The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) has launched the public phase of its Discovery for Life campaign. To celebrate this important milestone, more than 100 alumni, parents, corporate partners, employees, and friends of the college participated in a virtual Toast from Coast-to-Coast on March 11, 2021.
The goal of the Discovery for Life campaign, which began in July 2018, is to raise $11 million. To date, ACPHS has raised more than $8.4 million to support the education and development of students pursuing careers in pharmacy and the health sciences.
ACPHS sought feedback from alumni, students, board members, employees, and friends of the college on what strategic initiatives to support with this fundraising campaign. Based on this collective input, the campaign’s priorities fall into three main areas: Scholarships, Student Experience and Bridges to Industry.
“The overwhelming consensus was that we should use the funds to enrich all aspects of the student experience and provide more pathways for students to be prepared to enter the everchanging healthcare environment and biopharmaceutical industry,” said ACPHS President Greg Dewey.
ACPHS has already been able help students with funds raised. Eight new scholarships were created which have supported 19 students. The college is improving the student experience by renovating gathering spaces and laboratories, and expanding access to internships, residencies, and fellowships.
The centerpiece of our Bridges to Industry initiative is the Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training, which opened in January 2021 and welcomed its first Professional Science Masters students thanks to the vision of early donors.
“I am pleased to support ACPHS’ efforts to evolve its approach to teaching pharmacists in a way that leverages developments in the pharmaceutical industry, making our graduates better prepared for the rapid changes in healthcare,” said Dave Stack, Chair of the Discovery for Life Steering Committee.
Supporting ACPHS students is more important than ever since these graduates are improving patient outcomes, tackling health disparities, and advancing the biopharmaceutical industry.
“We are grateful that our donors had the foresight and vision to help us build the ACPHS of the future,” said Vicki DiLorenzo, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
For more information, go to https://www.acphs.edu/discovery-for-life/#/.