate our students, and share progress on the new scholarship fund.

Together, these milestones affirm our commitment to honoring Zada Cooper not only in name, but in action—by supporting students, elevating leadership, and advancing the profession at Iowa and beyond.

Leading Lights

McDonough Reflects on APhA Presidency

Randy McDonough, ’87 BSPh, ’97 MS, ’00 PharmD, is concluding his term as the 170th president of the American Pharmacists Association. He’s the sixth UI alumnus to hold this distinction. His dedication to transforming community pharmacy and advancing patient care is reflected in his leadership roles across professional organizations and in his work as co-owner of Towncrest Pharmacies, demonstrating a lasting commitment to the profession.

Read more as he reflects on his APhA presidency.

Kolesar Selected AACP Volwiler Award Recipient

Jill Kolesar, dean, Jean M. Schmidt chair, and professor has been selected as the 2026 Volwiler Research Achievement Award recipient by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). The prestigious annual award honors an individual in pharmacy education, who is recognized by his or her peers as one of the leading research workers in a given area of the pharmaceutical and clinical sciences, pharmacy practice and the social and administrative sciences, and for outstanding contributions to the respective disciplines.

She is being honored for her exemplary work that has transformed precision oncology practice, advanced the roles of pharmacists in cancer care, and expanded therapeutic options for patients with cancer.

Science Highlights

Expert Opinion: Why Penicillin Allergy Labels Matter in Hospital Care

Associate Professor Deanna McDanel emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating penicillin allergy labels to improve antibiotic stewardship in hospitals in a recent The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice article.

Although 10% of patients report a penicillin allergy, fewer than 5% actually have a true, clinically significant reaction. These inaccurate labels often lead clinicians to choose broader or less effective antibiotics, which can increase side effects, lengthen hospital stays, raise costs, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. McDanel explains that penicillin allergy “delabeling” can safely correct these inaccuracies through two established approaches: penicillin skin testing (PST) and direct oral challenge (DOC).

College News

APhA 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition

Attending APhA 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition this month? Don't miss the chance to connect and hear from UI faculty/staff, students, and alumni at these events/sessions!

➡️ Zada Cooper Leadership Medal Domer Lecture
March 28, 3:00 p.m. (Forum)/4:00 p.m. (Lecture)
JW Marriott, Diamond Ballroom Salon 3

The Zada Cooper Leadership Award will be presented for the first time at the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition as part of the Women in Pharmacy Leadership Development Forum to Metta Lou Henderson, who will give the Domer Lecture.

➡️ Iowa Reception
March 29, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
JW Marriott, Platinum Salon C

Join your Iowa pharmacy family, friends, and colleagues from across the country at the Iowa Reception. Hosted by the Iowa Pharmacy Association, Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, and the UI College of Pharmacy.

➡️ Presentations
Several UI College of Pharmacy faculty/staff, students, and alumni are presenting sessions—be sure to check them out! (Please note, this list reflects all sessions we are aware of at the time publishing.)

Date/Time	Room (LA Convention Center)	Session	Presenter
March 27, 9:00 a.m.	408A	Presenter: "Rated R for Regulation: Annual Legal and Regulatory Update"	Keaton Higgins, '23 PharmD
March 27, 9:00 a.m.	411	Presenter: "Day of Science Keynote: Real-World Evidence in Pharmacy: Using Research to Impact Policy"	Susan Winckler, '92 BSPh, JD
March 27, 1:45 p.m.	409AB	Presenter: "Original Cut: Day of Science Contributed Papers Podium Session 2"	Eilan Alhersh, Graduate Student
March 28, 7:45 a.m.	403B	Presenter: "Stick with Confidence: Sharpening Immunization Skills"	Laura Knockel, Clinical Associate Professor
March 28, 8:15 a.m.	408A	Moderator: "More Efficient Than 'In-N-Out': Using AI to Detect Drug Diversion"	Cole Chapman, Assistant Professor

Service Learning in Action

Hands-on, real-world experience is a hallmark of a UI PharmD education. Through two projects, students recently took their skills into the community to teach individuals how to preventatively improve their long-term well-being related to heart health and medication adherence.

During February’s American Heart Month, the college partnered with multiple organizations to hold seven blood-pressure screening events in the Iowa City area as part of the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart program.

In addition, students got involved with the Script Your Future national medication adherence challenge, which raises awareness about the importance of properly taking medication as a critical first step toward better health outcomes.

In the spirit of pharmacy leader Zada Mary Cooper, join us May 2 for Zada Cooper LEADS—a celebration of service, leadership, and scholarship that inspires professionals and students to grow as compassionate leaders, build meaningful connections, and give back to their profession and community.

Mark your calendar! Wednesday, March 25, is One Day for Iowa, the university’s 24-hour online giving day. You can make a significant impact by giving on or before March 25 with a gift to one of the funds above.

Did You Know?

The Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network (I-CAN) connects hospitals across Iowa to support the delivery of comprehensive cancer care to Iowans. Associate Professor Mary Schroeder serves as a co-investigator and member of the network, which is led by Mary Charlton, associate professor and principal investigator, UI College of Public Health.

Eight partner hospitals across the state receive a variety of resources, including care-quality reports, access to clinical trials, cancer registry training, grant-writing support, and educational opportunities for staff. Together, these hospitals collaborate to consistently meet the quality standards set forth by the Commission on Cancer and advance high-quality cancer care across Iowa.

