Donation funds doctoral fellowship in pharmacy school


LAWRENCE — An anonymous donation of $300,000 to the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology was inspired by the donor’s niece and her experience as a doctoral student.

“I hope the gift will aid others who passionately devote their time and effort to vital scientific research,” the donor said. “Students often face financial hardship, which has been compounded by the challenges of the ongoing pandemic.”

Nancy Muma, professor and department chair, said the money will be used to endow a doctoral fellowship and increase opportunities and access for future generations of research students.

“This generous donation will have a tremendous impact on our ability at KU to train pharmacologists to develop novel approaches to treat disease,” Muma said.

The donor’s niece studied with Rick Dobrowsky, professor of pharmacology & toxicology. Ronald Ragan, pharmacy school dean, said the donation is a direct result of the important research performed every day at the school and the lifelong relationships students build with their mentors.

“It’s not often enough that we get a chance to celebrate the dedication and hard work of our research faculty,” Ragan said. “This is a well-deserved honor for Rick and gives us a chance to talk about his dedication to science and to training the next generation of research scientists.”

Dobrowsky expressed his gratitude to the donor for the generous gift and for her continued support of education.

“She has a history of contributing to programs that increase opportunities in the arts, sciences and athletics that promote a holistic development of elementary students.” Dobrowsky said. “Her support for graduate education is an extension of her passion for increasing student success.”

The gift was made through KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU.

Mon, 12/14/2020

author

Jackie Hosey

Media Contacts

Jackie Hosey

School of Pharmacy

785-864-1206