Professional Pharmacy Fraternity
Hello Alumni Sisters!!

Fall has finally arrived and as we can see the leaves have started to change colors and the cooler weather is here. This time of the year is when it is even more important for us as pharmacists to advocate for our patients in their health and well-being. We need to encourage our patients to receive their annual flu vaccine as well as check to see if there are other vaccines that they are due for. This will not only protect them but also their families and loved ones.

Most of us know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although October is over, if you haven't already done so, please make sure you have scheduled your mammogram and do a monthly self-breast exam. 

I most recently just came from my Women's Ministry Retreat at my church at Oasis of Hope Baptist Church and our theme was "Becoming the Woman God Designed Me To Be".  One of the dynamic speakers for the conference used the life of a caterpillar to show how important it was determined to become a butterfly. This was a great illustration that she explained how the caterpillar works its whole life just to become a butterfly. This involves selecting right leaves to eat, shedding the old outgrown skin/covering (molting) to show progress, selecting the right places to sit or live, connecting to the right place when it becomes time to form a cocoon, to being in the correct position (hanging upside down so the blood can flow to the wings that will develop) and then finally appearing from the cocoon ready to show its beauty to the world.

This conference really helped me to see that we as pharmacists can also be seen as a butterfly. We need to make sure that we are:
  1. continuing to educate ourselves (eating) to ensure we can provide valid information to our patients
  2. growing personally and professionally and making sure we are getting rid of the old to make room for the new (molting)
  3. connecting with the right people or place (is your relationship organic)
  4. preparing ourselves to be in the correct position (the caterpillar forms the cocoon and is hanging upside down)
  5. ready to show how we can make a positive change not only in our lives but in the lives of others (displaying your beautiful wings)
Becoming the Woman God Designed Me To Be is a process. Just as becoming a pharmacist is a process. We all can be like that caterpillar and become the butterfly that we, our families and patients need to see. We can help them see how they can become that butterfly in their lives as well.

I hope you enjoy this edition of our Alumni News and don't forget to send me your updates, questions or your requests by emailing me at GVPAlumni@lks.org. 

 
Fraternally yours,

Lu Shawna Lawson
Grand Vice President for Alumni

LKS 2019 Convention in 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The 2019 LKS Convention was held in the wonderful city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.  There were many activities that the Convention committee had planned so well for us to participate in before and during the meeting.  The weather was just wonderful as many of us were able to enjoy the warm weather and were also able to go to the Milwaukee Public Market, Miller Brewery and the Harley Davidson Museum.  This year's theme was Reconnecting through Reinvention.  

Thursday morning Convention started out with our Keynote Speaker, Patricia Kienle, Director of Accreditation and Medication Safety for Cardinal Health Innovative Delivery Services, and one of our Past Grand Presidents.  Patti presented on Nimble Leadership- A Framework for Success. 

Continuing Education Programs
 
This year we had three sisters that presented the continuing education programs on Thursday. 

 
Starlin Haydon-Greatting MS-MPH, BSPharm,CDM,FAPhA currently serves as the Illin ois  Pharmacists Association's (IPhA) Director of Clinical Programs and Population Health, working primarily to create and establish ambulatory care chronic disease and medication management programs to improve patient centered care and medication optimization. She serves as the IPhA Patient Self-Management Programs-Pharmacy Network Coordinator, programs for diabetes, pre-diabetes, and cardiovascular health. She  presented on "Diversity & Unconscious Bias Workshop " along with Paris Smith, PharmD Candidate, Class of 2020. 
 

Michael VanLaanen , PharmD, BCPS.  Michael's greatest inspiration in pharmacy comes from opportunities to adopt and advocate innovative pharmacy practice. He is currently developing programming and various IT  skills and holds certificates from the University of Washington in Medical Ethics and Pharmacy Education. Michael presented on, "Review of Antithrombotic Therapy, Focus on Safety in Pregnancy."





Christina Inteso , PharmD , BCACP , is a  clinical pharmacy specialist in ambulatory care for Community Health Network in Indianapolis where she primarily works with high-risk patients to help them achieve their diabetes-related healthcare goals. She is actively involved in the PGY2 residency committee, offers an endocrinology elective, serves as a resident mentor, and is the department resource for continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pumps, U500 insulin and other advanced diabetes topics. She presented on, "Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)."



