As Dean Swanson referenced in his column above, on October 24, the School of Pharmacy held its first BADGERx Bash: A Celebration of Engagement. At this event, students, alumni, and faculty spoke with current PharmD students about the importance of staying involved with the School of Pharmacy after graduation. Alumni networked with students before and after the event, and there was even a cameo by Bucky Badger! Below are some highlights from the program.

The evening began with a unique and engaging panel discussion. The panelists included five brothers: Justin, Paul, Derek, Bryan, and Jonathan Konkol. Jonathan is a current PharmD student, and all four of his brothers have already graduated from the School of Pharmacy and are working in different capacities in pharmacy. Each Konkol brother talked about how the network of School of Pharmacy alumni had helped them be successful in their careers.

May 2016 PharmD graduate, Kristen Widmer, spoke to the group about how to stay involved as a young alumna, emphasizing the impact alumni can have immediately after graduation.

Dean Steve Swanson illustrated the generosity of the school’s alumni by outlining the many ways in which philanthropy has enhanced the school. Scholarships, fellowships, travel awards, and even the School of Pharmacy building itself, Rennebohm Hall, have all been made a reality as a result the generosity of the school’s alumni.

The keynote address was given by Mr. Dan Luce, BS ’81. Mr. Luce, National Director, Pharmacy Affairs, Government Relations Department, Walgreens Corporate Office, spoke about the importance of networking and remaining part of the School of Pharmacy family long after graduation. Mr. Luce attributed much of his success to the foundational education he earned at the school, as well as the network of School of Pharmacy alumni he has worked with over the years.

For more information about this event and how to get involved in future events such as this, please contact me at chris.natynski@supportuw.org or (608) 381-3394.

On, Wisconsin!
Chris Natynski, J.D.
UW-Madison School of Pharmacy
Associate Director of Development