Press Releases


COLLEGE LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

December 1, 2015

COLLEGE LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

December 1, 2015 – Albany, NY – Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) launched its “Beyond Practice Ready” (BPR) mini-campaign this morning at a kickoff event in the Gozzo Student Center on the College’s Albany campus.

The campaign has a fundraising goal of $6 million and is comprised of four components: 

  1. Launch and initial operation of two student operated pharmacies ($3 million)
  2. Buildout of three active learning classrooms ($1.5 million)
  3. Development of new continuing education and certificate programs ($1 million)
  4. Renovation of the Pharmacy Practice Skills laboratory ($500,000) 

At the event, ACPHS President Greg Dewey revealed plans to open a student operated pharmacy in an existing 3,000 square foot space located at 3 Lincoln Square in Albany, across from Lincoln Park (see floor plan at right). The pharmacy – to be named “College Parkside Pharmacy” – will be the second such pharmacy that the College will open next year. It was announced previously that the College will open a student operated pharmacy in the Hometown Health Centers’ clinic in Schenectady 

Each of the pharmacies will be managed by a licensed pharmacist with support provided by ACPHS students. In addition to dispensing medications, the pharmacies plan to offer additional health services such as wellness counseling, medication therapy management, health screenings, and patient education forums.

“The dynamics of health care are shifting so rapidly that we must do more than graduate students who are ‘practice ready.” - President Dewey

The opening of these pharmacies will have the dual benefit of providing students with a distinctive and innovative experience while at the same time improving access to pharmacy and healthcare services for members of these communities. Over time, the goal is for the pharmacies to become prototypes for the practice of neighborhood healthcare in medically underserved communities.

"Colleges and universities today must be intensely focused on preparing students for their career paths," said Herb Chorbajian, Chair of the ACPHS Board of Trustees. "As a Board, we believe that it is simply not enough to help graduates successfully begin their careers; we must prepare them for the entire journey. The 'Beyond Practice Ready' Campaign has our enthusiastic support."

“The dynamics of health care are shifting so rapidly that we must do more than graduate students who are ‘practice ready,’” said ACPHS President Greg Dewey. “Professionals today need to have the skills required to anticipate, and adapt to, the evolving needs of their chosen fields. In other words, they must be able to go beyond practice ready. Each of the components of this campaign will prepare them to do just that.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, corporate partners, and friends of the College, the Campaign is off to a strong start,” said Vicki DiLorenzo, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “The response we have received thus far shows an incredible commitment from our supporters and reinforces their belief in this campaign, in our students, and in the future of this institution.”

Contributors to the Campaign include: 

Albany Housing Authority
Hugh Johnson Advisors
KPH Healthcare Services, Inc. and the Kinney Drugs Foundation, Inc.
MVP Health Care
Rite Aid Corporation
Rochester Drug Cooperative, Inc.
Rose and Kiernan, Inc.
Walgreens
John C. Egan
Matthew J. Bette, Trustee
Walter S. Borisenok, Trustee
Marion Morton ’84 , Trustee 
Visit acphs.edu/beyondpracticeready to learn more about the BPR campaign or to make a gift or pledge. 

About Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private, independent institution with a long tradition of academic and research excellence. The College is committed to educating the next generation of leaders in the health care professions and translating scientific discoveries into therapies that benefit humankind. In addition to its doctor of pharmacy program, ACPHS offers six bachelor’s programs and five graduate programs in the health sciences. The College has campuses in Albany, New York and Colchester, Vermont.