During its annual convention held in New Orleans from October 18 to 21, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Foundation announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships. The foundation awards these scholarships each year to college students who are pursuing careers in community pharmacy ownership and have shown leadership, academic achievement, and an interest in independent community pharmacy.
This year marks the first time that four Partners in Pharmacy need-based scholarships were awarded. Each provides $10,000 to pharmacy students who demonstrate both a commitment to independent community pharmacy and significant financial need. According to the NCPA Foundation, this new initiative honors the intentions of the original founders of the Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship by focusing on students most in need.
Jerry Shapiro, president of the NCPA Foundation, said: “Our hope is that students who may otherwise have more difficulty pursuing independent community pharmacy will have their barriers lessened with this support. The cost of pharmacy education continues to rise annually, and we don’t want to see students discouraged from pursuing pharmacy ownership due to the increased cost they carry, even before they graduate.”
Scholarship recipients receive funds for tuition as well as complimentary registration for this year’s NCPA Annual Convention and a travel stipend.
The following students received 2025 NCPA Foundation scholarships:
- J.C. and Rheba Cobb Memorial Scholarship in Government Affairs: Colby Cormell (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)
- Neil Pruitt Sr. Memorial Scholarship for Entrepreneurism: Ashleigh Ewens (Mercer University)
- William B. Simmons Memorial Scholarship in Pharmacy Management: Hannah Grace Matthewson (University of Georgia)
Presidential Scholarships sponsored by McKesson RxOwnership were awarded to Tiffany Chao (Rutgers University), Ty Davenport (University of Oklahoma), Emily Fisher (University of South Carolina), Rachel Helbling (University of Texas at Austin), Cindy Lu (University of Pittsburgh), Amber Martin (University of Montana), Evelyn McHaney (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), Oluwateti Omilana (Howard University), and Ellie Twedt (University of Iowa).
Partners in Pharmacy Scholarships went to Kara DiNardo (West Virginia University), Armin Dogic (Drake University), Mackenzie Gunn (Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center), Mark Hanin (University of Southern California), Hannah Lerma (University of Texas at Austin), Madison Shreffler (North Dakota State University), Laney Skipper and Andrea Tucker (Auburn University).
The NCPA Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1953 to honor John W. Dargavel, former executive secretary of what was then known as the National Association of Retail Druggists. Contributions made to the foundation are tax-deductible under federal law. The foundation’s mission is focused on improving community-based health care by supporting independent community pharmacists and advancing public understanding about their role as accessible health care providers. More information can be found at www.ncpafoundation.org.