Photo Journey: The Third Annual Golden Mortar Awards
Scenes from the School’s annual Hollywood-style awards show, celebrating the Classes of 2025 and 1975
Story by Sarah Clark | Photos by Danny Alexander & Nick Ricotta | Published May 13, 2025
The Third Annual Golden Mortar Awards
This year's Golden Mortar Awards were once again held at the Varsity Theatre on Franklin Street. To welcome guests to this Hollywood-style awards show, the theatre's marquis has been specially prepared.
Red Carpet Style
Attendees were encouraged to wear "Red Carpet Attire" for the special awards ceremony. Pharmeses brought his A-game with this swanky tuxedo!
The Innovator
Spoof posters filled the entry way of the Varsity Theatre, featuring faculty and staff at the School. One of the new additions this year features John Bamforth, the Executive Director of Eshelman Innovation, as The Innovator.
The Emcees
Adam Persky, Associate Dean of Professional Education reprised his role as emcee this year, and was joined by PY4 Class President Andrew Nguyen.
The George H. Cocolas Pharmacy Student Body Award
Ashley J. Addison is this year’s recipient of the George H. Cocolas Pharmacy Student Body Award. Ashley has maintained a 4.0 GPA while also filling her time with co-curricular activities such as volunteering with the Student Health Action Coalition, serving on the Graduate and Professional Student Government, and completing multiple internships. She is a member of Phi Lambda Sigma leadership society, the current National Vice President for SNPhA, and is the national AACP Student Pharmacist Trainee Poster Competition winner.
The Reddick-Wicker Award
Yuki Yang was awarded the Reddick-Wicker Award for her leadership as President of Student Senate, bringing forward a strategy and creating spaces to cultivate connection, community, and engagement among students, faculty, and staff. Under her leadership as co-chair of the Student Senate DEI Committee, she initiated programming that brought excitement and a sense of purpose where individuals felt they had an opportunity to contribute to something larger than themselves.
The Mikey Nam Award for Well-Being and Resilience
Zoey Harris was given the Mikey Nam Award for Well-Being and Resilience. Zoey leads with inclusion, friendship, compassion, and joy. She served on the Student Senate Wellness Committee for two years and is a member of Phi Lambda Sigma leadership society. Her peers describe her as compassionate and selfless – someone who constantly puts others first, going out of her way to make people feel welcomed and included.
M.L. Jacobs Award in Medicinal Chemistry
Felo Faheem was awarded the M.L. Jacobs Award in Medicinal Chemistry for his outstanding contributions when working with faculty to oversee a team of seven teaching assistants. In fact, he was the first PY4 student to serve as Lead TA for the Molecular Foundations of Drug Action course – a role in which he excelled.
The James L. Creech Award in Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics
MaryAnn Bowyer received this year’s James L. Creech Award in Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics in recognition of her deep commitment to research. She has spent four years working in the lab of Dr. Erin Heinzen where her work helped efforts toward identifying new treatment options for a rare form of pediatric intractable epilepsy. Outside of the lab, she is incredibly supportive of her peers. We are thrilled that she will continue her research work with the School in the DPET PhD program this fall!
The John C. Hood, Sr. Award in Practice Advancement and Clinical Education
Elaine Kim was awarded the John C. Hood, Sr. Award in Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, not only for her exemplary clinical skills, but for her genuine interest in learning new things and growing as a clinician. Those who nominated her were impressed with the way she requested new, challenging assignments and delivered on those assignments with high quality work. Above all, she was recognized for genuinely treating patients with respect, always encouraging them and their caregivers to engage in making informed decisions alongside the care teams.
The L. Irvin Graham Award in Pharmaceutical Policy and Outcomes
Emily Ong received the L. Irvin Graham Award in Pharmaceutical Policy and Outcomes. Emily distinguished herself as an integral part of a prospective survey study, which she has collaborated on since her first year at the School. From the outset, she demonstrated outstanding organization, time management, and commitment to excellence, consistently meeting study timelines while balancing multiple responsibilities. The data she helped to analyze and interpret ultimately led to the acceptance of her research poster at the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
A Re-Enactment of the Solar Eclipse
A shared memory for the Class of 2025 is witnessing this rare celestial on the lawn of Beard Hall. However, not everyone was able to make it to this viewing. In order to ensure these students could bask in the amazement of the solar eclipse, hosts Andrew and Adam lead a dramatic - and 100% scientifically accurate - re-enactment of the eclipse.
The Jamie Gasaway Kilar Patient Care Award
Alina McCue is this year’s recipient of the Jamie Gasaway Kilar Patient Care Award. Alina has set herself apart as a role model for her peers with a combination of clinical expertise and genuine empathy. She demonstrates the strongest of critical thinking skills and desire to learn, always staying up-to-date with the literature and any changes in practice. On rounds, she speaks up to the team, making and implementing appropriate recommendations to ensure the best patient care.
The Grover and Ruby Creech Community Pharmacy Award
Caroline Eason was awarded the Grover and Ruby Creech Community Pharmacy Award for her advocacy for community pharmacy and dedication to patient care. She is a third-generation pharmacist and was named to the inaugural cohort of the ACT Community Pharmacy Student Scholar Leader Program.
