A Milestone at UIC: The Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky College of Pharmacy
On September 13, 2024, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Pharmacy made history by becoming the first donor-named college at UIC. The newly named Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky College of Pharmacy was formally unveiled in a celebration attended by hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni and former leaders. The college was renamed following a $36 million gift from the Retzky estate, recognizing their legacy of commitment to UIC and the College of Pharmacy. After a program honoring the Retzkys’ contributions, the many event attendees enjoyed music, food and an exuberant celebration.
Later in the evening, there was a formal reception and ceremony at which the transformative impact of the Retzky’s gift was recognized. Through their gift, scholarship opportunities at the college are greatly expanded, along with innovative new career development services. Chancellor Miranda and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Robert Barish noted how this investment in the College of Pharmacy will contribute to driving innovation, increasing health equity and expanding access to educational opportunities. Another long-term impact is the establishment of the Retsky Endowed Deanship, and in a formal investiture ceremony UIC Chancellor Miranda recognized Dean Glen Schumock as the inaugural Retzky Dean of the College of Pharmacy.
The Retzkys have donated over $44 million to UIC, the most of any individual donors, supporting numerous initiatives, including the Retzky Scholars Fund, the Career Development Fund, the Deanship Fund, the Drug Discovery and Innovation Fund, and multiple scholarship funds. “This elevates the College’s visibility nationally while providing the resources we need for a brighter future,” said Dean Glen Schumock, who noted that the Retzkys' latest gift will fund programs for merit-based scholarships and career development. “Above all, Herb and Carol wanted to help people and the profession. Their gifts will impact many students and future pharmacists.”
Herbert Retzky, a 1946 alumnus, and Carol Retzky, who was awarded an honorary degree in 2019, owned pharmacies on Chicago's South and West Sides. Herb maintained a deep connection to the college, attending continuing education programs on infectious diseases for 25 consecutive years and serving on alumni committees to evaluate courses and guide curriculum changes.
The couple’s first major gift came in 2003, when they donated $50,000 to establish two scholarships. In 2012, their $2 million gift created the Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky Endowed Chair in Pharmacy Practice, which became the Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky Deanship in 2016, thanks to an additional $3 million commitment. Their $5 million pledge was the largest in the college’s history establishing the first deanship at UIC, and only the third deanship in the entire University of Illinois System.
“The Retzkys’ transformative gift accelerates our mission to prepare UIC students to provide excellent and equitable care to the communities we serve,” said UIC Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda. “We are supporting students who will address health inequities and drive innovation across Chicago, Illinois and the nation.”
Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Robert Barish, added, “This investment will expand scholarship and training opportunities for the pharmacy profession, benefiting future generations of learners. The Retzkys’ legacy aligns with UIC’s mission to serve the local community and state.”
Ranked #1 among Illinois pharmacy schools and #15 nationally by US News & World Report, the UIC College of Pharmacy is also ranked #7 in total research grant funding by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
The September 13 celebration came one day after the 165th anniversary of the college’s founding on September 12, 1859, making it the oldest academic unit within the University of Illinois System.
