Student Organizations
Being an active member of a student organization helps you learn and grow. The governance of the student body of the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences consists of two parts: the class representatives for each of the four classes and officer representatives of various student organizations, together known as the Student Council. With ten professional, academic, social and leadership organizations, the School of Pharmacy has one of the most active student bodies on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
In addition to pharmacy-specific organizations, the University Of Colorado and the Anschutz Medical Campus has a variety of interprofessional student organizations from which to choose.
Potential benefits of participation in extracurricular activities:
- Allows for social interaction with students from other classes and other schools on campus
- Builds confidence
- Develops leadership, organizational and project management skills
- Promotes interaction with faculty and members of the professional pharmacy community which:
- Provides options for future letters of recommendation for jobs or residencies
- Provides opportunities to learn about different career paths
- Enhances your visibility for nomination to Phi Lambda Sigma or an award or scholarship
- Provides opportunities:
- To promote the profession of pharmacy
- To serve the community
- To serve as a mentor for underclasspersons (through organizations or tutoring) or to be mentored by upperclasspersons
- To publish work in journals or present work at professional conferences
- To attend regional, national or international professional conferences
- To network with current and future pharmacy professionals
Goals
To foster and maintain a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship among components of the School of Pharmacy (including its student body, faculty and staff) as well as the components of the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus.
- To act as a liaison between students and the administration.
- To serve as a forum in which information is clarified and disseminated.
- To advise students of administrative policies and actions.
- To inform the administration of the concerns and recommendations of the students concerning School of Pharmacy issues.
- To express only the recommendations of their representative classes and student professional organizations, refraining from personal opinion. This is not to imply that each representative may not freely participate in discussions leading to the formulation of the recommendations of the Student Council.
- To coordinate student activities within the School of Pharmacy
- To promote unity among the students, faculty and administration.
- To create an annual budget to allocate funds for student activities.
- To ensure representation and facilitate communication with established student organizations within the School of Pharmacy.
- To be an effective leader:
- Promote community services activities.
- Identify needs within the School of Pharmacy, student organizations, the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical campus, the community and the profession.
- Organize and mobilize students and resources to meet identified needs.
| Executive Council | |
| President: | Nicholas Perez |
| Vice President: | Sarah Neff |
| Secretary: | Abby Westra |
| Treasurer: | Darian Gamez |
| Senators: | Kam Lee Sabrina Lopez |
| Class of 2023 (P4 Class Officers): | |
| President: | Barbara Calvert |
| Vice President: | Blake Bruene |
| Secretary: | Hanna Tillman |
| Treasurer: | Marie Sorer |
| Senators: | Cailtin Hart Haley Lahey |
| Class of 2024 (P3 Class Officers): | |
| President: | Nicholas Perez |
| Vice President: | Sarah Neff |
| Secretary: | Angelica Tran |
| Treasurer: | Latifa Sharker |
| Senators: | Kam Lee Sabrina Lopez |
| Class of 2025 (P2 Class Officers): | |
| President: | Topanga Aradanas |
| Vice President: | Ava Butyrinski |
| Secretary: | Pia Moreno |
| Treasurer: | Darian Gamez |
| Senators: | Courtney Murray Kaitlyn Sullivan |
| Class of 2026 (P1 Class Officers): | |
| President: | Mackenzie Moynahan |
| Vice President: | Elaine Wang |
| Secretary: | Abby Westra |
| Treasurer: | Mai Nguyen |
| Senators: | Amadea Clement Robert Gale |
- Student Governance
- Class officers (President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer)
- School of Pharmacy Student Council
- CU Anschutz Medical Campus Student Senate
- Focus Groups
- Class photographer
- Research Opportunities (working, work study, independent study elective or research elective)
- Basic science
- Clinical
- Administrative
- Education
- School of Pharmacy Ambassadors
- Campus wide interprofessional organizations
| Committee | P1 Representative | P2 Representative | P3 Representative | P4 Representative |
| Admissions | Liriam Campos | Calvin Althoff | Daniel Donovan | Brittany Sjulstad |
| Curriculum | Jay-Quan Dill | Devon Schley | Johna Bezdek Thaut | Mariana Gallegos |
| Experiential | Evan Sutherland | Gina Hardgraves | Alexandra Sims | Maddie Ward |
| Assessment | Cindy Nguyen | Immer Alipio | Sydney Peauroi | Kurt Spitzer |
| Alumni | Michael Zupko | Darian Gamez | Kam Lee | Deliz Rodriguez |
| Ethics | Jazmin Maceo | Joshua Semock | Madeline Quigley | Jessica Van Laren |
| Interprof. Education | Zachary Principe | Kaylee Misiti | Aleta Yushkevich, Petra Erhardt | Sakura Maekawa |
Click on the following links below for more information about the Professional Development Grant process:
Student Professional Development Guide (PDF)
Application for Student Professional Development Funds
Student Organization Reimbursement Form
To be considered for reimbursement, students must complete an application request and submit by the published deadline on the application.
