A Legacy Worth Celebrating: The History of UConn Pharmacy 

Originally the Connecticut College of Pharmacy, the College opened its doors on Oct. 20, 1925, in New Haven. Only awarding two-year degrees for its first 10 years, the Connecticut College of Pharmacy awarded its first four-year bachelor’s degrees in 1936.   

Four years later, in 1940, the College was included in the first list of accredited schools and colleges by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education. Just one year later, the Connecticut College of Pharmacy became the College of Pharmacy at the University of Connecticut and moved to the main campus in Storrs. 

Throughout the next 50 years, the School continued to grow as it offered more degrees to expand students’ career options, more buildings to learn in, and more opportunities in the form of committees, volunteering, and tracks for its future pharmacists.  

Reflecting on the past, Dean Philip Hritcko noted: “New medicines, new technologies, and new ways of caring for patients have redefined what it means to be a pharmacist and a pharmaceutical researcher.” 

Let There Be Love: The Romantics   

Back in February and in honor of Valentine’s Day, the School released a special UConn Today article featuring romantic duos who met during their time as Huskies. Celebrating the chemistry found inside and outside the labs, this article highlighted couples Cecily and Joe DiPiro and Bill and Erica Baker and paid homage to their love and commitment for one another.  

In 1975, Cecily and Joe DiPiro had their first date at a UConn basketball game, back when the tickets were 50 cents each. They hit it off and spent the next years as Huskies falling in love with each other and their passions for pharmacy. Cecily spent most of her career as a hospital pharmacist before working as a diabetes coach, while Joe held leadership roles at various pharmacy schools. Now, as their busy careers have come to an end, Cecily and Joe have found an equally busy role: being grandparents to eight healthy and active grandchildren. 

About 20 years after Cecily and Joe’s romance was ignited at the School, Bill and Erica’s love story begins. Meeting in high school, prior to their time as Huskies, Bill and Erica both chose UConn to pursue their love for pharmacy. It was in Storrs where the couple made it official, spending the next four years creating a network of friends, gaining professional experience, and deepening their interest in pharmacy. Bill has since returned to UConn as a professor of pharmacy practice and remains busy with his teaching, research, and raising three small children with Erica.  

To learn more, read A Dose of History: Love is the Best Medicine.  

A Toast to the Changemakers: The Class of 1975 

The Class of 1975 celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. In honor of this milestone, UConn Pharmacy caught up with three alums to share memories of their time at the School. 

Back in March, in honor of the Class of 1975’s 50th year reunion, the School published a UConn Today article reminiscing with these UConn Pharmacy alums.  

Cynthia Huge, Marghie Guiliano, and Jack Collins reflected on their memories of resilience and change in the cultural and politically tumultuous 1970s, the advocacy and connection the students felt for each other, and the intensity of the program that helped foster this intimacy. Although these students graduated in a time when pharmacy was undergoing changes in the form of chain drug stores, they embraced the change and hold their memories of late-night study sessions and lifelong friends close to their hearts. 

To learn more, read Reminiscing with the Class of 1975: A Look Back with the School of Pharmacy Alumni. 

Let There Be Spirit: The Student-Athletes 

Back in April, after word of the incredible student-athletes studying pharmacy, the School published an article featuring three student-athletes from past and present who succeeded and continue to succeed in balancing their love for pharmacy with their love for staying active. 

Graduating in 2024 with his Pharm.D., Patrick Doherty completed every item on a typical bucket list and then some. With his blue-blooded spirit, Pat was Jonathan the mascot before becoming a cheerleader. In the School, Pat was a proud member of the Alpha Zeta Omega Pharmaceutical Fraternity (AZO) and was a Pharmacy Leaders’ Track Scholar. Having a pharmacy and a cheer family, Pat transitioned his love for connection to his latest role as a Yale Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident, while pursuing a master’s in health care administration. 

Long before 12 national championships, Cathy Bouchain ’85 played at UConn. Excited about the challenge of UConn Pharmacy, Cathy learned to work with her basketball and class schedules to manage her time most effectively. Her fondest memories are when her two worlds came together during basketball games: Cathy playing and her classmates forming their own cheer section with decorated signs. Cathy, now a registered pharmacist, enjoys playing on a women’s basketball league, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and raising three children with her partner, Anne. 

