Distinguished Alumni AWards

Each year, we honor alumni who help advance their profession, the University and their communities through the Distinguished Alumni Awards in categories of Service, Outstanding Achievement, Black Heritage, and Recent Graduate.

Distinguished alumni awardees and athletics hall of fame inductees are recognized during Reunion weekend in November. Distinguished alumni awardees will also receive an invitation to the Scholarship Awards Dinner the following fall, where a student will receive a scholarship in their honor.

Alumni Award Categories and Winners

Distinguished service awards

The awards are presented in recognition of an alumnus having brought distinction to their industry, the University or the alumni community; having made distinctive and sustained contributions to their profession, community or the University; or having reached a pinnacle of sustained or long-term personal, professional, or volunteer success.

Service to the Community
Matt Carlisle, B.S. ’82, 2019
Jason Wang, Pharm.D. ’11, 2017
Michael Morton, B.S. ’75, 2015
Alicia Forinash, B.S. ’00, Pharm.D. ’01, 2013
C. Patrick Tharp, ’61, M.S. ’62, 2012
Kenneth W. Schafermeyer, B.S. ’76, 2011
Meike L. Newell, B.S. ’97, 2009
Michael T. Railey, B.S. ’72, 2008
Stephen M. Calloway, B.S. ’78, 2007

Service to the University
Neil Schmidt, B.S. ’73, 2020
Amy (Hartley) Tiemeier, B.S. ’01, Pharm.D. ’02, 2017
Ken Schafermeyer, B.S. ’76, 2017
Sue (Gielow) Bollmeier, B.S. ’99, Pharm.D. ’00, 2016
Evelyn Becker-Meyer, B.S. ’88, Pharm.D. ’93, 2015
Garth K. Reynolds, B.S ’00, 2012
Nancy A. (Becnel) Konieczny, B.S. ’77, 2011
Steve K. Hebel, B.S. ’84, 2010
Lori A. Bradley, B.S. ’94, 2007
Salim Salah Tadrus, B.S. ’63, 2006

Service to the Profession
Janelle Mann, Pharm.D. ’09, 2020
Jessica Kerr, B.S. ’00, Pharm.D. ’01, 2019
Scot Walker, B.S. ’82, M.S. ’93, 2018
Tom Rousonelos, B.S. ’89, 2018
Jill (Bot) Sellers, B.S. ’92, Pharm.D. ’93, 2017
Heather (Middendorf) Sundar, B.S. ’97, Pharm.D. ’98, 2016
Kay (Campbell) Kyllonen, B.S. ’80, 2015
J. Gregory Boyer, B.S. ’76, 2013
Michelle R. (Qualls) Dyer, B.S. ’98, 2012
Starlin Haydon-Greatting, B.S. ’81, 2011
Joseph M. Tuley, B.S. ’63, 2010
Todd M. Evers, B.S. ’87, 2009
Jeffrey O. Phillips, B.S. ’82, 2008

Distinguished Alumni Awardees (1962-1970)
Taylor E. Lindhorst ’51, 1970
Glen J. Sperandio ’40, 1969
Alfred Fleishman ’26, 1968
John C. Griffin ’52, M.S. ’53, 1967
Florence C. Mueller ’31, 1966
Ivan W. Rose ’49, 1965
Charles C. Rabe ’39, 1964
Fred J. Kirchmeyer ’38, 1963
Courtney G. Pitkin ’47, 1962

Service to the Community 2024

Amy Weckman-Conger, B.S. ’98, Pharm.D. ’99, RPh

Amy Weckman-Conger is the oncology pharmacy manager at Delbert Day Cancer Institute in Rolla, Missouri. She is an active member on the cancer institute Leadership Team, Cancer Committee and oversees Oncology P&T. In her current role, Weckman-Conger identified the need for enhanced support for oncology patients prescribed oral oncolytics at the DDCI. She developed the oral chemotherapy program which ultimately led to the first ambulatory pharmacist position in the organization. She continuously looks for areas within the organization to support ambulatory care pharmacy practice.

