Scholarships + Donors = Student Success

The cost of a quality education can be overwhelming for students and their families – and pharmacy school is no exception. Individuals seeking a degree in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences are faced with the complexities of paying for college, even though funds may not be available to do so. Often, pharmacy students resort to taking out loans to pay for their education. “Our students earn their PharmD degrees with a superior education and outstanding career opportunities,” said Dr. Duc Do, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. “Based on data from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the UGA College of Pharmacy had the ninth lowest in-state tuition and fees in the nation during the 2022-2023 school year. Yet students are faced with, on average, approximately $130,000 in student debt. If we can help alleviate the debt burden, even in a small way, then we are fulfilling our mission to provide student support at the critical juncture of graduation.”

The need for scholarship funding is at a record high, and the UGA College of Pharmacy is committed to meeting this growing concern. Offering diverse scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and career-focused funding, scholarships are awarded annually to students who meet or exceed eligibility requirements. Scholarship amounts typically range from $500 to $5,000. Last year, more than $468,000 in scholarships and emergency funding was awarded to 310 PharmDawg students.

In this issue of the UGA Script, we highlight Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences students who have received endowed scholarships from two funds – the Howard C. Ansel Scholarship for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Sciences and the David and Jane Chu Endowed Student Scholarship.


The Howard C. Ansel Scholarship

Dean Ansel with his GrandsonDr. Howard C. Ansel joined the faculty of the UGA College of Pharmacy in 1962 and rose through the ranks to become Dean in 1977. A prolific author in his field, Dr. Ansel returned to the faculty in 1991 and was named the College’s inaugural Panoz Professor of Pharmacy. The Ansel Scholarship was created to award excellence to an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in pharmaceutical sciences, specifically pharmaceutics, and honors Ansel’s contributions to the College.

Said Dean Ansel about the scholarship he established, “A faculty member’s career in pharmaceutical education includes the joy of providing the gateway into the profession for bright, enthusiastic, and eager-to-learn students. Faculty satisfaction grows as students master the rigor of the challenging curriculum and develop competence in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice. Total gratification follows as the students graduate, enter a career path, advance and apply new discoveries, technologies, and innovations, and achieve leadership positions in their profession and communities – all directed toward enhanced patient care.  In support of these outcomes, it is truly a privilege for me and many others to encourage and financially assist students in achieving their career goals and successes.”

This year’s recipient was Jake Barnes, a recent graduate of the program, who shared his academic experience and what it meant to be an Ansel scholarship recipient.

Read the Interview

To make a donation in support of students such as Jake, see Howard C. Ansel Scholarship for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Sciences.


Chu Scholarship

Dr. David ChuDr. David Chu, Distinguished Research Professor and Professor Emeritus at the College, and his wife, Jane, established a merit-based scholarship to offer financial support for second-, third-, and fourth-year students who possess a superior vision for pharmacy and a minimum 3.0 grade point average. The scholarship honors the legacy and outstanding accomplishments of Dr. Chu, who has spent his stellar career researching new drugs for the treatment of viral infections and cancer.  Along with his innovative discoveries, Dr. Chu and his family have been valuable benefactors of the College.

Rachel Hugenberg and Jacy Tran were Chu Scholarship recipients this year, and they provided insight into the value of their awards.

Read the interviews

To support students such as Rachel and Jacy, see the David and Jane Chu Endowed Student Scholarship.


For more information about College of Pharmacy scholarships, contact Gloria Strait, Scholarship and Special Events Professional, Office of Student Affairs.

For information on how to establish or donate to scholarships at the College, see Gordon Thomas, Major Gifts Officer.


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