Lauren Gravert is a final-year PharmD candidate at The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and is the 2023–2024 APhA–ASP Region 5 Midyear Regional Meeting Coordinator.
I chose to apply for an APhA Foundation scholarship last year because my desire to grow as a leader, contribute to the pharmacy profession, and serve the community aligns closely with the APhA Foundation’s Student Scholarship Program’s mission. I saw this scholarship as a remarkable opportunity to advance my educational goals and deepen my engagement in the pharmacy field.
I am grateful to have been the 2024 recipient of the Juan and Esperanza Luna Scholarship, which was established in 2013 by Nancy A. Alvarez, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA, to honor her parents.
APhA–ASP experiences led to recognition
During pharmacy school, I have actively engaged in various leadership roles, both within and outside of APhA–ASP. I had the privilege of serving as president-elect and then president of my APhA–ASP Chapter, where I worked to engage members and create opportunities for professional development.
A couple of my most rewarding experiences include leading a Dean Vaccination Campaign, where my team and I provided flu and COVID-19 vaccines to university deans and staff. I also organized student pharmacists to conduct cholesterol and blood glucose screenings for University of Iowa employees through their annual health fair. This past year, I had the opportunity to serve as the APhA–ASP Region 5 Midyear Regional Meeting Coordinator, which further enhanced my leadership skills as I helped plan the Midyear Regional Meeting and served as a liaison for our region’s chapters. Additionally, I have been involved in emergency department pharmacy research at the University of Iowa.
Opportunities abound
Receiving the Juan and Esperanza Luna Scholarship has further fueled my passion for pharmacy and strengthened my commitment to the profession. It has given me the financial means to pursue meaningful professional experiences, such as attending the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Orlando, FL, this past March. This opportunity provided me the chance to network with pharmacy professionals, learn from influential leaders in the field, and expand my understanding of the evolving role of pharmacists.
Furthermore, the scholarship helped offset tuition costs. This allowed me to focus more time on research, community involvement, and academic success. I am incredibly grateful for this support and honored to continue the legacy of past recipients of APhA Foundation scholarships.
Invest in your future
The APhA Foundation scholarships are an invaluable opportunity for student pharmacists who are dedicated to shaping the future of pharmacy. These scholarships can play a pivotal role in supporting student pharmacists’ personal and professional goals. Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and be recognized for your contribution to the advancement of the profession.
Apply today at www.aphafoundation.org/scholarships. The application deadline is December 1, 2024, at 11:59 pm PT.