In May, Weckman-Conger presented the oral chemotherapy program and data at the organization’s first Innovation Summit. She was honored to be the guest speaker for the 2024 Cause for a Cure benefit dinner, which provides support for local oncology patients at the DDCI. Weckman-Conger is passionate about pharmacy issues. During the past legislative session, she and the government relations team from Phelps Health testified before Missouri house and senate committees in support of pharmacy and patient access bills. Her favorite part of being a pharmacist is sharing her expertise in oncology care with students from University Health Science and Pharmacy. She has been an adjunct clinical instructor since 2005.

With many years of pharmacy experience in hospital, community and infusion, Weckman believes in the importance of giving back to her profession and community. As past president of the St Louis College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, she championed several large construction projects on campus among the alumni. She has served on numerous UHSP alumni committees. She established the Rolla Alumni Chapter, which offers continuing education and social programs to area alumni.

In 2019, with fellow pledge sisters support, she created a Kappa Epsilon Scholarship to support current students at the college of pharmacy. She enjoys volunteering at St Patrick Church and School. She served twice as co-chairman of the school auction and president of the school advisory board. In her spare time, Weckman-Conger enjoys traveling with her husband Chris, their two children and spending time at the lake with their dog, Nora.

Service to the Pharmacy Profession 2024

Janice Raucci, B.S. ’01, Pharm.D. ’03, BCPPS

Janice Raucci has dedicated nearly 20 years to the pharmacy profession at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where she has made a significant impact as a clinical pharmacist specializing in neonatal critical care. Her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care has been particularly vital for the hospital’s most vulnerable patients, navigating the complexities of their unique medical needs.

Throughout her career, Raucci has played a pivotal role in expanding the scope of clinical pharmacy within the NICU, earning the trust of providers and colleagues alike. As a clinical preceptor, she has inspired countless learners across many disciplines, creating an environment rich in mentorship and continuous improvement.

In her role as the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director, Raucci has been instrumental in shaping the future of pediatric pharmacy practice. Under her leadership, the residency program has flourished, marked by robust recruitment efforts, comprehensive preceptor development, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Currently serving as the Pharmacy Clinical Educator, she continues to influence the profession, championing initiatives that bridge the gap between education and patient care. Raucci’s exceptional dedication to her field, her relentless pursuit of excellence, and her impactful leadership have not only shaped her career but have also left a legacy in the pharmacy profession.

Service to the University 2024

William Bailey, B.S. ’89, Pharm.D. ’90

William (Bill) Bailey is a clinical pharmacology strategist and the current VP and Head of Medical & Scientific Affairs at the U.S. subsidiary of Helsinn Group. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Bailey practiced in a large university teaching hospital as a clinical pharmacist responsible for optimizing pharmacotherapy in hospitalized patients and patients in ambulatory care clinic. For over 30 years following his transition into the pharmaceutical industry, Bailey has effectively collaborated with colleagues at every job level within R&D and commercial organizations to achieve global product launch objectives consistent with consumer, patient, healthcare provider, and corporate needs.

His corporately-recognized outstanding vision and innovative scientific research is credited for directly expanding diabetes treatment options following a successful NDA filing and FDA approval, causing an unexpected change in diabetes treatment guidelines; thereby changing medical practice and pharmacy practice.

Bailey has accrued corporate executive management experience as well as academic board experience. Additionally, he has demonstrated a strong track record of bringing value to multi-national pharmaceutical companies with prescription and non-prescription business operations.

As a passionate mentor of others, Bailey has been named one of the PharmaVoice 100 Most Inspiring People in the Life Sciences Industries.

outstanding achievement

Presented to an alumnus or alumna, health care professional or friend of the University in recognition of high-achieving contributions that go above and beyond that of their peers in their field and community. This award should recognize a recipient who has achieved or been recognized by an outside organization for success in project management, entrepreneurship, leadership or innovation.

