A considerable number of alumni have previously secured Lifetime Membership status within the organization through sizable dues contributions to the Pharmacy Alumni Association (PAA). With the 2015 change to an all-alumnus, dues-free structure, a workgroup of Lifetime Members and PAA board members proposed renaming a student scholarship to the Pharmacy Alumni Association Lifetime Member Scholarship. This recommendation for Lifetime Member recognition was voted and approved by the PAA Board. The change has been made at the University of Wisconsin Foundation and will take effect this summer. Thanks to the workgroup for identifying a meaningful way to acknowledge our Lifetime Members and to all of our Lifetime Members for your support of PAA!

Each year the PAA Board recognizes UW-Madison School of Pharmacy graduates that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and contributions to the profession. I am pleased to announce the 2016 PAA recipients:

Alumnus of the Year: David Zilz
Young Alumnus of the Year: Kate Gainer

It is not hard to overstate the importance of Dave Zilz’s contributions to the profession. Dave previously worked at UW Health as Pharmacy Director and has gone on to receive the highest honors and professional awards at the state and national levels. Kate is a 2004 graduate and currently serves as the Executive Vice President and CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. In this role, she has championed numerous innovative initiatives and important causes that have been recognized by state associations around the country.

Please join us as we recognize these individuals at the annual PAA meeting on Saturday, August 27 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the PSW Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells. This event is free for UW-Madison students. Alumni must register for this event through PSW.

The meeting agenda will include discussion and vote on proposed bylaws changes. The board is proposing the introduction of three new at-large alumni board members each serving staggered, 3-year terms. Additionally, two new, non-voting student board member roles will be proposed.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to represent UW-Madison School of Pharmacy alumni this year as president. Ryan Miller, our current President-Elect, will be installed at the annual meeting. I hope to see many of you there!

Berook Addisu
PAA President