Graduating with his Pharm.D. in 2028, Ben Gottsche has pharmacy in his blood. With both parents as UConn alum, Ben admired their careers in the health field and wanted to try out one on his own. As president of the Men’s Club Lacrosse Team and an active member of AZO and the Dean’s Student Liaison Committee (DLSC), Ben thrives in leadership roles on and off the field. With more than two years left at the School, Ben is looking forward to more opportunities to expand his passions for pharmacy and lacrosse and to gain hands-on experience through research and internship opportunities. 

To learn more, read A Dose of History: Excellence in Pharmacy, Excellence in Athletics  

Let There Be History: The Pioneers  

Back in May, as another school year wrapped up, the School took a moment to reflect on its changemakers, innovators, and trailblazers of the past 100 years. And although many alumni and faculty meet these titles, few have shone as much as Ann Petry, Varro Tyler, and Mike Pikal. 

As the first Black woman to graduate from the Connecticut College of Pharmacy in 1931, Ann’s parents inspired her to push the limits of what was possible. With strong familial roles, Ann was empowered by her father, who owned two drugstores as a pharmacist, and her mother, who was a business owner. After graduating, Ann worked in the family business for several years before becoming a successful author and passing away in 1997. 

A Southern man at heart, Varro Tyler moved to New England for his academic pursuits and graduated from the School with his MS in 1951 and Ph.D. in 1953. After graduating, Varro became a professor, pharmacognosist, and lifelong scholar. Serving as the first president of the American Society of Pharmacognosy and president of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), Varro implemented his work in several settings before passing away in 2001. 

Not a Husky during his undergraduate years, Mike Pikal became one through a UConn career that spanned 25 years. After a successful career as a researcher, Mike joined UConn Nation as a professor of pharmaceutics. Serving as the department head of Pharmaceutical Sciences and an Emeritus Professor, Mike established strong relationships with students and faculty members. His most noticeable research was in freeze-drying technology, winning several awards through this project before passing away in 2018.  

To learn more, read A Dose of History: Pioneers of UConn Pharmacy. 

Let There Be Family: The Generations 

Just last week, in celebrating the family UConn Pharmacy has become, the School acknowledged family members who have called the UConn School of Pharmacy their home across generations.  

Joyce B. Comer and her mother Amelia Ardizzone both attended the School when it looked a bit different. Amelia graduated in 1938 from the Connecticut College of Pharmacy as one of two women in her class. She met Joyce’s father after graduation, and both went on to encourage Joyce to pick a practical career. Naturally, Joyce picked UConn Pharmacy and has worked in a variety of teaching and hospital settings after her graduation in 1985. 

Current student Ryan Shan and his dad Dan can be spotted at conferences together, a dynamic father-son duo. Ryan is in his fourth year, and Dan graduated from UConn Pharmacy in 1989. Although a generation separates them, Ryan and his dad often tell stories about the School over dinner. Looking forward, both Ryan and Dan are excited to see the new opportunities UConn Pharmacy will present its students in terms of experience, professionalism, and mentorship. 

Brother and sister Mike and Ana Andriyashko moved from Ukraine to Connecticut at 6 and 4. Wanting to remain close to family, Mike and Ana are proud commuter students. Only two years younger, Ana looks up to Mike as a mentor as she takes classes and faces challenges Mike has already experienced. With part-time jobs outside of classes, along with extracurriculars, Mike and Ana look to each other for happiness during their car rides, family dinners, and outings with friends. 

To learn more, read A Dose of History: Pharmacists in the Phamily.  

For All to See: The Centennial Artifact Display 

 On display through Dec. 12 in the Homer Babbidge Library, the Centennial Artifact Display is a record of the School’s excellence through a collection of historical pieces, exhibiting its contributions to advancing pharmacy practice and patient care. This exhibition is possible because of two alumni, Al Viner and Pete Tyczkowski, and the UConn Pharmacy librarian Rolyn Kohlbrecher. 

With yearbooks, banners, and photos, this display is a visual reminder of how far UConn Pharmacy has come and the excellence it continues to uphold.  

