The Purdue Pharmacist, Summer 2007 - Purdue College of ...

What made you decide to leave the program in 1999?
During the fall semester of my first professional year, I endured the most
trying time of my educational career. My first daughter was conceived.
I was extremely ill throughout the semester due to the pregnancy, mentally
distressed due to the timing of the pregnancy, and emotionally distressed
due to falling grades.
The second semester, I realized that being pregnant was not the end, but
the beginning of a more challenging phase of my life. A phase that made it
more substantial that I complete my degree not only for me, but to secure
a positive future for my unborn child. I gave birth to Alana on July 18, 1999,
and a few weeks later I was back in classes. I had no other option but to
make the heart-wrenching decision to place my newborn child in daycare.
When Alana was a few weeks old, she developed a rare skin disorder
called Acropostulosis which resulted in red, itchy pustules developing on
the bottoms of her feet. This condition caused her to cry relentlessly when
breakouts would occur and caused me to keep her from daycare on several
days, sometimes resulting in me taking her to class. In December, I made
the decision to leave school and return home so that I could take care of
her with the support of my family.
How difficult was it for you to have to put your education
on hold, and had you always been determined to return?
Extremely. It left a void in me which could only be filled by the completion of
my degree. I was always determined to return. During my departure, I married
Alana’s father and welcomed a second child in 2002. As the years continued to
pass and life events continued to occur, I began to worry if my dream was still
attainable, but the urge to return to Purdue was so strong that it would not let
me rest until I gave every effort to return.
How difficult was it to return and complete your work?
Because I now had a husband, an eight-month-old daughter, and a two-year-old
daughter, I knew my goal to complete my degree would not be easy. But I was
so grateful for a second chance and determined to complete my degree that any
challenge that presented itself seemed obsolete. The extra challenge that having
a family posed made me more focused and determined to succeed. I knew my
success was not only for me, but also for my family who believed in me.
What has been your most enjoyable time at Purdue?
I have so many. A lot of memories were created here as I watched my two
girls grow up in four years. From recitals to school plays, the list is too long.
I am also so happy that my kids were able to experience residential housing
and truly know the importance of getting an education.
Who has played a supportive role in helping you obtain your goals?
I must say that God has placed so many angels in my path. My husband,
Archie, made many sacrifices by leaving his job in Louisville so that I could
complete my degree. He also was constantly rearranging his work schedule
to correspond to my class/exam schedule. My mother, Lillie Wheeler, and
my sister, LaTonya Meadows, were also so supportive of me emotionally
and financially, never hesitating to let me know how proud they were.
Jackie Jimerson has played a significant role in providing educational
counseling and guidance. Associate Dean Holly Mason believed in me and
my story enough to allow me to return to pharmacy school and complete
my degree. My best friend Melanie Trass offered tons of emotional support.
My best friend Stephanie Gage watched my youngest daughter while I was
in class and treated her like her own, giving me tremendous ease of mind
knowing my child was in good hands. Several other family and friends
offered a tremendous amount of support for which I am so grateful.
The Class Gift
Challenge
The graduating class of the School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences annually participates
in raising awareness of the importance of giving
back to the School through the Class Gift Challenge.
The goal of the Class Gift Challenge is to instill
the idea and impact of philanthropy in the minds
of the graduating class, encouraging them to stay
connected to the University after graduation. Matching
their gifts with the School’s needs emphasizes
the significance of giving back, and helps ensure
that the same resources and opportunities students
enjoyed during their years at Purdue will exist for
future generations.
This year’s Senior Class Gift campaign raised
over $14,000 in gifts and pledges, including a
generous matching gift from Stanley (BS 1974) and
Terrylee Turnipseed. These funds were put toward
the purchase of an electronic student information
display system which was installed in the Heine
Pharmacy Building. This system consists of three
display monitors located in key areas of the building:
the Hook Drug Foundation Student Lounge;
the Office of Student Services; and the main lecture
hall, Room 172. These monitors will display such
information as announcements from the Office of
Student Services, schedules of student organization
meetings, information about local and regional
seminars of interest to students, opportunities to
meet with prospective employers, and announcements
from the Office of the Deans.
Each year’s graduating class is in competition
with the participation rate record of past classes.
The Class of 2007 tied the previous record participation
rate set by the Class of 2004 by having a
total of 44% of those graduating participate in the
campaign. The Class Gift Challenge is a wonderful
way for students to leave a legacy to the School
and to keep that legacy going with continued support
as alumni. Congratulations to this year’s Class
Gift Challenge Committee: Mark Brown, William
Carroll, Aaron Craft, Vyto Damasius, Laura Smith,
and Kelly Williams—all PharmD graduates of the
Class of 2007. The School also extends its sincere
thanks to Stan Turnipseed for his generosity.
The Class Gift Challenge Committee displays
a signed poster by the Class of 2007 for Stan
Turnipseed in recognition of his generous support.
L to R: Kelly Williams, Aaron Craft, William Carroll,
the Laura PURDUE Smith, pharmacist Vyto Damasius, n SPRING and Mark 2007 Brown 5