News
Chesnut named 2002 Pharmacy Mentor of the Year
February 2002
The following is the award presentation address from student - Holly O'Connor:
A mentor is often someone who, somewhere in the past was a mentee of someone who had made a difference in his or her life. In wanting to give that remarkable experience back, these mentors are often notorious for their support, encouragement, guidance, and assistance to the needs of those around them. This year’s recipient of the College of Pharmacy Mentor of the Year Award is no exception. As she goes about her day, she rarely realizes the impact she has on not only the individual students but also the college as a whole. It would be hard to imagine the college without this year’s Mentor. In fact, it would be nearly impossible to get through the six-year program, without spending at least one day in this person’s office. Although an empty _ hour, in a long day of meetings and classes is a rarity, this year’s Mentor, never fails to allow that student who just “dropped by”, some time in her office to talk. One student writes, “I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to help me out! You really amaze me with your ability to accommodate each and every pharmacy student.” Although it may be difficult to find her on any given day, the time you get is always dedicated solely to you and your concerns. She puts a lot of effort into making each and every student in the college, special and unique. In fact, she has a rather remarkable memory that allows her to remember you, and call you by your name after meeting you for the first time.
Mentoring goes beyond the walls of the classroom. And often long after graduation. It is a life-long process that often starts with a simple academic or personal dilemma. A mentor is there when you are challenged, there when something wonderful happens, and most often there when you feel there are no other options. Another student writes, “I appreciate all of your work and your support . . .You have been a great mentor to me during my time at Drake.”
Throughout her time at Drake, this year’s Mentor has proven to be more than just another faculty member. To many students, she has become someone with all the answers. To others, she has become a friend. Her drive and determination, insight and creativity are what drive students, like myself, to be not only better students, but also inspired professionals, willing to make a difference in pharmacy. When you find this year’s Mentor in the halls, you almost always find a student nearby. Whether that be one of her teaching assistants, a rotation student, or one of the student involved in DRxUGS. This is because she genuinely enjoys working with students. It is through her work in the student organizations that she has mentored to so many students—often without her ever knowing the impact she had. Many have thought of her as a role model for young professional pharmacy students. Encouraging and guiding them to be the intelligent, compassionate, inspired pharmacists that Drake is so well known for. And as her TA, I have nothing but the utmost respect for her and the daily responsibilities that come with her job. She is a strong leader, who leaves a lasting impression, and makes a difference in every life she touches.
This year’s Mentor is often quick to brush off her importance. And yet it wouldn’t be just the college of pharmacy that couldn’t function without her. “Drake and Beyond,” this year’s Pharmacy Day theme, certainly describes her professional involvement. She is active within numerous state and national pharmacy associations, including having served as President of the Central Iowa Pharmacy Association in 1998-1999, currently serving as Region 3 trustee for the Iowa Pharmacy Association, and being involved with various Drake athletic councils. The time has come for her to be recognized for all the hard work she puts into everything she does.
It is with tremendous honor that I present the 2002 Drake College of Pharmacy Mentor of the Year Award to Dr. Renae Chesnut.
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