ometimes we just need to do something new and unexpected. The opening of the Harrison School of Pharmacy's new Education and Clinic Wing has prompted such thoughts with its technological advancements and all the excitement associated with moving into the new wing, plus the residual publicity. Something else – a new event followed on the heels of the dedication ceremony. On the weekend of the 11th – 12th of March, 2006, the 1st Annual Family Reunion was born. It was very well received by all who attended. And right up front, we'd like to thank all our sponsors: APAA, K-Mart, Walgreens and CVS, without whom this event would not have been possible. To all our volunteers, your hard work was also very much appreciated.
Live CE
The first day kicked off with an early breakfast followed by live CE programming.
A Variety of Tours
Many of the activities were held in the new Education and Clinic Wing of the HSOP. This impressive facility took years of planning and construction. Visitors were escorted around the building by our student pharmacists and were able to see the innovative design and technology first hand. Student pharmacists were also available to answer pharmacy school related questions from pre-pharmacy students, parents and alumni.
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art also invited our visitors for a personalized tour of their new stately, modern facilities.
Family oriented activities were continuous throughout the day, including Campus Tours led by the War Eagle Girls and the Plainsmen. These young AU ambassadors are repositories of knowledge about the history of Auburn University.
Aubie and the Eagles
The most popular events on Saturday were "Lunch with Aubie" and “Meet an AU Eagle." Aubie, as always, was the life of the party. He shook hands, gave hugs, and posed with the young and young-at-heart. The children were also beguiled by Tiger, one of the AU Eagles, interacting with her trainers. The world famous Tiger hypnotized the crowd with her stunning beauty and grace. This proved to be a wonderful opportunity for photographs as well as learning more about raptors and the mission of the AU Raptor Center.
“I Want to Be a Pharmacist” was a another fun event for children. Our student pharmacists taught medication safety and let the children fill their own “button prescriptions.” The youngsters were introduced to a sort of grown up version of the classic game, "Operation." Student pharmacists used hands-on teaching skills, such as showing each child how to check their blood pressure and listen to their own hearts using a stethoscope. The youngsters thought that was pretty cool!
The Reunion Dinner and Dance was a rockin’ event. Attendees were entertained by popular cover band "Route 66." Dancing was not optional after Dean Evans and APAA president Phillip Rigsby warmed up the dance floor for everyone else. With leadership like that, no wallflowers could be found anywhere.
Featured keynote speaker was Mrs. Virginia Thompson, who is a gifted speaker, a member of the AU Board of Trustees, and is currently the Director of Marketing for East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL.
Sunday Breakfast
On Sunday, alumni were joined by pre-pharmacy students, their parents and the parents of student pharmacists for the Student Organizations’ Fundraising Breakfast. The event raised $915.00 for HSOP’s professional organizations. Thank you to everyone who gave and participated during this event.
The Health Fair, as usual, was very popular. Student pharmacists organized and implemented various screenings, such as glucose, body composition analysis, osteoporosis, blood pressure measurements, and cholesterol evaluation. Parents were delighted to volunteer for tests and see their student pharmacists in action.
The Faculty Showcase
During this event, faculty displayed research statistics and were there to personally talk about their interesting, on-going projects. Presenters were Dr. Vishnu Suppirmaniam, Dr. Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran, Dr. William Villaume, and Professor Bill Felkey. Dr. Suppiramaniam and Dr. Dhanasakaran also gave tours of their labs.
Dr. Suppiranmaniam is conducting research on memory loss in diabetic and Alzheimers patients. Dr. Dahanasakaran is conducting research in synthetic and alternative medicine in aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Villaume conducted demonstrations of the award winning Virtual Patient Software that he, Dr. Bruce Berger, and graduate student Brad Barker developed to improve interviewing skills when counseling patients. Professor Felkey offered technology consultations. He provided insight on choosing the best electronic technology for school, work and the home to pre-pharmacy students, parents and alumni.
Tailgating and Baseball
The final event of the weekend was a tailgate party followed up by an AU baseball game. This proved to be a great send-off. The weather was perfect for an afternoon of outdoor activities. Approximately 200 of the HSOP Family gathered around tables for a feast of hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixings before heading off to the AU vs. Birmingham Southern baseball game. Waaaar Eagle, Hey!
