Formulary Book Club: The Boys in the Boat

Patti Rouse, BSPharm ’79, has our January ’23 book recommendation

Story by Kirsten Beattie | Published January 24, 2023

Each month, the Formulary Book Club introduces a staff, student, faculty, or alumni of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and gets their recommendation for a great read.

This month we meet Patti Rouse, a 1979 alumna of the School and retired clinical researcher. Patti’s Formulary Book Club recommendation is The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown.

This book is the true story of how the University of Washington rowing team, consisting of nine working-class boys, beat the odds and showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what passion and determination really meant. It describes their struggles and sacrifices as well as the importance of teamwork and perseverance in reaching their goal.

“I found this book to be very inspiring because it uses a real-life story to demonstrate that with the willingness to make sacrifices and not give up when faced with obstacles, and with unwavering dedication, we can accomplish goals that may appear impossible to others,” says Patti. “Throughout the book, the reader experiences the roller coaster of emotions that the individual rowing team members experienced as they pursued their quest for the gold medal in rowing in the 1936 Olympics.”

After graduating from the UNC School of Pharmacy in 1979, Patti spent 20 years working in clinical research, then transferred to pharmacovigilance where she worked fro an additional nine years. Beyond Olympics history, Patti is a passionate sports fan. For over 30 years, she has served as a volunteer usher for the UNC men’s basketball games. In addition to her ushering, Patti enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and swimming.

Thank you, Patti, for a great book recommendation!