Buies Creek, N.C.-Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) welcomed new and returning students during the institution’s 25th opening convocation on Thursday, August 26. Rite Aid Chairman Mary Sammons delivered keynote remarks and the Gore Center for Servant Leadership recognized three student pharmacists.
Selected from the CPHS student body, 2011 student pharmacists Tina Lee and Ashley Wensil, and 2013 student pharmacist Erin Dickert, received the Gore Center for Servant Leadership Award for their exceptional service displayed through their leadership in student organizations, community service projects and their personal work ethic.
The Gore Center was founded by philanthropists Edward Gore and his wife, Dinah, to challenge students and faculty at Campbell University to accept the call to servant leadership through recognition, support and encouragement. This was the first time the awards were presented at CPHS.
“I commend Campbell for its focus on servant leadership,” said Sammons following the award presentation. “Despite what happens with health care reform, service will always be a critical component of your careers.” She stressed the importance of this virtue and encouraged students to provide service to their patients, their community and their profession.
Sammons shared an excerpt of a letter she received from a patient with diabetes who said his Rite Aid pharmacist not only turned his health but his life around, ‘“I am glad she knows so much about medicine, but it is her encouragement, care and compassion that changed my life the most.’ This is a real life example of servant leadership.”
Photo Copy: Rite Aid Chairman Mary Sammons