Activities attended during Summer of 2021 Due by 09/01/21
Activities attended 09/01/21 through 10/31/21 Due by 11/03/21
Activities attended 11/01/21 through 12/12/21 Due by 12/15/21
Activities attended 12/13/21 through 03/27/22 Due by 03/30/22
Activities attended 03/28/22 through 05/20/22 Due by 05/18/22
For questions about or assistance with professional development grant awards or reimbursement from the School of Pharmacy, please contact your student council or class treasurer.
| Organization | Mission | Description | Expectations of Members | Activities | Benefits |
AAPS American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists $40 annual membership | Provide a dynamic international forum for the exchange of knowledge among scientists to enhance their contributions to health | A professional, scientific association of approximately 12,000 members employed in industry, academia, government, and other research institutes worldwide. | Attendance of monthly meetings and events is highly encouraged — but not required. | Annual national meeting, CV and resume workshop, career panel. | Knowledge enhancement, career development, educational opportunities, internships, fellowships, grants |
ACCP American College of Clinical Pharmacy $55 annual membership | Advance human health by extending the frontiers of clinical pharmacy | A professional and scientific society that provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources enabling clinical pharmacists to achieve excellence in practice and research. | Attendance of monthly meetings and events is highly encouraged — but not required. | Annual national meeting, Pharmacotherapy Preparatory Review, and Recertification Course, Ambulatory Care Pharmacy preparatory review course. | Access to online Pharmacotherapy journal, Membership in one Practice-based Research Network (PRN) for free annually, opportunities to volunteer to participate in national committee work as well as PRN committee work, ACCP Academy Programming, ACCP Research Institute |
AMCP Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy $45 national dues $15 local chapter dues | Serve society by using sound medication principles and strategies to achieve positive patient outcomes. | Managed care pharmacy is a field of pharmacy that assists with design and implementation of drug benefits for those Americans covered by health insurance. Managed care pharmacy helps to ensure that those drug benefits are delivered in a safe and cost-effective manner and that patients receive the most appropriate medications. | Attendance of monthly meetings and events is highly encouraged- but not required. To participate in winter break P&T competition for academic elective credit, student must be an organization member. | P&T Competition, Medicare Part D Planfinder community outreach, professional workshop series, Managed care Roundtable Dinner Series, summer internships, national conferences | Graduation cords available to highly dedicated members — inquire with chapter president for more information. 2 elective credits for participation in P&T competition over winter break. |
APhA-ASP American Pharmacists Association — Academy of Student Pharmacists $65 annual membership Also includes membership into Colorado Pharmacists Society | Be the collective voice of student pharmacists, to provide opportunities for professional growth, and to envision and actively promote the future of pharmacy. | Pre-pharmacy students, pharmacy students, and post-BS PharmD students enrolled at an ACPE accredited pharmacy school or college are eligible for membership in APhA-ASP. Specialized subcommittees include:
Graduation cords available for highly involved members — contact chapter president for more details | There are no mandatory activities. APhA is an organization that provides many opportunities for students to get involved throughout the school year. We encourage you to get involved in order to get the most benefits out of this organization. | Annual Patient Counseling Competition, Operation Immunization, Operation Diabetes, Heartburn Awareness Challenge, Mid-Year Regional Meeting, Annual Meeting, National American Pharmacists Month, social outings, and MORE! | Discounted books! It is a national organization that can provide leadership opportunities, networking, and career development. Receive Pharmacy Today and Pharmacy Student. Member only online access to the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association and pharmacist.com, which provides useful information about residencies, internships, and other student resources. |
ASCP American Society of Consultant Pharmacists $0 annual national dues $25 annual membership | The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists empowers pharmacists to enhance quality of care for all older persons through the appropriate use of medication and the promotion of healthy aging. | This organization has a geriatric focus and brings students into contact with the geriatric population while creating opportunities for networking with these specialized pharmacists. | Open to all students. Attendance of monthly meetings and events are highly encouraged but not required. | Brown bag events at senior centers, chart reviews, shadowing at the Colorado State Veterans Home, geriatric pharmacist panel discussion, Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk | Networking opportunities and real world experience working with geriatric populations. |
CPNP College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists $40 national dues $15 local chapter dues | To advance the reach and practice of psychiatric pharmacy and serve as the voice of the specialty. | CPNP focuses on caring for patients diagnosed with a mental illness or neurologic condition and will connect students with specialized clinical pharmacists in these fields. The organization is devoted to raising awareness about the stigmas associated with mental health and dedicated to overcoming these barriers. | Attendance of monthly meetings; involvement in community service projects, social events, educational workshops is strongly encouraged(not required) | Stress fest, NAMI walk, first aid seizure training, mental health screening training, community service, social events, MORE! | Leadership opportunities, network expansion, shadowing opportunities, research projects, community outreach |
