UNC Pharmacy Photo Journey: 2003-2012
Photos and factoids of a decade marked by incredible expansion for the School
Story by Ryan McDaniel| Published December 12, 2022
Bob Blouin Assumes the Role of Dean
On July 1, 2003, Robert "Bob" Blouin assumed the role of Dean. He came to the School from the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy where he was the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education. At the time he joined the UNC School of Pharmacy, Beard Hall was undergoing renovations; Dean Blouin's first office at the School was a temporary trailer in the building's parking lot.
Class of 2004
Photo composite of the class of 2004. Historical context: from his dorm at Harvard, Mark Zuckerburg launched Facebook in February of 2004.
Class of 2005
Photo composite of the class of 2005. Historical context: Hurricane Katrina made landfall in New Orleans, LA in August of 2005, devastating the city.
Tar Heels Win NCAA Championship
In 2005 the UNC Men's Basketball Team became NCAA champions once again with a win over Illinois 75-70.
Class of 2006
Photo composite of the class of 2006. Historical context: Twitter founder Jack Dorsey sent the world's first tweet in 2005. It read, "just setting up my twttr"
Class of 2007
Photo composite of the class of 2007. Historical context: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released in July of 2007, ending a series spanning ten years and seven books.
School Renamed UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
In 2008 the UNC School of Pharmacy was officially renamed the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy after alumnus Fred Eshelman, BSPhar '72.
Class of 2008
Photo composite of the class of 2008. Historical context: at the 2008 Beijing Olympics Usain Bolt set the Olympic record in the men's 100m dash at 9.69 seconds, far ahead of the rest of the field. His celebration before even crossing the finish line likely kept him from setting the world record at that time - he would go on to set the world record in 2009 with a time of 9.58 seconds.
The School Expands Again
In 2008, the Eshelman School of Pharmacy collaborated with the School of Medicine to open the Genetic Medicine Building, adding thousands of square feet of wet lab space to the School's facilities.
Class of 2009
Photo composite of the class of 2009. Historical context: the Tar Heel men's basketball team beat Michigan State, 89-72, to once again win the NCAA Championship title.
Class of 2010
Photo composite of the class of 2010. Historical context: the Burj Khalifa opened in 2010 and has since reigned as the world's tallest building at over half a mile high.
Class of 2011
Photo composite of the class of 2011. Historical context: in 2011, an underwater earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused catastrophic damage to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan. The damage released contaminated water and radioactive isotopes into the surrounding area, including into the Pacific Ocean. The disaster is the most severe nuclear accident since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
The School Expands to the Asheville Campus
In 2011, the Eshelman School of Pharmacy expanded to UNC Asheville, taking up residence in Karpen Hall. A close collaboration with the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) makes the Asheville experience a unique one and allows specialization in rural health practice.
Class of 2012
Photo composite of the class of 2012. Historical context: during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Michael Phelps won another six medals (four gold and two silver) to become the most decorated Olympian of all time.