Claude Paoloni Preceptors of the Year Awards
Each year, the graduating class recognizes three preceptors for outstanding contributions to the educational development of future pharmacists. This year's winners, from left to right, were Olivia Caron from MAHEC, Brian Gamble from Realo Discount Drugs, and Tanner Hedrick, PharmD '17, from UNC Health.
Honoring the Class of 1975
In addition to celebrating the Class of 2025, the Golden Mortar Awards honored the Class of 1975. These alumni - celebrating fifty years since graduating from the UNC School of Pharmacy - were inducted into the 50Plus Club with a pinning ceremony. Class presidents from the current PharmD classes presented the Class of 1975 attendees with a commemorative gold pin and Pharmacy Alumni Association President, Andria Hornaday, welcomed them to this golden group of alumni.
The Lynn F. Kieffer Excellence Award
Zachary Kyle Richardson is this year’s recipient of the Lynn F. Kieffer Excellence Award. Zachary has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to serving small and rural communities. He is a Rural Health Scholar, a volunteer, an advocate, a leader, a research and a teaching assistant, and a double-Tar Heel. After graduation, he will complete a PGY1 residency with the University of Arizona and El Rio Health.
The F.O. Bowman Award
Lindsey Mahn was awarded the F.O. Bowman Award in recognition of her research and honors project. Lindsey has distinguished herself with a strong commitment to advancing antimicrobial stewardship in the transplant population. Her Honors project, conducted under the guidance of Drs. Mary Chandran and Laura Chargualaf, showcased the impact of an intern-supported antiviral stewardship program for cytomegalovirus in high-risk abdominal transplant recipients. After graduation, she will further her training through a pharmacy practice residency at the University of Colorado.
The Kappa Epsilon Award
This year, The Lambda Chapter of Kappa Epsilon recognized Kylie Lewis for her consistent leadership, dedication and compassion. She is a kind and supportive individual who genuinely cares about others and strives to uplift those around her, both patients and fellow pharmacy students. Her passion, integrity, and drive make her a remarkable role model for Kappa Epsilon members, embodying the values and aspirations of the organization.
The Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Award
Mariah Bobo received the Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Award for championing the needs of her peers and the broader community, using her leadership to uplift others and create opportunities for growth and equity. Her commitment is reflected in her diverse contributions: researching admissions criteria for her longitudinal research project, serving underserved communities as an intern at a rural health camp in Conetoe, advancing healthcare systems during her internship at UNC Hillsborough, guiding PY1 students as a peer mentor, and equipping both pharmacy and undergraduate students with the tools to serve marginalized populations in her role as President of the SNPhA Chapter.
Instructors of the Year
This year's Instructors of the Year, selected by each PharmD Class, were honored for their incredible work with students both in and out of the classroom. Faculty were noted for their great work in welcoming students, bringing enthusiasm and passion to the classroom, and providing strong support to students. Denise Rhoney (left), was recognized as the PY1 Instructor of the Year; Ian Hollis (middle left) was recognized as the PY2 Instructor of the Year; Dennis Williams (middle right) was recognized as the PY3 Instructor of the Year; Zac Noel (right) was recognized as the Overall Instructor of the Year.
The Samuel B. Burrus Family Award for Community Service
The Samuel B. Burrus Award is presented to a student and an alum with a glowing record of community service outside the scope of regular pharmacy practice. Annalise Massey (left) was this year’s student recipient, in recognition for giving countless hours to the Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministry, Veterans Restoration Quarters, Taking Action by Service, and Student Pharmacists for Opioid Misuse Prevention. Betty Hussey (right) is the alum recipient, recognized for her service for the Girl Scouts, University United Methodist Church, Lutheran Services Carolina, and our very own School of Pharmacy. Additionally, through Compassion International, she sponsors children around the world to aid in their medical, nutritional, educational, and spiritual support.
The Pharmacy Alumni Distinguished Service Award
Gigi Davidson was awarded the Pharmacy Alumni Distinguished Service Award, having spent a lifetime as an expert and advocate at the forefront veterinary pharmacy research and practice. Her career spans forty years in the field, including as the Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services at NC State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Nationally, she has served as a leader with the US Pharmacopeia for over two decades, earning her the prestigious 2015 Beal Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service, USP’s highest honor. She has also dedicated herself to inspiring students and future pharmacists as a preceptor and adjunct faculty member.
The Boka Hadzija Student Excellence Award
Roxy Vassighi was this year’s recipient of the Boka Hadzija Student Excellence Award. Roxy has been an exemplary representative of the School in both national and global settings. She has participated in research, which she has presented at national conferences, completed multiple international pharmacy experiences, and served as Executive President of the Carolina Association of Pharmacy Students (CAPS). In that role with CAPS, she launched three new recognition awards and created the “CAPS Legacy Series” which aims to bolster alumni connection opportunities and bring mentorship to students.
A Surprise Award
A surprise award was given to Dean Kashuba to honor her legacy and impact on the School. Since becoming our tenth dean in 2019, Angela has led with intelligence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—navigating a global pandemic, doubling our research enterprise, and inspiring a new generation of PharmD students along the way.
The Party Continues
Even after the formal event concluded, the students continued the festivities outside of the Varsity Theatre.
Showing Up for One Another
Award winners Mariah Bobo and Ashley J. Addison celebrated their achievements alongside friends and fellow classmates. This photo is a perfect snapshot of the excitement and joy shared by all attendees in celebrating the class of 2025.