Students from Texas Make Waves in Ohio

Welcome to the Big Apple of academia where everything moves fast and winning big is just another Tuesday. Our future pharmacists from The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy have struck gold. And not just any gold — they nailed the top prize at the 21st Annual Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. This electrifying event took place at the National Community Pharmacists Association’s (NCPA) Annual Convention from October 26-29 in the lovely city of Columbus, Ohio. Read more about their achievement here.

Meet the Dream Team

So, who’s behind this victory parade? The winning squad, led by their charismatic captain Quinn Mosgrove, included the sharp-minded William Elizondo, the detail-oriented Jennifer Lines, and the ever-so-strategic Bruno Onwukwe. They didn’t do it alone, though. Brilliant minds like Carlos Rios and Bi Tran joined hands to sculpt that killer plan.

Why So Special?

“Entrepreneurship is a high priority at Texas Pharmacy,” declaimed the enthusiastic Dr. Samuel M. Poloyac, Dean of UT Austin’s College of Pharmacy. And if you’re wondering — no, this isn’t their first rodeo. "Our teams have consistently ranked high in this competition for several years," he added. Glad to know that Quinn, William, Jennifer, and Bruno’s hard work was more than just a home run. It was a grand slam that echoed their dedication and resolve.

And There’s More

Not only do they bask in glory, but the UT Austin’s NCPA student chapter bags $3,000 for their efforts. As a sweet bonus, the school receives an additional $3,000 in good ol’ Dean Poloyac’s name. This generous fund aims to support independent community pharmacy, a venture that’s gaining traction statewide and beyond.

Off to Sunny Florida

And now, let’s talk about the perks. The winning team, along with their advisors and Dean Poloyac, will be jetting off to Florida. Who wouldn’t want complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to the NCPA’s 2025 Multiple Locations Conference? And yes, that’s happening this February, where we imagine they will also get some Floridian sun — a true departure from the Texan stew they’re used to.

The Future Looks Bright

“Our students are the cornerstone of pharmacy’s future," says their faculty cheerleader, Terry Weaver, B.S., R.Ph., Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice. “Their ambition and dedication are downright infectious.” And who can blame him for the optimism? With community pharmacy practice taking a fresh, expansive turn, seeing these students in action gives us all hope for a better tomorrow.

Motivation in Motion

This prestigious competition isn’t just about the accolades. The Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition pushes student pharmacists to be innovative. The goal is to either buy an existing independent community pharmacy or create a fresh, bustling one. This initiative proudly backed by Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, and the NCPA Foundation urges students to look past the textbooks and into the possibilities.

In conclusion, it’s safe to say that these whiz kids from UT Austin are ready to take the Big Apple by storm. The brink of transformation in community pharmacy practice stands at the intersection of vision and reality, and it seems they’ve already got their foot in the door. Stay tuned, folks — the best is yet to come.