Stories of Change

On Thursday, October 2, the University of Colorado Anschutz celebrated the Debra Devereaux Endowed Chair in Translational Pharmaceutical Sciences, the first chair in the University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

Held in the Reilly Fireplace Lounge of the Anschutz Health Sciences Building, more than 30 people attended to honor the generosity of Ms. Devereaux, a nationally recognized pharmacist leader and proud alumna of CU Anschutz Pharmacy, and to recognize Christina Aquilante, PharmD, as the inaugural chair holder. 

Dr. Aquilante specializes in translational pharmaceutical sciences – a field focused on turning research into real-world solutions. Thanks to Ms. Devereaux’s support, Dr. Aquilante’s work in this role will accelerate advances in precision medicine that will take breakthroughs from the lab to patient bedsides, making a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals. 

The establishment of this new faculty chair serves as an extension of Ms. Deveraux’s firm commitment to supporting pharmaceutical research. 

“My pharmacy degree from CU Anschutz Pharmacy enabled me to excel and provide leadership in very diverse areas of healthcare, and I am thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way,” Ms. Devereaux said. “Now, I want to support current research to learn which medications can be utilized based on individual genetic makeup, thus achieving maximum effectiveness with minimal adverse events.” 

Chancellor Don Elliman emphasized the broader impact of endowed chairs in academic medicine, with Dr. Aquilante, Dean Ralph Altiere and Ms. Devereaux also offering remarks on what this new chair means to them, their work and the evolution of the field. 

“Debra’s vision for the future of pharmacy is both bold and deeply personal,” Dean Altiere said. “Her commitment will continue to shape our school’s trajectory and inspire generations to come.”  

The evening concluded with a special toast and the presentation of engraved medallions to Dr. Aquilante and Ms. Devereaux, symbolizing the transformative partnership between philanthropy and CU Anschutz.