The UI College of Pharmacy held the Zada Cooper Symposium for the 10th consecutive year on the first Saturday of May. Honoring the legacy of Zada Cooper—a renowned educator, mentor, and innovator—the symposium provided a powerful platform for exploring what it means to be an effective leader in all aspects of life.
Marianne Ivey, PharmD, MPH, professor emerita at the University of Cincinnati, served as this year’s Domer Distinguished Visiting Lecturer. She shared insightful reflections on leadership, shaped by her pioneering experience as one of the first presidents of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
During her talk, Ivey highlighted the privileges, responsibilities, and challenges that come with ‘being a first’ – whether leading in health care, organizations, or community sectors. She credited her success to a strong foundation—growing up in a home and state that deeply valued education—and to mentors and supervisors who prioritized patient-centered care and guided her professional development.
“A leader’s responsibility is to self-manage and practice self-care,” she noted. “Balancing community leadership with professional leadership is essential. You can’t be everywhere doing everything.”
Insightful Breakouts
Three breakout sessions delivered expert insights and inspiration from seasoned leaders.
Creating Your Own Path: Innovating New Roles in Modern Pharmacy Practice was presented by Aaron McDonough, ’21 PharmD, Towncrest Pharmacy Corporation & Innovative Pharmacy Solutions, and Kristen Peterson, ’17 PharmD, Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center. The duo emphasized the importance of identifying unmet opportunities, leveraging your unique strengths and experiences, and creating value by implementing strategic initiatives to establish your role and demonstrate your impact. “Start small and find a champion,” said Peterson, “Understand where and how value can be added to the work environment.”
Experiential Learning: Maximizing the Value was a panel discussion moderated by Gretchen Brummel, director of the Professional Experiential Experience Program at the UI College of Pharmacy. Panelists included Sharon Rickertsen (CVS), Erin Wieruszewski (Mayo Clinic Rochester), Jilene Haas* (UI Health Care), and Cole Ludolph (Class of 2025). Together, they explored the value of experiential learning from both preceptor and learner perspectives, offering concrete examples of how to enhance the learning experience. “Lead by example,” Rickertsen said. “I wouldn’t ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do – I want everyone to feel comfortable and confident about where they are.”
*Due to unforeseen circumstances, Jilene Haas was unable to attend. Lauryn Hanson, Class of 2025, delivered Jilene’s remarks on her behalf.
Navigating the Leadership Journey was delivered by Pamela Wiltfang of Amgen who emphasized the value of starting small on your leadership journey. She encouraged beginning with low-risk situations to explore and identify aspects of leadership that resonate personally. Introducing the concept of monotasking, Wiltfang highlighted the importance of focused attention, self-reflection, and embracing feedback as a tool for growth. “Great leaders have acute self-awareness,” she noted.
Closing Thoughts
Schmidt Chair and Dean Jill Kolesar was invited to reflect on her personal and professional ‘firsts,’ such as being a first-generation student, the first pharmacist to lead a molecular tumor board, and the first female dean at the UI College of Pharmacy. “I want to recognize and thank those who came before me, paving the way for the opportunities I've had to achieve what I have,” said Kolesar. She also recapped the first 180 days of her deanship, focusing on student success, alumni engagement, and advancements in education and research.
Melissa Corrigan, committee member and co-founder, provided a brief history of the Zada Cooper Leadership Symposium, highlighting key milestones and pivotal moments. Kolesar concluded the event by introducing four distinguished guests from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA): Randy McDonough, APhA president; Michael Hogue, executive vice president & CEO; Ben Bluml, executive director and senior vice president of Research and Innovation; and Elizabeth Johnson, president of the APhA Foundation. In her closing remarks, Kolesar expressed her appreciation for a growing collaboration. “It’s with great pleasure that I formalize the partnership between the University of Iowa, APhA, and the APhA Foundation, as we work together to carry forward the mission of Zada Cooper,” Kolesar stated.