Blue & Gold Dinner

Thursday evening closed with the Blue & Gold Dinner with special entertainment from Luka: The Deception Artist. Luka dazzled us with sleight of hand magic, con games, and 'mind reading'. He delightfully told stories, jokes, and truly wowed our sisters. 

Leadership Program

Friday opened up with a dynamic Leadership Program that was sponsored by Albertson's Pharmacies.  

Christine Perry, Manager of Pharmacy Recruiting and College Relations for the Shaws Osco, ACME Savon and Safeway divisions of Albertson's Pharmacies, presented the first portion of the program by sharing "How to Lead and Not Worry About Being Liked". Her key points focused on leadership traits, becoming a likeable leader and the highlights of leading.  Following Christine was a practitioner panel which featured Mary Greer, Pharmacist Consultant to 39 Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) in Nevada, Dr. Robin Bogner, Professor of Pharmaceutics at the University of Connecticut, Starlin Haydon-Greatting, Director of Clinical Programs and Population health for the  Illinois Pharmacists Association and Betty (Beej) Harris, Consultant Pharmacist.  All of these sisters are all Vanguard Leadership Award recipients and they each provided a wealth of knowledge with their various backgrounds and experiences.


2019 Awards Luncheon

2019 Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award

Jacquline Mullakary (Alpha Pi Alumni Chapter) nominated by Lisa Lasagne (Alpha Pi Alumni)

2019 Advisor Award 

Kristin Cheng (Alpha Pi Alumni Chapter) nominated by Lisa Lasagne (Alpha Pi Alumni)

2019 Award of Merit

Kim Hancock (Alpha Iota  Alumni Chapter)  nominated by Tiffany Vicars (Alpha Nu Alumni Chapter)

2019 LKS/Merck & Co. Vanguard Leadership Award 

Jennifer Brandt (Epsilon Alumni Chapter)  nominated by Tiffany Vicars (Alpha Nu Alumni Chapter)

2019 Distinguished Service Citation

Jennifer Rhodes (Rho Chapter, Alumni-at-Large) nominated by Grand President Chris Grass (Alpha Zeta Alumni Chapter)

2019 Collegiate(s) of the Year Award

Sierra Ferreira (Alpha Chapter)  nominated by Past Grand President, Christine Perry (Alpha Alumni Chapter)

Carrie Cicirale (Alpha Zeta Chapter)  nominated by Robyn Nading (Alpha Zeta Alumni Chapter)
 
2019 Ruth Davies Flaherty Service Award Recipients (Alumni)
  • Kim Hancock (Alpha Iota Alumni)
  • Geralynn B. Smith (Omicron Alumni)
  • Lisa Anzisi (Alpha Pi Alumni)
  • Maria Bruno (Alpha Alumni)
Friday ended on a high note with the Edelweiss dinner cruise which included a Mexican themed dinner buffet.  The weather was beautiful and we had a wonderful view of the sunset and view of the Milwaukee skyline.

Alumni Conference
Our Alumni Conference on Saturday morning was facilitated by Grand Vice President for Alumni, Lu Shawna Lawson.  We were able to reconnect with each other, welcome new alumni members and also welcome a new initiate to the fold.  We were able to really experience being nimble and flexible in adjusting our original plan but also being able to hear directly from our alumni some of their concerns and what they would like to see.  It was an opportunity that we truly had not had and appreciate the feedback that we received so that Grand Council and the Alpha Resources can meet the needs of our Alumni members. 


Our final continuing education program was presented by Dr. Leigh Briscoe-Dwyer, Vice President of Network Pharmacy for the Westchester County Medical Center Health System in Valhalla, New York.  She presented on "Leading From the Bench:  Things I Didn't Learn in Pharmacy School".  She reviewed a typical day for her and I provided insight into areas that we need to focus on to ensure we are taking care of ourselves as well as our patients and staff and/or colleagues. 
 
