Curtis Holleman, owner of Elliotts Pharmacy in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., received the 2012 M. Keith Fearing, Jr., Community Pharmacy Practice Award from Campbell University on April 5.
“I feel fortunate, although surprised to receive this award,” said Holleman during the award luncheon at Campbell University. “I have a real respect for the list of past recipients; it is quite an honor to be placed in the same family.”
The award was created in memory of M. Keith Fearing, Jr., a 1941 Campbell alumnus who was a key pharmacy leader in North Carolina. It is presented annually to recognize outstanding pharmacists for their patient dedication, community engagement and professional involvement.
“With passion and determination, a gift for forming lasting personal relationships and exceptional service, Curtis has kept alive a store that is deeply embedded in the town of Fuquay-Varina’s culture and community,” said Susan Weis, public information officer for Fuquay-Varina. “Curtis builds community one relationship at a time and he makes a difference one person at a time.”
Although his career as a pharmacist began at North Hills Pharmacy in Raleigh, NC in 1965, Holleman began his drugstore career in 1954, working as a soda jerk for Elliott’s Pharmacy in his hometown of Fuquay-Varina. He was 14 at the time, earning 40 cents an hour.
After graduating from the pharmacy program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1965, Holleman returned to the world of drugstores working for several pharmacies in the local area.
In 1972, Holleman was offered the opportunity he had always hoped for, a pharmacist position and partial ownership of Elliott’s Pharmacy. He accepted and returned to the place where he discovered his love of pharmacy. His devotion to his work and passion for people helped him quickly become a leader in the community.
Holleman and his wife, Kitty, purchased Elliott’s Pharmacy in 1989. They changed very little after purchasing the store except for removing the apostrophe from the store’s name.
Holleman’s dedication to service is equal to his dedication to pharmacy. He was named one of North Carolina’s 2010 Main Street Champions for his support and leadership in revitalizing Fuquay-Varina’s downtown community. Holleman has served as the chairman of the board for the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Fuquay-Varina Downtown Revitalization, and Wake Chapel Day School. He has also served in numerous volunteer roles at his church, Wake Chapel Christian Church in Fuquay-Varina, N.C.
“We are glad that we had the opportunity to recognize Curtis for his contributions to the profession,” said Ronald Maddox, vice president of health programs and dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Campbell University. “As an educator, I think one of the most important things we can do is provide our students with good mentors. Curtis is someone they can look up to and realize what they can achieve through the profession.”
Photo Copy: Curtis Holleman receives the 2012 M. Keith Fearing Community Pharmacy Practice Award from Campbell University. From left, Ronald Maddox, vice president of Health Programs, Curtis Holleman and his wife, Kitty, and Lib Fearing, widow of Keith Fearing.