Sports enthusiast or not, think March on a college campus and “March Madness,” isn’t far behind. For the School of Pharmacy “March Madness,” goes beyond the NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments, but instead could be captured as the flurry of student activities and exams in the lead up to a well-deserved spring break. For faculty a check-in of their syllabi, grant applications, and pending publications. For alumni several opportunities to connect at local and regional meetings and national conferences. For prospective students, campus visits. For applicants, the excitement building as they await learning whether they will be attending our school in fall 2017.

As students enjoy a respite from the curriculum, some will join faculty and alumni at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting and Exposition. If you are attending, I hope you can stop by the Alumni & Friends Reception on Saturday, March 25th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Late March holds a madness of its own as post-spring break, the semester enters the home stretch. Our “bracketology” becomes prioritizing the multitude of events and milestones of spring. On April 4^th we welcome Jean Nappi, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcome Sciences, Associate Director of Graduate Pharmacy Education, Professor of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, as our 2017 Kremers Lecturer speaking on the topic, “Being a leader (without being in charge).” Also in April,

the 6^th Annual Interprofessional Health Summit, Preview Day for high school students, Pharmacy Open House, hosting the School’s Board of Visitors, and culminating on April 30^th with the White Coat Ceremony for first year students.

Our “Final Four” are all winners for students, their families, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater community as we celebrate the efforts of our third year students through the Pinning Ceremony, and completion of degrees and achievements with Hooding, Awards, and graduation ceremonies.

March is a great time to be part of UW-Madison and our Badger pharmacy family. I look forward to seeing many of you this spring.

GO BADGERS and On, Wisconsin!
Steven M. Swanson, Dean