CPS Colorado Pharmacists Society $15/year | Colorado Pharmacists Society is committed to improving public health by advancing and supporting the professional practice of pharmacy while serving as the voice of pharmacy in Colorado. | CPS is not a pharmacy student organization but is the only organization that represents all pharmacists in Colorado. The organization is very interested in student involvement. Affiliated nationally with ASHP and APhA. Membership in student organization, ASP (APhA) will automatically confer membership in CPS. | Open to all students. Attendance of monthly meetings and events are highly encouraged but not required. | Dinner series, legislation lunch club, social events, stethoscope fundraiser, annual meetings, immunization clinics, welcome picnic for incoming P1 students | Represent all pharmacy students in CO, have input on legislative practice, leadership opportunities, networking with peers and pharmacists |
CSSHP/ASHP Colorado Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists $67 annual dues | To advance and support the professional practice of pharmacists in hospital and health systems and serve as their collective voice on issues related to medication use and public health | There are no required activities. However, you will get the most of your membership through participation in our community service events and attendance at meetings. These activities are fun and promote the profession of pharmacy. | Open to all students. Attendance of monthly meetings and events are highly encouraged but not required. | Clinical Skills Competition, Children’s Hospital visits, Faculty Dinner Series, Poison Prevention Week, Shadowing Program, ASHP Mid-Year Meeting, and more! | Networking, community outreach, health fair participation, advocacy opportunities, access to ASHP connect and the AJHP |
CU-PediatRx $65 annual membership | Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) is an international, nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to improving, and promoting safe medication use in children | Afford students with an interest in pediatric pharmacy numerous opportunities to augment their professional education including, but not limited to: volunteering activities, participation in events, collaboration on research, and advocacy for the pediatric population. | Open to all students | Volunteering events at Children’s Museum of Denver, Ronald McDonald House, and Children's Hospital Colorado; Fundraising events including Courage Classic, annual cornhole tournament, bake sales, and T-shirt sales; Safe medication disposal events and educational events at local elementary schools | Shadowing opportunities Mentorship programs Continuing education opportunities Professional development activities (e.g., practice interviews, curriculum vitae assistance, residency guidance, etc.) |
IPhO Industry Pharmacist Organization $100 national dues | Dedicated to enhancing student pharmacists’ understanding of the pharmaceutical industry | Provides opportunities and resources for students to better understand the pharmaceutical industry. | Open to all students. Attendance of monthly meetings and events are highly encouraged but not required. | Networking events, fellowship/CV workshops, interview prep, shadowing experience. | Networking opportunities, mentorship, access to IPhO national website information, access to internship postings. |
ISPOR International Society for Pharmacoeconomic and Outcomes Research $Free membership | To educate, increase awareness and promote growth within the 'Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research' field in general and to increase the CU Denver presence among the international society ISPOR. To collaborate across different sciences on campus and different departments worldwide. | Promote pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research education by holding regular seminars on current issues in the field and presenting research at least once a year at the annual meeting in the US-Canada region. | We expect members to be passionate about the kind of research that is involved related to public health, epidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, and policy. Also, attending our regular educational seminars/webinars is highly encouraged. | Details will be emailed to members soon! | The opportunity to present research, network and collaborate with faculty from different universities around the world, professionals from industry and research organizations at a global level. |
NCPA National Community Pharmacists Association $35 annual membership | To promote the pharmacy profession and the role of independent pharmacy; to maintain and expand educational programs, to strengthen student members’ professional. Business and leadership abilities. | Provide a forum for pharmacy students to learn about the many career options available in independent pharmacy practice. Encourage leadership and entrepreneurship by allowing students to learn about the business side of pharmacy. | Open to all students. Attendance of monthly meetings and events are highly encouraged but not required. | Bone marrow drive, brown bag events, business plan competition, compounding classes, dinner with independent owners, health screenings and health fairs, immunization fairs, McKesson warehouse tour, NPLEX Course review, national convention, RxPlus Golf Tournament | Community service activities, scholarships, networking with independent owners, business plan competition |
