On Friday, October 24, 2025, members of The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy community gathered at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center in Austin to honor the remarkable individuals and organizations shaping the college and the profession. The inaugural Dose of Distinction celebration dinner expanded upon the college's annual Alumni Awards, shining a spotlight not only on alumni but also on faculty, staff and partners.
The College of Pharmacy Awards honored individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional partnership, leadership and innovation in advancing the college's mission across pharmacy practice, research and strategic engagement. This portion of the evening's festivities were hosted by Alexcia Carr, president-elect of the Pharmacy Graduate Student Association and Seun Lagbenro, president of Pharm.D. Council.
Those honorees included Debbie B. Garza, R.Ph., as the recipient of the Advancing College of Pharmacy Award, while CommUnityCare Health Centers earned the Advancing Pharmacy Practice Award (accepted by representative Aida Garza) and the pharmaceutics startup AustinPx was recognized with the Advancing Pharmacy Research Award (accepted by Dave Miller).
Selected through internal nominations, each recipient exemplifies the college's values—particularly its commitment to opportunity and belonging—while contributing meaningfully to education, research and practice.
Alumni were also celebrated for their lasting impact. Carlton (Carl) K. Erickson, Ph.D., Alma Y. Gutierrez, R.Ph., Kristin M. Janzen, Pharm.D. and Cathleen McCormack, Pharm.D. were honored, with Erickson dedicating his award to his wife Eunice, a retired pharmacist and long-time supporter of the college. This portion of the evening was hosted by Emmanuel Enwere, President of the Texas Pharmacy Alumni Association.
Dean Sam Poloyac acknowledged the accomplishments of the college's faculty and staff. Drs. Samantha Catanzano, Kathryn Lin and Somshuvra Mukhopadhyay were honored for their recent faculty promotions. The dean also welcomed our new faculty Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares, Regina Mangieri, Dan Smelter, Deepika Rao, Tyler Varisco, Jiebing Wen, Jie Li, B.J. Kim, Qian Zhong and Cindy WalkerPeach.
Celebrating the dedication of our staff, the dean presented Merit Awards to Mirna Benhamou, Katie Hartel, LaKesha Henry and Janet Larsen, as well as Excellence Awards to Guillermo Alvarado, Travis Henry and Christopher Roscoe.
Dose of Distinction not only honored those individuals and institutions that make our community shine; the event was also a celebration of those who provide support through their stewardship and financial support. All this year’s donors, as well as those who have created an endowment to support College of Pharmacy, were acknowledged throughout the ceremony.
After a rousing rendition of "The Eyes of Texas," guests were invited to desserts and dancing, with a treat table in the back of the room and Austin's Best DJs providing music throughout the evening. Guests also partook in the photobooth to commemorate the event.
Congratulations to all the winners, honorees and participants at the college's first Dose of Distinction celebratory dinner. The College of Pharmacy looks forward to making this annual celebration a highlight of our community calendar, honoring the dedication and talent that make Texas Pharmacy exceptional.
Hook 'em Horns!
