On September 14, 2019, College of Pharmacy alumni, faculty, students, staff, and well-wishers met at Dover’s Dining Room at the DoubleTree Austin to honor accomplished alumni at the annual Alumni Reception and Awards Ceremony. The Alumni Reception and Award Ceremony was presented in conjunction with the 67th Annual Pharmacy Practice Seminar (PPS).
After a welcome and remarks from Assistant Dean for Development & Alumni Relations Susan Brown and Dean M. Lynn Crismon, Alumni Association President Andrew Hwang (Pharm.D. ’15) introduced the first speaker to honor the winners.
The Distinguished Young Alumnus Award went to two deserving recipients: Rannon Ching (Pharm.D. ’14) and Kelly Reveles (Pharm.D. ’10, Ph.D. ’14).
Health Outcomes Associate Professor Leticia Moczygemba presented the award for Rannon. Rannon currently serves as Pharmacist In Charge at Austin’s Tarrytown Pharmacy. He was unable to attend the ceremony, but fortunately his parents, Chris Ching and Roxanna Ching, were in attendance and accepted the award on Rannon’s behalf.
Rannon also gave the keynote address during August’s White Coat Ceremony, and Dean Crismon was able to grab a picture of Rannon accepting the award.
The Distinguished Young Alumnus Award also went to Kelly Reveles, not only a two-time graduate of the College of Pharmacy but an Assistant Professor at the College of Pharmacy and Adjoint Assistant Professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine. Associate Dean for Healthcare Partnerships Diane Ginsburg presented Kelly with the award.
Steven Knight (Pharm.D. ’09) presented the Legend of Pharmacy Award to Leamon Blanton (B.S. ’68), who talked about his extensive experience as a hospital pharmacist.
The Sheffield Outstanding Alumnus Award went to Todd Canada (Pharm.D. ’93). Dean Crismon and Assistant Dean for Experiential and Professional Affairs Jennifer Ridings-Myhra presented the award.
Finally, the much deserved Best Friend Award went to Lydia Aguilera. Lydia formerly served as director of the Cooperative Pharmacy Program between the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. She is currently the Executive Director of UT RGV’s College of Health Professions. Dean Crismon warmly presented the award.
Dean Crismon also honored alumni in attendance who have practiced pharmacy for fifty or more years, which included Woodrow Cochran (B.S. ’62), and Gay Dodson (B.S. ’69).
The evening wouldn’t be complete without a rousing rendition of “The Eyes of Texas.” Some attendees took advantage of the room’s flatscreen televisions to watch the Texas Longhorns handily defeat the Rice Owls 48-13.
Congratulations to all of the deserving winners, and many thanks to everyone who made this special event possible.