Stephen J. Clement, B.S. ’74, 2023
Evan Robinson, B.S. ’88, M.S. ’93, 2019
Eric Barker, B.S. ’88, 2018
Alyssa (Strangel) Billingsley, Pharm.D. ’10, 2017
William Katsiyiannis, B.S. ’90, 2015
Christopher Herndon, B.S. ’97, Pharm.D. ’98, 2013
W. Thomas Smith Jr., B.S. ’93, Pharm.D. ’94, 2012
Josh A. Bellamy, B.S. ’97, Pharm.D. ’98, 2011
Elaine E. (Hinrichs) Haynes, B.S. ’86, 2011
Donald R. Rickert, B.S. ’71, 2010
Larry G. Windmoeller, B.S. ’69, 2009

Outstanding Achievement 2024

Jerry Esker, B.S. ’82, RPh, MBA

Jerry Esker was President and CEO of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System from 2016 until his retirement in July 2022. Under his leadership, the Health System experienced outstanding growth in services, patient volume and revenues. Sarah Bush Lincoln opened numerous newly constructed primary care clinics, a free-standing Regional Cancer Center, a new Heart Center with 22 additional inpatient rooms, a free-standing surgery center, and a $30 million orthopedic and multi-purpose building in Effingham during his tenure. The active medical staff grew to over 200 providers. Construction began on two large projects during this period: a critical care unit expansion with 20 additional inpatient rooms, and a Hospice House at the rear of the main SBL campus. Both have since opened.

Sarah Bush Lincoln’s footprint expanded significantly during Esker’s time as CEO with the acquisition of a large orthopedic group in Effingham in 2018. A general surgery practice, as well as the Southern Illinois Hand Center and multiple family practice clinics were purchased shortly thereafter in the southern and western region of SBL’s service area. In addition, SBL purchased a significant share of the Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center. In 2021, SBL became a multi-hospital system with the purchase of the Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia. The Sarah Bush Lincoln service area now covers 10 counties and the number of SBL employees has grown to over 3,000, making it the largest employer in the region and the third largest employer in all of East Central Illinois.

Esker joined SBL in 1985 as a staff pharmacist. He became Director of Pharmacy in 1989 and Vice President of Practice Management in 2007. In that capacity, he led the physician network and had administrative oversight of the medical staff and the hospital’s many clinics and clinic employees. He was promoted to President and CEO in the summer of 2016.

Esker, a native of Teutopolis, IL earned a BS in Pharmacy from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1982 and subsequently earned an MBA from Eastern Illinois University in 1990. He retired on July 30th, 2022 as President Emeritus after finishing 37 years of service to SBL. He and his wife, Lana, are the parents of 5 grown children and reside in Charleston, IL.

recent graduate

Presented to an alumnus or alumna who graduated from UHSP in the last 10 years and has shown outstanding promise and has made one or more of the following achievements that are relative to the nominee’s years since graduation:

○ Brought distinction to their industry, UHSP or the alumni community
○ Made distinctive and sustained contributions to their profession, community or the University
○ Reached a notable level of personal, professional or volunteer success since graduating

Jordyn Nordé, B.S. ’18, Pharm.D. ’21, 2023
Anne Eisenbeis, Pharm.D. ’14, 2020
Clint Bohannon, Pharm.D. ’10, 2019
Rebakkah Johnson, Pharm.D. ’16, 2018
Christopher LaFleur, Pharm.D. ’10, 2017
Patrick Harper, Pharm.D. ’10, 2017
Brian Scholfield, Pharm.D. ’11, 2016
Kara (Thoma) King, B.S. ’04, Pharm.D. ’05, 2015
Leah (Sullivan) LaRue, Pharm.D. ’10, 2013
Laura E. Butkievich, Pharm.D. ’06, 2012
Kathleen A. (Buechter) Lusk, Pharm.D. ’10, 2011
John D. Galle, Pharm.D. ’07, 2010
Alexis R. Beyer, Pharm.D. ’06, 2009
Ronald G. Hall II, B.S. ’99, Pharm.D. ’00, 2008
Janene R. Verrant, B.S. ’98, Pharm.D. ’99, 2007
Myra T. (Alfaro) Belgeri, B.S. ’97, Pharm.D. ’98, 2006
Paula K. (Peters) Weaver, B.S. ’95, 2005
Jennifer B. Kasiar Whaley, B.S. ’95, 2004
W. Thomas Smith Jr., B.S. ’93, Pharm.D. ’94, 2003
Timothy R. Koch, B.S. ’95, 2002
Jill A. (Bot) Sellers, B.S. ’92, Pharm.D. ’93, 2001
Heidi C. (Mau) Brainerd, B.S. ’90, M.S. ’97, 2000
Patrick M. Hughes, B.S. ’89, 1999
Eric L. Barker, B.S. ’88, 1998
Barbara S. (Pigg) Wiggins, B.S. ’92, 1997
David Loiacono, B.S. ’86, 1996
Rebecca M. Rabbitt, B.S. ’85, M.S. ’88, Phmar.D. ’95, 1995
John P. Fester, B.S. ’84, 1994
Barbara J. Hauck, B.S. ’83, 1993
George H. Rezabek Jr., B.S. ’82, 1992
Jill A. (Bot) Sellers, B.S. ’92, Pharm.D. ’93, 1992

