May 2026

Welcome to the latest Buffalo Pharmacy Bulletin. We examine key issues in health care and how our academicians, practitioners and scientists drive progress, while also sharing updates from UB’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to highlight the outstanding work of our community.

“The best way to ensure we can support and mentor our future pharmacists and research scientists is to make sure we are reviewing and discussing what is currently happening in the dynamic and ever-changing world we live in.”

Congratulations, graduates! Well done. I have just a few thoughts to share as you begin this next chapter.

Regardless of the specific path you choose to follow, you have made an excellent career choice. Your work—whether as a clinician, scientist, entrepreneur, or some combination of these—has the potential to make a meaningful impact. And because employability continues to be part of the national conversation about the value of degree programs, take comfort in knowing that health care and related professions have accounted for a significant share of job growth in the United States over the past 18 months, a trend projected to continue.

The strength of your career foundation matters. Your alma mater has a long and distinguished history of helping students build the foundation for sustained professional success.

Pedigree matters, and not just at Westminster. Your degree from UB will open doors that might otherwise have remained closed.

Networks matter, and not just on the movie screen. You are now part of a broad and engaged community of UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences alumni and friends. Do not hesitate to call on them, and in time, be there for those who will follow in your footsteps.

Family matters, and not just to the Winslows. You are, and always will be, part of our extended UB family. Please keep in touch and let us know how we can support you. We look forward to celebrating your career and life successes as you continue your journey.

Best wishes, always.

Musical coda: artist Green Day performs “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”

Integrating pharmacists into kidney care teams can improve patient outcomes
In a recent Q&A with UBNow, Calvin Meaney, PharmD, clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice and nephrology specialist, discussed how integrating pharmacists into kidney care teams can improve patient outcomes. Drawing on a recent commentary he co-authored in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, Meaney explained that pharmacists are uniquely equipped to help, particularly by optimizing comprehensive medication management.

Balthasar named SUNY Distinguished Professor
Joseph P. Balthasar, BS ’91, PhD ’96, has been named a SUNY Distinguished Professor, the highest academic rank in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The distinction is awarded to faculty whose work demonstrates extraordinary contributions to their field that elevate the standards of scholarship within and beyond their discipline. Balthasar, the David and Jane Chu Endowed Chair in Drug Discovery and Development, professor of pharmaceutical sciences, and director of the Center for Protein Therapeutics, focuses his research on the discovery of novel biological therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. His work has led to multiple platform technologies and patent applications, contributing to FDA-approved treatments while helping drive innovation, foster industry collaboration and train the next generation of scientists.

Remembering Corinne Cardy
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Corinne Cardy, staff assistant in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, who passed away on May 24. She was a beloved colleague and friend and will be dearly missed by the UB SPPS community. Corinne joined SPPS in 2018 as a staff assistant in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. In her role, she provided dedicated administrative and operational support to faculty and students in the department. Her contributions ensured the smooth functioning of the department and enhanced the experience of all who worked with her. Corinne was known for her professionalism, dedication, kindness and willingness to support others. The entire SPPS community extends its deepest condolences to Corinne’s family, friends and colleagues. You may view Corinne’s obituary here.

Celebrating the UB Class of 2026
Congratulations to our School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates! We proudly celebrated our annual commencement ceremony on May 16 at the UB Center for the Arts.

View highlights in our Commencement 2026 photo gallery 

Join the UB Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences community for this celebrated event dating back to 1980. Together we’ll gather for research talks and lectures, time to reconnect and social events around Buffalo. We’ll also honor the remarkable legacy of Dr. William Jusko. 

Mark your calendars and get ready to reconnect! Join your pharmacy family as we celebrate milestone classes (those ending in 1s and 6s), honor our Gregory Society members and mark the golden anniversary of the Class of 1976. Want to get involved? We’re accepting class committee members! Contact Sarah Sterzinger, associate director of alumni engagement, at sjsterzi@buffalo.edu to join the fun.

Calling all alumni from class years ending in 1 or 6! We're seeking volunteers to help shape an exciting SPPS Reunion 2026. Opportunities include planning class-specific events, reconnecting with classmates, contributing programming ideas or assisting with day-of coordination. Your involvement—big or small—makes a difference! Interested? Contact Sarah Sterzinger, associate director of alumni engagement, at sjsterzi@buffalo.edu to learn more and sign up.

Featuring the 2026 Comprehensive Pharmacy Law Review, held June 2–3, for pharmacists in all practice settings practicing in New York State and those preparing to take the New York State Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). All activities will be administered through our new CE platform, CE21. You will be prompted to create a CE21 account when registering.

Join UB alumni experts from across the globe as they share professional insights and advice during Webinar Wednesdays. Engage in upcoming webinars along with past sessions.

Show your #UBTrueBlue spirit by sharing UB Pride photos, videos and stories!

Thank you for reading our May 2026 edition of the Buffalo Pharmacy Bulletin. Please stay in touch! Send us updates on your own personal and professional accomplishments by filling out our alumni update form or submitting your SPPS news, including recent research, publications and awards.

Regards,
Gary Pollack, PhD '84
Dean and Professor