For more than four decades, Larry Lee, ’72 BSPh, dedicated his life to pharmacy—a profession that brought him immense fulfillment and respect. As an independent pharmacist and owner, Lee experienced firsthand the impact pharmacists have on their communities. “I realized what a great and highly respected career I had experienced while making a meaningful impact in my community and the pharmacy profession,” he reflects.

Larry Lee's journey began at the University of Iowa (UI) College of Pharmacy. At that time, financing an education was challenging but achievable. “As a young student, I was able to work during my summers and breaks to cover tuition, room, and board,” he said. But today, the reality is starkly different. Rising costs make it nearly impossible for students to fund their education through part-time work alone. Tuition, housing, and living expenses—especially during the demanding final year of pharmacy school—create a heavy financial burden.

Recognizing this challenge, Lee and his wife, Janet, felt compelled to act. They established the Lee Family Pharmacy Scholarship to help alleviate financial stress for future pharmacists. “It’s our way of honoring the profession and the college that shaped our lives—and continuing a legacy through our daughters, Shelly and Kathryn,” said Lee. Their daughters followed in his footsteps, graduating from the UI College of Pharmacy in 2005 and 2012, creating a family tradition rooted in pharmacy excellence.

For students like Ochain Okey, the scholarship is life-changing. As an out-of-state student pursuing both a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Public Health degree, Okey faces significant expenses. “Pharmacy school is an investment,” he explained. “It costs a lot of money, especially in the P4 year, to cover the cost of living on top of tuition and moving every month or so to a new site. Couple that with being an out-of-state student, and attending a professional school comes with a heavy price tag.”

The Lee Family Pharmacy Scholarship eased that burden, allowing Okey to focus on his education and seize unique opportunities. “The scholarship gave me the chance to complete advanced rotations at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege to challenge myself through unique experiences, including a pharmacogenomics clinic and an upcoming breast cancer clinic.”

When Okey learned he had been selected for the scholarship, he felt immense gratitude. “Their generosity does not go unnoticed,” he says. “They made it possible for me to chase my dreams without constant financial stress. There are not enough words to express my appreciation.”

Lee sums up the family’s motivation simply: “Scholarship support isn’t just about dollars—it’s about opening doors, fueling ambition, and ensuring the next generation of pharmacists can thrive. Giving back is truly rewarding—and we encourage others to join us.”

By giving back, the Lee family is reinforcing the future of the profession that shaped their own lives.