Recent Graduate 2024

Brigid Farrar, Pharm.D. ’14, MHA, AAHIVP, BCPS, CSP, BCPP

Brigid (Wendle) Farrar was born and raised in Alton, Illinois with her two brothers, TJ and Brian by her parents Ken and Mary. After deciding in her senior year that she wanted to go into pharmacy, she first went to school at the University of Massachusetts, Boston where she studied pre-pharmacy and played volleyball. However, the decision was made to move back to Illinois to attend Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville for her second year of college while working on applying for pharmacy school. Brigid was accepted to St. Louis College of Pharmacy as part of the class of 2014.

After graduation, she and her then- fiancé (now-husband), Nick Farrar, moved to Springfield Missouri to pursue their careers. Brigid became a pharmacy manager of an HIV Center of Excellence with Walgreens where she managed for 2 ½ years before being promoted to her current position of a Registered Manager On-site of a Community-Based Specialty Pharmacy. She has spent the last 7 ½ years at this specialty pharmacy, with an emphasis on HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), and mental health.

During this time, Brigid went back to school in Spring of 2015 to pursue her Master’s in Healthcare Administration which she graduated with in December of 2017. She also pursued and achieved several certifications, including the American Academy of HIV Pharmacist (AAHIVP), Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS), Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP), and most recently, the Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP). With these resources, Brigid’s goal is to continue to fight the stigmas associated with HIV/HCV and mental health and help her patients live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

black heritage award

Established by the African-American Alumni Chapter, the Black Heritage Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus or alumna, health care professional or friend of the University in recognition of their scholarly work or personal or professional commitment to improve cultural competencies and eliminate health disparities in the health care community.

Alfreda Pulley, B.S. ’87, 2018
Charles Banks, B.S. ’58, M.S. ’60, and Family, 2018
Robert Salter, B.S. ’70, 2017
Misty (Collier) Farr, Pharm.D. ’10, 2016
Rhonda (Alexander) Driver, B.S. ’93, 2015
Art Perry B.S. ’72, 2015
David Frye B.S. ’68, 2014
Armon Crawford B.S. ’63, 2014
Kendra (Williams) Holmes, B.S. ’99, Pharm.D. ’00, 2013
Michael Railey, B.S. ’72, 2013
Pam Marshall ’90, 2012
Richard Watkins ’90, 2012

loyalty award

The University, Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Council nominate alumni for the Loyalty Award, which is presented in gratitude for an alumnus or alumna’s exceptional commitment and service to the University and our alumni community over the years.

Bill Reed, B.S. ’67, 2020
Arthur Perry, B.S. ’72, 2012
Sister Mary L. Degenhart, B.S. ’60, 2010
Phyllis (Neu) Sarich, B.S. ’46, 2009

nominate a distinguished alumnus

Do you know an outstanding alumnus doing great work in their community, profession or on behalf of the University? Nominate them for a Distinguished Alumni Award!

Submit a Nomination

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