Alumni Awards & Banquet/Reunion Keynote Speaker for 2025 Revealed
2025 Dean L. David and Janet C. Hiner Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni Award: Kalpana Merchant, PhD 1989
Dr. Kalpana Merchant, PhD ’89 (Pharmacology and Toxicology), has been selected as a recipient of the Dean L. David and Janet C. Hiner Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to pharmaceutical sciences and translational research.
With 30+ years of leadership in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries—including roles as Chief Scientific Officer at Eli Lilly and Company and CEO of Chaperone Therapeutics—Dr. Merchant has advanced innovation in the discovery and development of drugs for neurological and psychiatric disorders. She currently serves on the Oregon Innovation Council, advises several biotech firms, serves as a Senior Advisor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and leads scientific strategy at Retromer Therapeutics and TransThera Consulting.
A dedicated mentor and advocate for research training, Dr. Merchant continues to support the University of Utah College of Pharmacy programs through keynote presentations, advisory roles, and trainee engagement. Her career exemplifies the impact of scientific excellence, leadership, and mentorship in advancing human health through precision therapies and biomarker development.
2025 Rising Star Award: Andrew Dwenger, PharmD Class of 2015
Andrew (Andy) Dwenger earned a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry before completing his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Utah in 2015. He went on to complete a PGY1 clinical residency at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, followed by a PGY2 Drug Information residency at the University of Utah.
After residency, Andy joined the Pharmacy Support Services team at University of Utah Health as a clinical pharmacist. In this role, he has led initiatives focused on drug shortage mitigation, purchasing contract optimization, and strategic cost-saving efforts across the department. His dedication to improving medication access and operational efficiency continues in his new role as Manager of the Pharmacy Support Services team.
Outside of work, Andy enjoys spending time with his two children, Ziggy (4) and Indigo (11 months). A passionate University of Utah football fan, he has held season tickets for many years and proudly attends at least one away game each season—11 years and running!
2025 Honorary Alumnus Award: Bruce Bilodeau
Bruce Bilodeau’s pharmacy journey began in grade school at his father’s independent pharmacy in Milford, NH, sparking a lifelong commitment to leadership, innovation, and mentorship. After moving to Utah in 1990, he rose through the ranks at Smith’s Food and Drug and the Salt Lake VA Health Care System, ultimately serving as Chief of Pharmacy and transforming operations through emotional intelligence and servant leadership.
For 20+ years, Bruce has empowered University of Utah College of Pharmacy students through the Advanced Management and Leadership curriculum, shaping future pharmacy leaders with real-world strategy and vision.
Bruce is grateful for the support of his family, mentors, and the College of Pharmacy, and is honored to join the ranks of University of Utah alumni and continue building programs that prepare professionals to lead from day one.
Keynote Speaker Announced: Eric Boyce, BS ’75, PharmD ’84
We are excited to share that Dr. Eric Boyce will be this year’s keynote speaker for the College of Pharmacy Alumni Reunion Banquet. Eric graduated from the University of Utah College of Pharmacy’s bachelor’s program in 1975, served as adjunct faculty from 1976 to 1980, and then graduated from the U’s PharmD program in 1984. Eric had a successful career in pharmacy academia, working for three different Colleges of Pharmacy and retiring from the School of Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific in January 2024.
Eric’s keynote address during this year’s Alumni Reunion Banquet will focus on opportunities and lessons learned during his time at the University of Utah and his many years of working in higher education.