UW pharmacy student Kendra Van Grinsven, Powell, was one of 18 students nationwide to be awarded the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Foundation Presidential Scholarship.
She was selected for academic achievement, leadership qualities, interest in independent community pharmacy and extracurricular accomplishments. Van Grinsven served as president and community committee chair of the Wyoming chapter of NCPA during her five years of membership, and participated in two NCPA business plan competitions. The Stone Drug business plan was among the top 10 finalists in the 2009 competition.
"I loved getting the business experience from putting the plans together," says Van Grinsven. "It was hard, but worth it. I feel that ownership is definitely in my future."
She traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Wyoming congressmen and lobby for issues dealing with independent pharmacy.
"The great thing with Wyoming is that it is easy to get involved with legislative issues and make a difference," says Van Grinsven.
The $2000 scholarship will help her offset her expenses while on rotations in Nevada, Colorado and Montana during her fourth year in pharmacy school.
The NCPA Foundation supports the growth and advancement of independent community pharmacy through low-interest educational loans and scholarships to pharmacy students in need, critical research and programs to improve the success of independent pharmacy.