New jobs, new challenges await UT pharmacy graduates

May 5, 2009 | Events
By Jim Winkler



There promises to be plenty of hugs, handshakes, broad smiles and a barrage of camera flashes when proud family members and friends congratulate the 273-member College of Pharmacy Class of 2009 at commencement exercises at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Stranahan Theater, 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd.

The candidates are 56 students who will receive four-year bachelor of science in pharmaceutical sciences degrees, 106 students in the bachelor of science in pharmaceutical sciences PharmD track program who will continue their education for two more years, 99 students who will receive doctor of pharmacy or PharmD degrees, and 12 who will receive master of science in pharmaceutical sciences degrees.

UT’s doctor of pharmacy degree is a six-year professional-level degree that includes five years of classroom work and one year of clinical rotations, work in a pharmacy, laboratory and other places that employ pharmacists.

Wolfe

Wolfe

At the program, the University will confer a doctor of humane letters on Perrysburg resident Frederic D. Wolfe, after whom Wolfe Hall, the College of Pharmacy’s home that opened in 1998, is named. Wolfe will give the commencement address.

“Throughout Mr. Wolfe’s career, he has shown a commitment to the needs of Ohioans, providing care and serving the community,” noted College of Pharmacy Dean Johnnie L. Early II. “His contributions to education, health care and patient services in Toledo and beyond are evidenced by his participation on numerous boards and his record as a business leader and philanthropist. His generous contributions to UT led to the naming of Wolfe Hall.”

A graduate of Yale University and Harvard University, where he earned a master of business administration degree, Wolfe was one of the founders of Health Care REIT Inc., a $7 billion real estate investment trust listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the S&P 500. He also served as Health Care REIT’s secretary and president.

He also was founder and chairman of the board of Health Care and Retirement Corporation (HCR), a developer and operator of long-term care facilities. HCR was sold to Owens-Illinois Corp. in 1984 and is now the nation’s largest long-term care company. Wolfe served on the Owens-Illinois board of directors from 1985 to 1987 and was president of the now-liquidated Wolfe Industries Inc.

Wolfe is also part owner, director and secretary of Toledo-based Kingston Healthcare Co., which owns and manages nursing homes and retirement centers.

He endowed a professor’s chair at the Yale School of Management in Management and Entrepreneurship, and served on the board of Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, for 14 years. Wolfe and his wife, Mary, who have been married 53 years, have made major gifts to Wilberforce, Bowling Green State University, Wellesley College, Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Museum of Art and UT. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran.

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