 A Centennial Year in Review: Events From This Year 

On Jan. 8, UConn Pharmacy hosted its Centennial Kick-off at Max Downtown in Hartford. Bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and friends to honor the School’s legacy with an evening of celebration, guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers. With UConn President Radenka Maric, former UConn Provost Anne D’Alleva, School of Pharmacy Dean Hritcko, and UConn Foundation President and CEO Amy Yancey in attendance, the celebrations continued as guests moved to the PeoplesBank Arena to cheer on the UConn women’s basketball team. Jonathan the mascot even escorted leaders of UConn Pharmacy down to the court for a special announcement of the School’s centennial. 

 The Alumni Awards Brunch, featuring Exceptional Service award winner Katelyn O’Brien, Distinguished Alumni award winner Craig Coleman, and Tradition of Excellence award winner Justine Dickson, was Oct. 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Preston. The three UConn alumni were honored over brunch and a mimosa bar, a testament to the success and perseverance of past students and present innovators.  

 As day turned to night on Oct. 18, the School hosted its Centennial Celebration. With a pre-event intimate toast for the Centennial Planning Committee followed by a Red-Carpet reception, members of the UConn Pharmacy community gathered to celebrate the enduring impact and legacy of the School. With speeches from Dean Hritcko, UConn President Radenka Maric, and Dean Emeritus Robert McCarthy, the night celebrated the School’s 100 years of excellence while looking to all that the future holds for UConn Pharmacy. 

 The Centennial Celebration 

In its 100th year, the School honored its legacy and promising future at the Lake of Isles Golf Club and Resort in North Stonington on Oct. 18. 

With an intimate celebratory toast for the Centennial Planning Committee and event sponsors, a red carpet for the broader UConn Pharmacy community, and a seated dinner with speeches from influential UConn leaders like President Maric and Dean Hritcko, the night was a well-deserved celebration of 100 years of excellence.  

Throughout the evening, UConn Pharmacy alumni and other guests connected with faculty, staff, colleagues, and fellow students amidst dining and dancing. Most notably, alumni in attendance ranged from the most recent graduating class to Dan Leone, a graduate from the Class of 1953. A highlight was the photobooth, where guests took pictures with friends, family, and old classmates.  

Conor Geary, best known as “GameDay Conor,” emceed and brought his energy as the UConn Athletics in-game host to this event.  

“The evening was more than just looking back,” said Hritcko. “It was about looking ahead with gratitude for our past, confidence in our present, and excitement for what’s to come.” 

This event wouldn’t have been possible without it’s sponsors, including Walgreens, Pfizer, CVS Health, ATS Scientific, and Fine Fettle. These sponsors, along with UConn Pharmacy donors, created a truly special night for all those in attendance.  

UConn Pharmacy Day: A Proclamation 

Gov. Ned Lamont has declared Oct. 25, 2025, UConn School of Pharmacy Day in the state of Connecticut. This honor is a testament to the 100 years of service the School has given to the state through pharmaceutical breakthroughs and community-wide programs focusing on education and advocacy. 

It’s What You Give: Centennial Match 

The future is bright for UConn Pharmacy, but this future also depends on the generosity of its donors and the capability of its resources. At the Centennial Celebration, Dean Hritcko announced the launch of the UConn School of Pharmacy $1 Million Centennial Match Challenge.  

The idea, simple but powerful, is to double the impact of every gift by inspiring others to join. Additionally, the challenge aligns with the UConn Foundation’s comprehensive campaign, Because of UConn. With this campaign, investing in UConn means investing in healthier communities, stronger science, and a brighter future.  

Each dollar raised in this campaign goes to the heart of UConn Pharmacy – our students. They will support scholarships and fellowships, reduce debt, and empower the next generation of pharmacy leaders with hands-on learning.  

Every matched dollar will continue to fuel UConn Pharmacy excellence and help provide the same life-changing education for the next 100 years. 

Conclusion 

As we look to the past year of celebration and the culmination of UConn Pharmacy’s legacy during the Centennial Celebration, the School has embodied the Husky spirit of resilience, courage, and advocacy. Transforming the community beyond the Storrs campus, UConn Pharmacy will continue its excellence for years to come. 

And best said by Dean Hritcko, “Here’s to the next 100 years of excellence!”