PharmDawgs filled the stands at Grayson Stadium in Savannah on June 10th to cheer for one of America’s favorite pastimes – baseball! This wasn’t just any typical baseball game, however. Not only did College of Pharmacy alumni, donors, preceptors, faculty, staff, and students enjoy the antics of one the southeast’s leading exhibition teams – the Savannah Bananas, who batted against the Aussie Drop Bears– they had a chance to connect with fellow PharmDawgs throughout game.
While Gordon Thomas, the College’s Major Gift Officer, hosted local and regional area alumni and donors at the game, Southeast Georgia Clinical Campus faculty, staff, and students were part of the fun. Remarked Thomas, “Events like this help us provide unique experiences for our Planned Giving and Endowment Donors, while also furthering relationships and engagement with key alumni and preceptors in the Savannah area. The chance to mingle with campus faculty and staff, along with the students, made it an even more rewarding experience.”
Said Dr. Misha Watts, who was the original organizer of the event, “UGA CoP students, faculty, and staff from the Savannah campus had an opportunity to unwind and connect with alumni, providing a break from busy schedules. ‘Banana Ball’ is a unique blend of unconventional rules and festive celebrations, which created a fun atmosphere. It was an unforgettable experience, which highlighted the importance of balancing work and play while fostering a sense of community among fellow PharmDawgs.”
More than 45 PharmDawgs attended the event, which is held annually. Alumni and donor fans included:
- Ken Duke ’77, retired faculty
- Beth Gorse ’83, ’04, retired Director of Pharmacy for Wayne Memorial Hospital, Jesup
- Sandy Gorse (UGA ’82)
- Jason Graham ‘03, director of Pharmacy at St. Joseph’s/Candler and preceptor
- Shannon Graham ‘99
- Wes Krulic ’67, ’04, former independent pharmacy owner and Savannah Campus faculty member
- Ben Ross ’08, owner of Forrest Heights Pharmacy in Statesboro, incoming president of the Georgia Pharmacy Association
- Ashley Woodhouse ’08, manager for St. Joseph’s/Candler Medication Management, Primary Care Physician Network, and Prescription Center; preceptor
The score of the game? Bananas – 5, Drop Bears – 1. The winners, however, were the UGA PharmDawgs! For further information on opportunities to engage with fellow alumni and details about Planned Giving and Endowments, contact Gordon Thomas.
