The West Virginia University School of Pharmacy Alumni Association, in coordination with the WVU School of Pharmacy, welcomed graduates back to Morgantown for Alumni Day 2026 on Friday, June 5, at Touchdown Terrace in Milan Puskar Stadium.
The annual event gave alumni and friends of the School of Pharmacy an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, celebrate milestone reunions and recognize pharmacists whose work continues to make an impact in West Virginia and beyond. The day began with continuing education sessions at the WVU Health Sciences Center and concluded with a social hour and all-years reunion dinner.
Special recognition was given to the classes of 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961, 1956 and 1951.
During the dinner, alumni and friends of the School of Pharmacy were honored for their outstanding professional achievements, commitment to community service and dedication to the pharmacy profession. Awards for the 2025-26 academic year were selected by the School of Pharmacy Alumni Association selection committee, which solicits nominations throughout the year. Dr. Betsy Elswick, clinical associate professor and alumni association coordinator, served as emcee.
Among those recognized was Dr. Autumn Smith, Class of 2021, who received the 2026 Alumnus of the Year Award. Smith is a clinical oncology pharmacy specialist at the WVU Medicine Cancer Institute in Morgantown. She was nominated for the award by a patient, Jodie Varner, who attended the dinner and helped present the award.
The Preceptor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Jonathan Kline, director of pharmacy at WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center in Ranson. Kline is also an adjunct professor at the WVU School of Pharmacy.
Honorary Alumni Awards were presented to Professor Emerita Ginger Scott, Dean Emerita Pat Chase and her husband, Dr. James Chase.
The Class of 1976 had the largest turnout, with six alumni in attendance. Autumn Smith and Corey Whetzel, both members of the Class of 2021, were the youngest alumni in attendance. Dan Miller, Class of 1976, traveled the farthest, making the trip from his home in Florida.
The Alumni Association also recognized its 2025-26 officers: President Lisa Pitrolo, Class of 2006; Secretary Susan Meredith, Class of 1967; and Treasurer Scot Anderson, Class of 1968.
Alumni Association members in attendance elected the organization's 2026-27 officers. They are president-elect Corey Whetzel, Class of 2021; Secretary Susan Meredith; and Treasurer Scot Anderson. Unable to attend but serving as members-at-large are Julie Rumbach Austin, Class of 1996, and Abbi Blevins, Class of 2016. The association is still seeking a student pharmacist to serve on its executive committee, and nominations remain open.
Save the date for the 2027 School of Pharmacy Alumni Day on Friday, June 4. Continuing education sessions are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Health Sciences Center. The all-years reunion dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Erickson Alumni Center.
Photos of the event can be viewed online. To nominate outstanding individuals for awards, including Alumnus of the Year, Outstanding Alumnus-Community Service and Outstanding Service (non-alumnus), visit the nomination form.
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