Dear Hawkeyes,

As Thanksgiving approaches—a season of gratitude and giving—it’s the perfect time to reflect on how our college is living its commitment to community outreach and engagement, a key pillar of our strategic plan. Recently, we tipped off basketball season with more than a game. In partnership with UI Health Care and UI Athletics, the UI College of Pharmacy hosted its inaugural flu vaccine clinic at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the Iowa/Drake women’s basketball game.  

This success was possible because of incredible faculty leadership: Nicole Brogden, PharmD, PhD, whose vision launched the initiative and partnership with UI Athletics; Cindy Sanoski, PharmD, who recruited P3 students and encouraged walk-ups; and Stevie Veach, PharmD, Morgan Herring, PharmD, and Laura Knockel, PharmD, who supervised students and ensured a smooth clinic.

We are also grateful to Mike Brownlee, PharmD, and Trisha Smith, PharmD, of UI Health Care for providing the vaccines and supplies needed to run the event. And let’s not forget our third-year PharmD students, Hallie Ehn, Garet Grant, Sullivan Gregory, Tiegan Michalski, and Lizzie Van Es, who showed tremendous professionalism and kindness with every vaccine they administered, while gaining invaluable hands-on experience serving their community. Public feedback was overwhelmingly positive—even from those already vaccinated. 

Also, a special thank you to UI Athletics for providing space at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and advertising the clinic. Their support amplified our outreach and made this event possible.

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving and cheer on the Hawkeyes this season, let’s remember: community service is a team sport. Through partnerships and outreach, we’re advancing health and strengthening the bonds that make Iowa special.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Together, the UI College of Pharmacy leads. Go Hawks!
 

— Jill M. Kolesar, PharmD, MS, FCCP
Dean, Jean M. Schmidt Chair in Drug Discovery, and Professor