Daniel Honored with UI's Eight Over 80 Award

John Daniel, '59 BSPh, has received the University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Award for 2026. The recognition honors Iowa alumni, age 80 or over, who embody the Hawkeye spirit of achievement and continue to help others.

For more than 60 years, Daniel has been a steadfast community leader and pharmacist. The Fort Dodge, Iowa, pharmacy owner embraces civic duty, volunteering his time to strengthen his city and fostering quality pharmacy education.

One Day for Iowa will be held on March 25, 2026.

Hawkeye Day of Service

Join Hawkeyes everywhere for a day of community volunteering!

On April 25, alumni, students, and friends across the globe will unite for the Hawkeye Day of Service—a day dedicated to volunteerism and community impact. Whether you clean up a park, organize a donation drive, or help at a local shelter, your efforts will showcase Hawkeye pride and compassion.

Can’t volunteer on April 25? Projects near that date still count—just register and be part of this global movement!

US-Thai Consortia Meeting, June 2 - 5, 2026, in Iowa City at the UI College of Pharmacy

2026 US-Thai/US-ASEAN Pharmacy Consortia

The UI College of Pharmacy will host the 2026 US-Thai/US-ASEAN Pharmacy Consortia Meeting June 2 - 5.

The long-standing collaboration between the United States and Thailand improves pharmacy education and the advancement of pharmacy practice in Thailand. The consortia is an opportunity for faculty, students, practitioners, and others to share best practices and address challenges, improve health outcomes, and strengthen international networks.

For information and registration, visit the meeting website.

Gold domed Old Capitol building on Iowa City campus with yellow and black flags in the forefront.

UI Alumni Day 2026

On April 18, join Hawkeyes from every generation for Alumni Day 2026—a weekend packed with connection, celebration, and black-and-gold pride. Reconnect with classmates, relive favorite memories, and see how far the University of Iowa has come.

Take a guided campus tour, hear from inspiring speakers, and go behind the scenes to discover what's new and what's next at Iowa.

Advocacy in Action: College Hosts First-ever Policy Week

The College of Pharmacy held its first-ever Policy Week in early February to prepare pharmacy students for the Iowa Pharmacy Association's (IPA) Pharmacy Day on the Hill. The week included several events, such as a prep session with IPA representatives and a letter-writing campaign.

On Feb. 25, more than 25 pharmacy students, faculty, and alumni filled the Iowa state capitol to participate in face-to-face grassroots advocacy. They communicated important pharmacy issues with legislators, including the urgent need to enforce Iowa's PMB law, protect the 340B drug pricing program, and fully fund Iowa Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement for prescription drugs.

College of Pharmacy students in white coats pose in the Iowa State capitol building during IPA Pharmacy Day on the Hill.

College of Pharmacy students in white coats pose on the staircase in the Iowa State capitol building during IPA Pharmacy Day on the Hill.

College of Pharmacy students in white coats pose with legislator in the Iowa State capitol building during IPA Pharmacy Day on the Hill.

White hand holding a yellow heart to signify donating.

Thank You for Your Support

We are grateful to our generous donors. Your support helps advance our mission to educate the next generation of pharmacists and scientists.

To learn more about giving, please contact Director of Development Philip Greazel.

💛 David, ’59 BSPh, ’61 MS, and Marita Lewis Almquist gave a gift to the Rhea Talley Pharmacy Scholarship Fund.

💛 Thomas Assalley, ’89 BSPh, gave a gift to the College of Pharmacy Opportunity Fund.

💛 The Iowa Pharmacy Association gave a gift to the College of Pharmacy Opportunity Fund and the Pharmacy Student Financial Aid Fund.

💛 Jean Eisenbart gave a gift to the Zada Cooper Scholarship Fund.

💛 John, ’77 BSPh, and Heidi Flickenger gave a gift to the Pharmacy Student Financial Aid Fund.

💛 Ruth Kellems, ’60 BSPh, ’82 MS, created the Ruth Calloway Kellems Pharmacy Scholarship Fund.

💛 Walgreen Co. gave a gift to the College of Pharmacy Directed Gift Scholarship Fund.

Notable Achievements

Congratulations to the following alumni, faculty/staff, and students on their recent accolades!

⭐ Korey Kennelty, Keefe professor, received a grant for her project "Iowa BRIDGE: Developing Infrastructure to Accelerate Cancer Screening and Future Community-Based Pragmatic Trials in Iowa and Beyond" from the UI Office of Vice President for Research.

⭐ Pia Patel, PharmD student, was selected to serve on the National Education Committee for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine for a one-year term beginning May 2026.

⭐ Kudos to Bill Stagner, '73 BSPh, '77 MS, '79 PhD, who recently published a textbook titled, "Thermodynamics for Drug Product Design: A Guide for Pharmaceutical Scientists." The book explains how thermodynamic principles apply to designing and developing stable, effective drug products, using real-world examples and solved problems for students and professionals.

Yellow hands together, symbolling clapping.

⭐ Anne Zepeski, clinical assistant professor, won the 2026 James N. Murray Faculty Award from the UI Office of the Dean of Students. The early career honor is given to a nontenured faculty member with less than six years of UI service, who has demonstrated outstanding rapport with students and creates an exemplary classroom atmosphere.