Pharmacists for Christ Free | To bring people who have a common belief together and to provide support and friendship for fellow Pharmacy students | The goal of Pharmacists for Christ is to provide students with an organization where they can find strength and support not only in Pharmacy school, but in all aspects of life. As an organization, we wish to examine how Christ lived here on earth and how to serve patients in a Christ-like manner. We also want to learn how to utilize our God given talents to serve our community. | Open to all students. | Weekly prayer and bible study, bowling, hiking, miniature golf fellowship activities, Operation Christmas Child, volunteering | Provide support through pharmacy school and offer opportunities to serve your community and fellowship with other students. |
PDC Phi Delta Chi Professional Fraternity Cost of dues vary depending on fundraising efforts of new pledges | To serve the field of pharmacy and promote a spirit of brotherhood. One of the few organizations that serve as a professional community and social organization with the aspects of a traditional fraternity. | From advice on classes and school from other collegiate brothers to professional guidance throughout your pharmacy career from other Phi Delta Chi professionals across the country, your PDC brothers will always be there for you. | Each interested pharmacy student must attend at least one recruitment event prior to being considered a candidate. Once pinning, the interested student becomes a candidate and must complete four requirements in the areas of leadership, brotherhood, philanthropy, and fundraising with their fellow candidates. Once requirements are met, candidates are initiated. | Regional meetings, national grand council meetings, leadership development seminars (LDS), Annual Chapter publication, Annual Founder’s Day Dinner, St. Jude’s Walk/Run, volunteering at various organizations, Wing Eating Contest | By joining Phi Delta Chi, you have the unique opportunity to get to know and network with brothers all over the country. |
Phi Lambda Sigma $80 national one-time fee | The encouragement, recognition, and promotion of leadership in pharmacy. | By invitation for students who have completed at least 90 hours of scholastic work applicable toward a recognized pharmacy degree and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. Those students who have demonstrated dedicated service and leadership in the advancement of pharmacy and are of high moral and ethical character will be nominated to apply. Nominations for membership comes from any voting member of the local chapter. | P2 and P3 students must attend >50% meetings each semester, support 1+ PLS event per semester, organize 1+ SOP event/semester, vote in person or proxy. P4s must attend 1 event of join 1 committee and acknowledgment of reading minute meetings. | Leadership challenge, Chapter member of the year award, Leadership Development Series, convocation development, faculty mentor program, Ronald McDonald house volunteering, Happy Hour Series with faculty members, CV workshop, conflict management workshop | Formal recognition as a leader, honor, faculty mentoring, promotion and fostering of leadership skills |
Rho Chi Alpha Theta Chapter $100 lifetime membership fee | The pharmacy academic honor society encourages and recognizes excellence in intellectual achievement and fosters fellowship among its members. | Promotes a universal recognition of members as lifelong pharmacy leaders. The fundamental objective of Rho Chi has always been to promote intellectual excellence and the advancement of the pharmaceutical sciences through the encouragement and recognition of sound scholarship and critical inquiry. | Students must rank in the top 20% of their class by GPA to be eligible for membership. After the selection process, new members are then inducted in the Spring Semester of their P2 year, after completing the required professional didactic courses. | Induction dinner, leadership opportunities, research spotlight, medication of the month, philanthropy events, tutoring program, guest speakers, and much more | Be recognized as an academic leader, honor cords to wear at graduation ceremony |
SNPhA $45 membership fee | SNPhA is an educational and community service association of pharmacy students who are concerned about critical issues affecting healthcare and pharmacy practice in diverse and underserved communities. | Our main goal is to improve the health outcomes of the underserved populations in our community. We do so by reaching out into our community with health fairs, educational seminars, and fundraising events. | Attendance of monthly meetings and participation in SNPhA events is highly encouraged, but not required | Alzheimer's Walk, Kidney Walk, Health Fairs, Living Water Church Vaccine Clinic and the National Western Stock Show, Shadowing at Sheridan Clinic and Denver Indian Health and Family Services, and Undergraduate mock interviews. | Up to $50,000 in scholarship opportunities, Membership discounts, Many volunteer opportunities, Networking skills and opportunities with health care professionals, Interviewing skills and testing guidance for pharmacy school entrance |
Student Council Free | The mission of Student Council is to foster and maintain a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship among components of the School of Pharmacy (including its student body, faculty, and staff as well as the components of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. | 6 reps from the P1, P2 and P3 classes (President, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and 2 senate reps) and 4 reps from the P4 class (President, vice-president, secretary/treasurer and senate rep) will be voted on my peers. One rep from each of the recognized student organizations. | Representatives must attend meetings and have no more than three unexcused absences per year. Members are required to participate in no less than 2 activities during their term of office. | Representatives convey the recommendations and/or suggestions of his/her class or student professional organization. | Networking, professional relationship development, leadership development |