CU Anschutz Pharmacy Community Honors Generosity and Future Leaders
Written by Becca Schjodt
Feb 23, 2026
On January 29, 2026, the CU Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences welcomed 37 benefactors, students, faculty and alumni to the Power of Philanthropy Celebration. This annual event honors the profound generosity that fuels student success, innovative research and advancements that shape the future of the field.
Held in the Skaff Board Room, the celebration provided an intimate and meaningful setting for guests to reflect on the power of giving, share personal stories and build connections that bolster CU Anschutz Pharmacy’s mission and momentum.
“Philanthropy is transformative,” said Scott Arthur, CU Anschutz vice chancellor for advancement, as he opened the program. “Every gift creates ripples that empower the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.”
The event marked a milestone for new dean Brian Tsuji, PharmD: the chance to speak directly to the CU Anschutz Pharmacy community for the first time.
Dean Tsuji, an internationally recognized clinician-scientist known for his groundbreaking work combating antibiotic-resistant superbugs, shared his excitement for joining a campus built on collaboration, innovation and real-world impact.
“CU Anschutz is a place where disciplines intersect, ideas flourish and partnerships lead to meaningful change,” he said. “Together, we at CU Anschutz Pharmacy have the extraordinary opportunity to pave the way forward for pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.”
Throughout the evening, Dean Tsuji spent meaningful time engaging with benefactors, learning about their passions and expressing his gratitude for their partnership.
Alumna and benefactor Cindi Gelman shared the 70-year legacy of her family’s connection to CU Anschutz Pharmacy and her plans to endow a scholarship in honor of her father, a 1952 graduate. Student speaker Deontay Martinez then shared powerful remarks reflecting on how scholarship support has shaped his educational journey and future goals of returning home to the San Luis Valley and launching an independent pharmacy practice.
As the evening concluded, attendees left energized by the stories of impact and the shared belief in the power of philanthropy to bring about positive change that lasts for generations.
