UMN College of Pharmacy

The University of Minnesota's College of Pharmacy recently hosted 13 high schoolers over two days on the Duluth campus for PhaRx, an exploratory program about the profession of pharmacy. Students learned about the many career opportunities available to pharmacists, about traditional medicines, research, pharmacogenomics, the patient experience, and toured Essentia Health! The PhaRx program is the signature component of the PharmD Pathways Program, which is funded by a generous grant from the McKesson Foundation.

In preparation for the Special Olympics Summer Games 2026, Dr. Leann Shore, associate professor in Occupational Therapy, University of Minnesota, hosted learning sessions for volunteer teams. Her training highlighted sensory sensitivity and offered guidance for creating inclusive, supportive experiences for neurodiverse athletes. Volunteers represented the University of Minnesota, the State of Minnesota, and communities from across the nation. The sessions helped shape a welcoming atmosphere for the Games where every competitor could experience success!

This past winter and spring, occupational therapy students collected more than $1,800 and over 700 items to donate to those who felt unsafe leaving their homes during the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minnesota, called “Operation Metro Surge.” The aid went toward patients of Hennepin County Medical Center who were self-isolating or unable to attend their appointments.

Read more about their important community contributions on the college website:

OT students organize aid for those affected by Operation Metro Surge This past winter and spring, members of the Student Occupational Therapy Association raised more than $1,800 and collected roughly 700 to 800 items to donate to individuals and families who felt unsafe leaving their homes during the ICE operation in Minnesota, called “Operation Metro Surge.”

One of several clinical practice collaborations the College of Pharmacy has with the University of Minnesota Physicians is Mill City Clinic, which provides care for patients from hundreds of zip codes. For the last several years, Dr. Kylee Funk, professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, has provided medication therapy management and diabetes expertise there. Mill City isn’t the first clinical partner to integrate a pharmacist onto its health care team, but it was created with that idea in mind.

“To have Kylee sit down and review [patients’] medications has been so helpful… It saves money, it reduces harm, side effects, drug interactions, unnecessary duplication— it sort of sells itself,” said Dr. Jon Hallberg, professor in the Medical School and Mill City’s medical director.

Read the full story on our website: https://bit.ly/4w6fhld

Spotlighting clinical practice partners: Mill City Clinic One of several clinical practice collaborations the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy has with the University of Minnesota Physicians is Mill City Clinic, which provides care for patients from hundreds of zip codes.

Look at all those smiling faces from the 2026 PharmD Awards & Celebration!

📸: Darin Kamnetz

If you need us, we'll just be over here scrolling through the fabulous photos from the 2026 Pharmacy Commencement Ceremony.

Photos by Darin Kamnetz.

Thanks to State Senator Jen McEwen who recently visited students and faculty at HOPE Clinic in Duluth. HOPE Clinic is a free, student-run clinic operated by pharmacy and medical students from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Located at the Damiano Center, the clinic provides no-cost care to uninsured and underinsured community members under the supervision of licensed physicians and pharmacists, while offering students hands-on, interprofessional clinical experience.

University of Minnesota Medical School

College of Pharmacy alumni and friends got their chance to mingle with Goldy Gopher at the recent Heritage Society dinner on campus. Pictured are alum Bill Larson and his spouse, Rich Space, and alums Bob and Irene Gale. The University of Minnesota Heritage Society recognizes individuals who have generously made estate or other planned gifts to benefit the University of Minnesota.