UNC Pharmacy Photo Journey: 1973-1982
A roller-coaster decade in both the School’s and world’s history, capped by the kickoff of Tar Heel sports dynasties
Story by Ryan McDaniel | Published November 22, 2022
The Class of 1973
Photo composite of the class of 1973. Historical context: Pink Floyd released the album “Dark Side of the Moon” in 1973.
The Class of 1974
Photo composite of the class of 1974. Historical context: Amid the Watergate Scandal and facing impeachment, President Nixon resigns. Photo of his resignation letter addressed to Henry Kissinger, Secretary of State.
Seymour Blaug Serves as Dean
In August, 1974, Seymour Blaug, PhD, began his time as dean of the School. He came to Chapel Hill from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa. Tragically, Dean Blaug suffered a sudden heart attack and died in 1975, just over a year into his tenure as dean.
The Class of 1975
Photo composite of the class of 1975. During the years of 1975 and 1976, Leroy D. Werley served as interim dean, in the wake of Dean Blaug’s passing. Dr. Werley had previously served as the School’s assistant dean.
The Class of 1976
Photo composite of the class of 1976. Historical context: Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Wayne, who designed the company’s original logo seen here, sold his shares of the company back to Jobs and Wozniak after just 12 days and stepped away from Apple.
Tom S. Miya Becomes Dean
On January 1, 1977, Tom S. Miya, PhD, officially began his time as Dean of the UNC School of Pharmacy. Dr. Miya was previously the chair of the Department of Pharmacology at Purdue University. Known as both a leader in education and a great research scholar, Dr. Miya saw potential to grow the School’s research enterprise.
The Class of 1977
Photo composite of the class of 1977. Historical context: George Lucas’ Star Wars premiered in 1977, becoming a cultural sensation and changing the science fiction landscape forever.
The Class of 1978
Photo composite of the class of 1978. Historical context: In November, 1978 over 900 people died in murder-suicides of the infamous Peoples Temple cult in Jonestown,Guyana.
The Class of 1979
Graduation photo of the class of 1979. Historical context: a group of student militants took over the US Embassy in Iran, starting the Iran Hostage Crisis. Fifty-two US diplomats and civilians were held hostage by the group for 444 days.
The Class of 1980
Photo composite of the class of 1980. Historical context: In one of the greatest upsets of sports history, Team USA beat the USSR hockey team 4-3 in the semifinals of the Olympics – what would go on to be known as the “Miracle on Ice.” The US went on to win the gold medal.
The Pharmacy Alumni Association is Established
On October 4, 1980, the UNC School of Pharmacy hosted its first-ever Alumni Day. During this day the Pharmacy Alumni Association was officially formed and remains today.
The Class of 1981
Photo composite of the class of 1981. Historical context: Judge Sandra Day O’Connor was appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States, the first woman to achieve this milestone.
The Class of 1982
Photo composite of the class of 1982. Historical context: Michael Jackson debuted his album “Thriller” in 1982. The famous music video would premiere the following year, 1983.
UNC Sports Dynasty
1982 was a great year for Tar Heel sports. Women’s soccer won the NCAA championship, kicking off a dynasty, and Michael Jordan played his first year at UNC, leading the Heels to NCAA victory in basketball as well.
Celebrating 125 Years of Excellence
In 2022, the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy celebrates 125 years of excellence as the nation’s top-ranked school of pharmacy by and for the people of North Carolina. Thank you for viewing this collection of photos from 1973-1982. Check back weekly for updates by decade and follow along on Facebook (@carolinapharmacystories), Instagram (@carolina pharmacy stories), and Twitter (@carolinarxstory).