Max Heidrick earns pharmacy school's top honor
The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy presented its Distinguished Service Award to Max Heidrick of Beloit, Kansas on Friday, October 18 at the School of Pharmacy building in Lawrence. Heidrick, a 1971 graduate of the School of Pharmacy, owns S&S Drug in Beloit.
Established this year, the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who have demonstrated selfless and sustained service and leadership in advancement of the profession, their communities and the School of Pharmacy.
In addition to serving as a mentor to many School of Pharmacy students over the years, Heidrick has served on countless committees and boards for the pharmacy profession on both the state and national level, including the School of Pharmacy’s Advisory Committee. He has supported the community of Beloit, not only through his downtown pharmacy, but also by donating his time, expertise and resources to local schools and community projects.
School of Pharmacy Dean Ken Audus said the school has honored distinguished alumni in the past, but not through an annual award.
“Whether they are practitioners or researchers, those in the pharmacy profession are known for their generosity and service to the community, the profession and the school,” Audus said. “We decided it was time to recognize them for the amazing work they continue to perform, both professionally and personally.”
Audus said the selection committee, which included school administrators, faculty, and staff members made an excellent choice when they selected Hedrick to receive the inaugural award.
“I can think of no one more deserving of this award. The countless hours he has spent mentoring our students over the years, the financial support he has provided to the program and its students, and the contributions he has made to the profession of pharmacy make him the ideal recipient of the first University of Kansas School of Pharmacy Distinguished Service Award,” Audus said.