Honoring Alumni Accomplishment
Learn a bit about the outstanding alumni honored at the First Annual Golden Mortar Awards
Story by Ryan McDaniel | Hero image credit Danny Alexander | Published May 30, 2023
Several weeks ago, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy students and alumni celebrated the year’s accomplishments during the First Annual Golden Mortar Awards at the Varsity Theatre on Franklin Street. While much of the evening focused on student accolades, three awards celebrated the School’s extraordinary alumni.
The Meritorious Service Award: Pam Joyner
Pam Joyner, BSPhar ’74, MS ’77, received the Meritorious Service Award from the Office of the Dean. The award acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leadership that has significantly and positively impacted the School community. Dr. Joyner, who served on faculty at the School for over two decades, is known as a thoughtful and kind leader, widely valued and respected by those in the School community. Not only did she help to deepen the PharmD program, but she was a valuable mentor for younger faculty. During her time at the School, Pam developed many programs, including the Rural Health Scholars Certificate Program, and always brought her kindness and passion to helping students. Since her retirement from the School in 2018, those who know her have missed seeing her genuine smile and sincere “how are you doing?” around Beard Hall.
The Samuel B. Burrus Family Award for Community Service: Mary Hooks
The Pharmacy Alumni Association recognized Mary Hooks, BSPhar ’80, with the Samuel B. Burrus Family Award for Community Service. The awards is named in memory of Samuel B. Burrus, a 1915 graduate of the Southern College of Pharmacy, and is given by the Burrus Family to recognize outstanding and unselfish civic, community, or church volunteer service provided outside the scope of regular pharmacy practice. Mary leads in communities across her life with quiet kindness. In her career, she inspires collegiality and service, humbly leading a family business employing hundreds in Eastern North Carolina. In her community, she has been a dedicated advocate for health professions education. In her church, she leads mission activities, including helping immigrant families get on their feet when they arrive in North Carolina. She embodies the values of service and servant leadership.
The Pharmacy Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award: Tab Waldrop
Tab Waldrop, BSPhar ’84, received the Pharmacy Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. Each year this award is presented to an alum whose accomplishments or contributions enhance the School and the profession of pharmacy. Tab has committed time, energy, and enthusiasm to the School at a level few can boast. He has provided strategic guidance through service on the Pharmacy Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Pharmacy Foundation Board of Directors, the School’s Strategic Plan Committee, and the UNC Board of Visitors, to name a few. Most recently, he led the School’s Campaign Cabinet, an alumni volunteer board that helped the school raise $211 million in the Campaign for Carolina.
Join us once more in congratulating and thanking these outstanding alumni for their service and commitment to the School, the profession of pharmacy, and the health and well-being of all North Carolinians!