Student orientations…key milestone ceremonies…professional receptions at state and national meetings…and even student study breaks at the end of a long semester…. These are just a few of the partnerships the College of Pharmacy avails to companies, corporations, and organizations interested in engaging with students and pharmacy peers.
Corporate partnerships are invaluable to the UGA College of Pharmacy. These symbiotic relationships provide vital support for various student-focused initiatives and events throughout the academic year. These collaborations not only foster a strong sense of community within the college but also contribute to the personal and professional development of students. While students are the beneficiaries of the financial investment, corporate sponsors stand to prosper as well.
Left: CoP partnership with Walgreens and their recent contribution to Dawg Day of Giving. Standing (l-r) are Gordon Thomas, Major Gifts Officer from the College of Pharmacy; Jennifer Duckett, Walgreens Healthcare Supervisor for Georgia North; and Taylor Truelove, Walgreens Healthcare Supervisor. Right: Chuck Page (c) of Kroger with two recent graduates who will begin work at Kroger pharmacy this summer. They are Bhavi Patel (l) and Hannah Chambers (r).
“By aligning an organization’s brand with various College of Pharmacy programs and events, our partners experience increased branding and visibility,” said Gordon Thomas, CoP’s Major Gifts Officer. “It also demonstrates a partner’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of future pharmacy leaders. In essence, the partnership provides a lasting impact on the lives of students and the broader pharmaceutical community for many years to come.”
“The investment in someone’s life is a wonderful thing! Our company’s mission statement is ‘Feed the Human Spirit.’ In applying that principle to pharmacy, providing financial support and building a relationship that fosters success is very satisfying.”
– Chuck Page ‘86, Health and Wellness Leader for Kroger Health
Partnerships For Student Events and Activities
Engagement with student programs allows corporate partners to directly engage in the life of the College. The following chart outlines the various opportunities for giving.
| Sponsorship Name | Description | Time | Availability |
| New Student Orientation | For incoming PharmD students, a crucial event that sets the tone for their four-year journey. A corporate sponsorship for this event assures a warm welcome and a smooth transition into the rigorous pharmacy program. | August | This partnership is available for sponsorship. |
| Dean’s Student Advisory Council | The Dean’s Student Advisory Council (DSAC) Leadership Training equips student leaders with the necessary skills to guide their peers effectively. | August | Sponsored by Walgreens. |
| White Coat Ceremony | Symbolizes the commitment new students are making to the profession and their readiness to embrace the responsibilities that come with it. | August | Sponsored by Kroger. |
| Pre-Pharmacy and Undergraduate Pharmacy Student Orientation, as well as the Graduate Student Orientation | Provide invaluable guidance and resources to incoming students, assuring they are well-prepared for their academic pursuits. | August | These partnerships are available for sponsorship. |
| Wellness Wednesday | A dedicated event for promoting student well-being, underscores the college's commitment to fostering a holistic learning environment. | September | This partnership is available for sponsorship. |
| Graduate Student Reception | Celebrates the achievements and progress of our graduate students, encouraging them to continue their pursuit of excellence. | December | This partnership is available for sponsorship. |
| Reorientation for PharmD Students | Provides a refresher and reinforces the support systems available to them as the spring semester commences. | April | This partnership is available for sponsorship. |
| The Student Study Break | Offers a much-needed respite for hard-working students, allowing them to recharge and refocus. | April | Sponsored by Walgreens. |
| PharmD Graduating Student Reception | Celebrates the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, honoring our newly minted pharmacists as they embark on their professional journeys. | May | Sponsored by Kroger. |
| PharmD Commencement | Is the pinnacle milestone in the life of our students. This ceremony culminates the end of four-years of intense study and hard work. | May | This partnership is available for sponsorship. |
| Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences Convocation | Is a momentous occasion that marks the successful completion of our undergraduate students' academic endeavors. | May | This partnership is available for sponsorship. |
| Graduate Student Reception | Further acknowledges the accomplishments of our Master's and Doctoral students, fostering a sense of community and shared success. | May | This partnership is available for sponsorship. |
| Student Personal and Professional Development Series | Envisioned for undergraduate, PharmD, and graduate students, aims to provide invaluable resources and guidance to equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen paths. | May | This partnership is available for sponsorship. |
Sponsorships range from $2500 – $15,000, and provide maximum exposure opportunities, including tabling, speaking opportunities, student engagement, and more; other benefits can be considered.
“These programs are assured through the generous support of corporate partners, who share our commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Thomas. “Their contributions extend beyond financial support; they also offer invaluable industry insights, networking opportunities, and potential career pathways for our students.”
Partnerships For Professional Networking
Along with partnerships for student-specific programming, a portfolio of exclusive sponsorships of prestigious professional pharmacy events and receptions are available. These platforms offer unparalleled visibility and networking opportunities, allowing a partner to connect with influential professionals, peers, alumni, and future leaders in the pharmaceutical arena. The following chart outlines these opportunities.
| Partnership Name | Description |
| UGA Reception at the Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA) Annual Meeting | Allows a sponsor to align their brand with the College of Pharmacy's presence at the GPhA meeting, a hallmark event for pharmacy professionals in Georgia. Depending on the sponsorship level, partners can address the attendees, showcase the company's commitment to the profession, and allow for networking with alumni, faculty, students and other key stakeholders from across the state. This sponsorship can be customized. |
| UGA Reception at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting | A premier gathering for pharmacy professionals, educators, and industry leaders. By sponsoring the UGA College of Pharmacy's reception, a corporate partner will engage with alumni, faculty, and students in a dynamic setting, fostering valuable connections and showcasing the company’s dedication to advancing the field. |
| College of Pharmacy Homecoming | A cherished tradition at UGA, bringing together alumni, students, and the broader community in a celebration of school spirit and camaraderie. A sponsor of the Homecoming will gain unparalleled exposure to the dedicated alumni base and create lasting connections with these influential professionals. |
“By aligning a company’s brand with these prestigious events through sponsorships, partners will not only gain valuable visibility but also will demonstrate a commitment to supporting the growth and development of future pharmacy leaders,” added Thomas. “A partnership with the UGA College of Pharmacy will leave a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the broader pharmaceutical community.”
To learn more about corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Gordon Thomas.