Convention concluded with the final banquet which included the announcement of the Chrysanthemum Award winners, Efficiency Cup and Efficiency Gavel award recipients.  We also recognized Joan Rogala for her 25 Years of service in the LKS HQ.

What's New with Ewe?  





Marissa Salvo (Alpha Beta Alumni), her husband, and son (Cooper) welcomed a new baby girl, Abigail Annette, into their family in March 2019.  Marissa was also inducted (in the first class) as a Fellow of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association in September 2019.


Julie Earby (Alpha Iota Alumni) is expecting her 2nd son and moved to Grand Rapids to start a new job at  Affinia and Trinity Health


Angela Lackie (Alpha Iota Alumni) welcomed her first child, Harper Paige at 2:46am on 5/14/19. Harper was 7lb 3oz, 20 3/4 inches long.


Mary Beth O'Connell (Omicron Alumni) was an editor for a textbook got published!


Brittany Stewart (Omicron Alumni) and Sara Brown (Alpha Iota Alumni) co-authored on a publication!


Megan Dishman (Phi Alumni) is a new homeowner as of October 16, 2019.  Congratulations on your new home.


Kara and Tim Janiak (Alpha Zeta Alumni) welcome Addison Shea Janiak on Sunday, July 2019 at 3:52pm.  She weighed 7lbs 9oz and 20.5 inches long. 
 

Jenna & Nathan Santel (Alpha Zeta Alumni) welcome baby boy Colton Michael Santel on August 7, 2019 at 3:30am, 21 1/2 inches long, 8lbs 7oz.



Nicole Pezzino and Jeremy Lee are expecting a new baby boy in February 2020.   Nicole also is celebrating the first Wilkes & Weiss Community Based Resident Program and was able to showcase this opportunity at Pennsylvania Pharmacist Association Annual Meeting. 



Congratulations to Marina Perelman for becoming Board Certified as a Medication Therapy Management Specialist.  



Gift Nweke spoke at the ASHP National Pharmacy Preceptors Conference on the topic of Work Smarter Not Harder: How the Preceptor's Toolkit Can Make Precepting Easier.

Danika Critcheloe (Mathis) married Joe in September 2019.  

Kaitlyn Mitchell (Alpha Zeta Alumni) got engaged to Marshall McInnis on September 30, 2019

Sara White , was awarded Honorary Membership to ASHP. See here to view the press release! 

Congratulations to our sister Jaime Sinclair  who was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of ASHP.


Congratulations to our sister Angela Olenik who received the Virginia Pharmacist Association Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award.


Congratulations to Debbie Bourquin, on receiving the Warrior Preceptor of the Year on August 22, 2019.  You are well deserving!!



Congratulations to Stephanie Mrozek for being awarded the Recent Graduate Alumnus Award at the 2019 Duquesne University Annual Alumni Conference on September 29, 2019.


Fall 2019
Important Dates

November 1st- Alumni Dues were Due

November- LKS Trust Month

 
It's never too late to renew your membership in LKS!

November 1st is always
the deadline for paying alumni dues. 

If you've already paid, thank you! If you still need to pay, no problem!

If you have any difficulty making your dues payment, just call 1-262-682-4362 (Monday through Thursday) and our wonderful staff can assist you.

Thanks to your loyalty and support, Lambda Kappa Sigma continues to thrive as the first (and best!) professional fraternity supporting women in pharmacy. 

With more than 25,000 initiated "lambs", our beloved fraternity remains dedicated to providing lifelong opportunities to all members through professional excellence and personal growth. 

Your continued support allows us to provide amazing opportunities not only to you but to the women following in your professional footsteps!.

If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to renew your commitment to LKS today. 


In addition, your donation to Campaign for Progress (which can be made at the same time as your membership renewal) provides support for a targeted need for Fraternity growth and development.

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But through AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to charitable organizations such as the LKS Educational Trust.

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Lambda Kappa Sigma Pharmacy Fraternity
P.O. Box 570, Muskego WI 53150
www.lks.org | lkshq@lks.org | 262-682-4362
Lambda Kappa Sigma Pharmacy Fraternity
Lambda Kappa Sigma Pharmacy Fraternity
262-682-4362