The caliber of education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy is truly exceptional. The next generation of pharmacists, researchers and scientists in pharmacy have a bright future ahead after they earn their well-respected UW degree and gain entry into the Pharmacy Badger network of well-connected, highly esteemed alumni.
But attracting talented students requires an investment – we need to build a substantial new foundation of financial support to achieve our goal of admitting the most promising candidates. Learn more about how the Pharmacy Forward campaign will foster the School of Pharmacy’s legacy as one of the most competitive schools in the nation for a degree in pharmacy by raising $7 million to support our pipeline of top students.
Why Pharmacy Forward?
Hear from Dean Swanson, alumni and emeritus faculty about why Pharmacy Forward is critical to the future of the School of Pharmacy and a key part of our strategy to foster strong enrollment at our top-ranked pharmacy school.
Receiving a scholarship is often the most significant reason a student chooses to study at one institution versus another – and competitive scholarships often sway students to attend the institution that offers the best package. Whether a student has great financial need or is a high-achiever without financial barriers, scholarships enable students to pursue their dreams without incurring substantial debt. And a scholarship offer helps students understand that we value their talent at UW–Madison.
The Future of Pharmacy at UW
A dream to be a pharmacist is something these 6 students share. They also share their gratitude for scholarships – one of the reasons why they chose Wisconsin, and became proud Pharmacy Badgers who will go on to change their world with their passion and expertise.
“I would never have been able to attend pharmacy school without financial assistance. By lessening the financial burden of pharmacy school and the stress associated with debt, I have been able to work fewer hours during the semester in order to focus on academics while also participating in a number of unique opportunities outside of school.”
Megan Ballew (PharmD '22)
Anthony Sinkula (BS ’56) Scholarship for American Indian Students recipient
Paying it forward is a Wisconsin value
Alumni and friends know that Badger excellence is not possible without support from our community. Each Pharmacy Badger has received so much support along the way - through their Wisconsin connections, their mentors, their classmates, and for many, through financial support with scholarships. Now, we're asking our Pharmacy Badgers to step forward and help with this exciting opportunity to transform student support.
The Power of the Badger Network
The strong Pharmacy Badger network has been a key part of Nancy Gilbride (BS '90, MS '93) and Tom Thielke's (BS '67, MS '69) experiences as alumni and faculty. Hear how they've benefitted and why they are motivated to invest in Pharmacy Forward.
Arthur McCourt (BS '53) was a proud Badger pharmacist and his son, Tom McCourt (BS '80), followed in his footsteps by going to UW. Now his niece, Natalie McCourt (PharmD x'24), will carry on the McCourt family tradition. The McCourt Family Scholarship supports pharmacy students with financial need.
"Armin (BS ‘79, MS ‘88, PhD ’90) and I are deeply thankful for the strong education we received from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy. With the Saleki-Gerhardt Family Scholarship, our goal is to help School of Pharmacy students from diverse backgrounds pursue a similar world-class education and build a solid foundation on which to grow their careers in whatever industry or field they choose.”
Azita Saleki-Gerhardt (BS '88, MS '91, PhD '93)
Executive vice president of operations at AbbVie
91%
of declined offers were financial decisions
$2,000
the average PharmD scholarship
250+
scholarships offered annually
How to support Pharmacy Forward
Alumni, friends of the School of Pharmacy, and corporate sponsors can support student scholarships in several ways. Every gift to the Pharmacy Forward campaign will help to build the School of Pharmacy's scholarship offerings and benefit students in perpetuity. Gifts to the Pharmacy Forward campaign can support existing or new scholarship funds.
Ways to Give
Create Your Own Scholarship
Donors can name their own endowed scholarship, ex. “The Anna M. Smith Scholarship,” with a minimum contribution of $25,000. Scholarships may be funded in a variety of ways, including outright gifts, multi-year commitments, or through estate planning.
The Pharmacy Forward Fund is an endowed scholarship awarded to PharmD students during admissions. This fund will support as many scholarships as possible as gifts from alumni and friends help grow the size of the annual awards.
Many classes at the School of Pharmacy have established a class scholarship in honor of their classes' achievements, including the Classes of 1967, 1974, 1978, 1990, and 2010 through 2022. Class scholarships provide valuable PharmD support.
Move Pharmacy Forward
Begin the process with a conversation about how you can support students.
