KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Two students in the University of Kansas doctor of pharmacy professional degree program have received $4,000 in scholarships from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation.

Laura Mazur, of Wichita, and Randall Stryjewski, of Lansing, Ill., were among 93 pharmacy students nationwide selected from about 475 applicants to receive the scholarships. Mazur and Stryjewski each received $2,000 scholarships for tuition and course-related expenses.

Students are selected based on academic qualifications, leadership activities, community involvement and chain community pharmacy experience. A chain community pharmacy is defined as one that is part of a retail company operating four or more pharmacies.

To be eligible for the scholarships, students must be enrolled full time in a U.S. college or school of pharmacy studying for a doctor of pharmacy degree. They must have completed at least one professional year in pharmacy school and have recent employment in a chain community pharmacy.

Founded in 1933, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores represents the largest component of professional pharmacy practice — the chain community pharmacies that fill more than 72 percent of the 2.5 billion prescriptions filled annually in the United States. Its members include traditional drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies, pharmacy suppliers and international members from 24 countries.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation supports programs that seek to advance patient care through community pharmacy. The goal of the scholarship program is to support the development of future leaders in chain community pharmacy and those who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in chain community pharmacy.

Since its founding in 1885, KU’s School of Pharmacy has been a leader in pharmacy education. The curriculum provides the education and training to give students the knowledge, skills and ability required of pharmacy practitioners in the 21st century.

Scholarship winners are listed below by hometown, level in school, parents’ names and high schools attended.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita 67205
Laura Ann Mazur, third-year student in the professional pharmacy program; daughter of Mark and Alyce Mazur; Bishop Carroll High School.

ILLINOIS
From Lansing 60438
Randall Stryjewski, fourth-year student in the professional pharmacy program; son of Sandra Stryjewski; Thorton Fractional South High School.