By Keith D. Marciniak, BSPharm
If APhA–ASP ceased to exist, would our communities miss us? Would our patients miss us? Even further, would the profession miss us? As the APhA Student and New Practitioner Development Staff spent time researching and delving through the APhA archives for the 50th anniversary celebration this year, I have contemplated that question several times over.
However, I didn’t have to go too far to find an answer.
1981 article a blueprint for today
“One need not look back far during the last half century to recognize that the stature and influence of the pharmacy student has been significantly enhanced, and students truly have some influence on their chosen profession; there is no reason that that impact should not increase just as significantly in the future.”
This was the last paragraph from the Autumn 1981 issue of The Pharmacy Student, authored by APhA–ASP’s first staff liaison, SAPhA Executive Secretary Ronald L. Williams (APhA staff member from 1968–98; SAPhA Executive Secretary from 1969–72 and 1977–80). We decided to republish the entire article in this 50th anniversary issue (see previous page), as it provides Ron’s commentary on looking ahead to the next 50 years of the profession.
You may be asking, “Why would an article from 1981 help commemorate a 50th anniversary?” While we are celebrating the creation of SAPhA in the Spring of 1969 as the official starting point of APhA–ASP, student pharmacist involvement and advocacy for a seat at the table started many years before. A significant date on that timeline was in 1931, when the APhA House of Delegates adopted new bylaws to establish student branches (a precursor to our modern-day chapters). At that time, student dues were $5; however, the chapter received a $2.00 rebate for marketing and chapter activities. This is a process that we still use today.
As described by Patti Gasdek Manolakis, PharmD, (APhA–ASP Liaison from 1992–94 and APhA staff member from 1992–98), “Ron was a visionary. A forward thinker. Thoughtful, unassuming, and deliberative in his words, his actions, and his mentorship.”
His article could probably be reprinted today to provide a blueprint for student pharmacists and chapters to improve the profession and become recognized for the true value of pharmacist–provided services. Manolakis also commented that, “Ron was always watching afar, quietly observing, gently smiling, and offering his ever-so-slight nod of encouragement and support. He was content with serving as a solid foundation in the background, while using his talents to raise others up to achieve their full potential.”
Ron’s legacy …
Having the opportunity to serve as a mentor, coach, or advisor could possibly be one of the most important things you can do to celebrate the past and envision the future. As we celebrate 50 years of the Academy, it is so much more than dates and events. It is about the people and the lives that have been positively impacted through their involvement.
Ron Williams was so many things to so many people. The same can be said for current Student Development staff members Tom English and Lynette Plowden, and the many staff liaisons—Crystal, Jen, Eloise, Jann, Patti, April, Terri, Anna, Terri, Stacey, James, Donna, Stephen, John, and William. If you ask any of these individuals, they will tell you that serving as a staff member representing the needs of passionate student pharmacists was one of the most difficult jobs that they ever had, but also one of the most rewarding.
… and APhA–ASP’s legacy
Going back to my original question, I can’t imagine our profession today without APhA–ASP. Our communities, our patients, and the profession would be without the thousands of faculty members, advisors, deans, mentors, CEOs, entrepreneurs, scientists, and practicing pharmacists that have all gained leadership, team-building, and project management experiences through their chapter and student membership in APhA.
While we (as pharmacists and future pharmacists) still have a long way to go to advance the profession, I am at ease knowing that APhA–ASP has not only helped develop the vision for enhancing the pharmacy profession, but has provided students the opportunity to turn that vision into something tangible that truly makes a difference.
Student APhA (SAPhA) Executive Secretaries:
1969–1972: Ronald L. Williams
1972–1974: William F. McGhan
1974–1975: John F. Kerege, Jr.
1975–1977: Stephen W. Skalisky
1977–1980: Ronald L. Williams
1980–1982: Donna Walker Pulido
1982–1983: James F. Emigh
1983–1985: Stacey A. Ferguson
1985–1987: Anna T. Charuk Kowblansky
APhA-ASP Liaisons:
1987–1988: Terri Smith Moore
1988–1992: April M. Shaughnessy
1992–1994: Patti L. (Gasdek) Manolakis
1994–1997: Jann B. (Hinkle) Skelton
1997–2001: Eloise D. (Thibault) Woodruff
2001–Present: Keith D. Marciniak
2004–2007: Jennifer L. (Athay) Adams
2007–Present: Crystal D. Atwell