Volunteer Position: Vice President for Finance

Years of Service: 4 years

University Position: Distinguished University Professor Emeritus, The University of Toledo

Degree(s)/Discipline: B.S. Pharmacy; M.S., Ph.D. Clinical Pharmacy/Pharmaceutics

How did you become involved as a Phi Kappa Phi volunteer?
I was appointed to the Scholarship Awards Committee of my local Phi Kappa Phi chapter (The University of Toledo), later became chair of that committee and eventually served as chapter secretary and president. As chapter president I attended the National Triennial Convention in Indianapolis and volunteered for a committee appointment. I was appointed to the Investment Committee and in the next triennium served as Investment Committee Chair. I was subsequently elected to two terms as national Vice President for Finance.

What has Phi Kappa Phi done that has made you proud?

Phi Kappa Phi's mission, "to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others," is what inspires me most about the organization. Not only does it recognize and celebrate outstanding academic achievement across college campuses, but it actively supports those works through awards, grant programs and leadership seminars. I am most proud of the fact that as a Society we offered $1 million in awards and grants in the current biennium, that on top of the numerous chapter and officer support activities carried out by the National Office. The Society truly lives by its founding principles.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has both personal and professional significance. From a personal standpoint, I followed my father into The University of Toledo chapter of which he was a founding member, and was initiated along side my (now) wife, Marilyn. From a professional standpoint, involvement in my local chapter brought me in much closer contact with faculty across the university campus, broadening my perspective, my awareness of issues, and resulted in better, inter-disciplinary approaches to my teaching, research and leadership. Involvement nationally has brought me an even deeper appreciation of the intellectual capacity of, and desire to serve by, those in the Society and even more reason to celebrate and support being part of this community of scholars.

What do you enjoy most about being a board/committee member? 
I enjoy the company and conversations with those fellow committee and board members, but most of all, I receive great satisfaction when seeing and hearing how the work of the Society, carried out by members across the country, provides support and exciting opportunities for the rising generation of scholars and leaders.

What advice would you give to a new board or committee member? 
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from others on the board. The Society's leadership represents a wealth of knowledge and experience and a desire to fulfill the mission of Phi Kappa Phi. Be actively engaged in the conversations and plan ahead to be able to participate in all the Board functions.

What are your hobbies? 
Travel, service to local community health organizations, choral singing

Where are you from? 
Born in Toledo, Ohio