Source: US State of Connecticut
Cynthia Huge vividly recalls her time as a pharmacy student in the 1970s, a decade marked by cultural and political trouble. The Vietnam War protests and the Kent State shootings were important events during her college years. “It was a time of turmoil,” she says, noting the era’s profound impact on campus life. Despite these challenges, she felt her class embodied resilience and community.
The pharmacy field itself was undergoing significant changes. “Pharmacy was shifting from independent ownership to chain drug stores,” Huge says. She believes this evolution opened the profession to more women. Her class of 1975 reflected this progress, with women making up 25% of students—an increase from just 10% a few years prior.
Huge says that choosing to study pharmacy was a big decision. She had worked in a pharmacy during high school but entered UConn with little knowledge about the profession’s rigorous scientific foundation. “I thought all pharmacists did was type labels,” she says. Adjusting to courses like chemistry and physics wasn’t easy, but her determination and support from classmates helped her through.
Some of her fondest memories came from moments of creativity and humor. As co-editor of the yearbook, Huge and her team playfully dedicated it to the animals sacrificed in lab experiments. To fund the project, they organized a beer fest, a memorable event that showcased the community spirit of the School of Pharmacy.
Reflecting on her journey, Huge acknowledges that the friendships and experiences she gained at UConn have shaped her life. “It was a different time, but the connections I made are still meaningful today,” she says. For aspiring pharmacists, she offers a simple message: embrace challenges, value collaboration, and treasure the lifelong bonds formed along the way.
For Marghie Giuliano, the 70s at the School of Pharmacy were a time of transformation, both personally and professionally. Reflecting on her student years, Giuliano describes the decade as “unique, not just culturally and politically, but academically.” She recalls a time of significant curriculum changes, which posed challenges for students and professors alike. However, these challenges fostered resilience and growth.
“We were labeled disruptive because we stood up for ourselves,” she says, recalling how her class was characterized by their willingness to question authority and advocate for their needs. These experiences strengthened her sense of self and cultivated a collaborative spirit among classmates. Giuliano fondly remembers the friendships that defined her experience: “We didn’t want to see anybody fail. There was a real sense of collaboration instead of competition.” This support network forged lifelong friendships and set a foundation for her career.
Giuliano’s connection to UConn runs deep, reinforced by a family legacy in pharmacy. Her uncles, including one who also graduated from the School of Pharmacy, inspired her journey. Entering UConn for her first professional year was a significant transition from her small college background, but she found a welcoming community. “UConn has always been there for me—sometimes challenging me, sometimes supporting me,” she says. This enduring relationship with the university shaped her professional life, offering a sense of home within the larger institution.
Looking back at the evolution of pharmacy, Giuliano marvels at the growth of the profession. “When we graduated, there were only three options: hospital, retail, or industry. Now, opportunities are endless,” she says. Giuliano encourages today’s students to broaden their horizons and embrace change, emphasizing the importance of leadership and adaptability. “Challenge yourself, step into leadership roles, and keep your vision of pharmacy open,” she says.
Jack Collins had an unexpected start to his pharmacy career. Initially studying business at Boston College, a middle-of-the-night epiphany led him to transfer to UConn to follow in the footsteps of his pharmacist father and grandfather.
“I woke up in the middle of the night and said, you know what? You need to go back to the pharmacy,” Collins says. “I felt that strongly. I’m from Connecticut. That’s the school you want to go to if you’re going to become a pharmacist.”
His time at UConn wasn’t easy. The pharmacy program was intense, with five years of science-heavy courses that left little room for anything else. “It was science from freshman year through your fifth year, all in, full bore, and it was hard,” Collins says. Courses like organic chemistry and long lab sessions were especially challenging. “Organic was brutal…physics was hard, physics labs were hard.” But despite the challenges, Collins cherishes the relationships he formed with his classmates. “We had a great class. A lot of successful people came out of that class, and some of them are still good friends, even 50 years later.”
As he entered the professional world, Collins saw the pressures of retail pharmacy firsthand and knew it wasn’t the right path for him. In the 1990s, he pivoted to Home Infusion Therapy and Compounding. “Retail pharmacy wasn’t going to sustain my growing family,” Collins says. “So, I did something different, and it worked out well.”
Collins’ career highlights the adaptability of UConn graduates. He found success in niche areas of Pharmacy which allowed him to grow professionally and personally.
As UConn celebrates 100 years of excellence, the class of 1975 stands as a testament to the school’s enduring legacy. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years,” Collins reflects. “But I’m just happy to be part of it.”
For future students, Collins’ advice is clear: “Try to find a branch of pharmacy that’s going to use your six years of very difficult education.” Collins encourages students to look for niches where they can apply their education and make a real impact, whether in hospitals, compounding, or other areas. “The opportunities are endless—go for it.”
