2008 Legend of Pharmacy Award: Luther Parker
Pharmacy has been at the center of Luther Parker's life from age 12 years, growing up in the neighborhood pharmacy in Dallas, working at wholesaler, Southwestern Drug and entering the UT College of Pharmacy in 1949. He learned the science and art of pharmacy and the discipline of professional life under Dean Henry Burlage, serving as treasurer of the Texas and American Pharmaceutical Association Student Chapter and Kappa Psi; and as class spokesman at the College of Pharmacy's 1954 commencement.
Returning to Dallas to manage the neighborhood pharmacy, now a part of the Dougherty chain, he was drafted during the Korean War and served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Martin Army General Hospital Laboratory Service at Fort Benning, Georgia (although hanging out with the pharmacists!).
Back in Dallas at Dougherty's Pharmacies, during which time he met Mary Ann Carswell, a young school teacher, he was recruited by Dean Burlage to succeed Joe Arnette as Director of the Pharmacy Extension Service, conducting continuing education programs and serving as Assistant to the Dean, advising freshmen and student organizations, handling alumni relations and fund raising, working with the Advisory Council under the Chairmanship of Coulter R. (Bob) Sublett. C. E. included Regional Pharmacy Seminars, the early Hospital Pharmacy Seminars and the first International Pharmacy Conferences.
Mary Ann became Mrs. Luther Parker on August 29, 1959 in her hometown of Taylor, Texas and together we reared two great kids, Robin Ann in 1960 and Stephen Thomas in 1963, starting our family life together at University Presbyterian Church where we are still active in the music ministry and as officers.
Luther returned to the faculty in the College of Pharmacy as a Clinical Assistant Professor in 1980 after earning an MBA degree from Florida Atlantic University.
Most of his professional life has been in representing and serving Texas pharmacists as Executive Director of the Texas Pharmacy Association from 1964 until 1990 and as President of the Texas Pharmacy Foundation until 2002.
During these years the professional organization matured to a statewide professional society, respected nationally, helping prepare national leaders in the American Pharmacists Association and National Community Pharmacy Association. The Association acquired 4 acres, constructed, and its members and partners paid for a 13,000 square foot headquarters facility; organized a political action committee and effective lobbying program, strengthening relations with the Texas Legislature, U.S. Congress and state agencies.
A partners program of collaborative work with the pharmaceutical industry was built and served as a model for other associations.
In 2003 he established Parker Associates, a consulting firm to offer over 40 years of experience and contacts to clients.
Offices, Honors and Community Service:President, National Council of state Pharmaceutical Associations (1978-79)
Honorary President, American Pharmacist Association (1995)
President, Pan American Federation of Pharmacy (1994)
Chairman, Texas Society of Association Executives (1986-87); Distinguished Executive of the Year (1990); Distinguished Life Member (2007)
Vice Chairman, American Society of Association Executives (1988); Certified Association Executive (CAE), lifetime
Vice Chairman, St. David's Community Hospital Home Health Care Committee (1980)
Board Member, Four Way Test Award, Rotary Club of Austin; Paul Harris Fellow (2000)
Treasurer, YMCA Board of Directors (1975)
Ordained Elder, Presbyterian Church USA
Luther and Mary Ann Parker Endowed Scholarship, Texas Pharmacy Foundation (2007)
President, Austin Chamber Music Center (2007-08)
Follow the links below to read more about The Legends of Pharmacy Open.
Mailing Address:
Office of Development & Alumni Relations
The University of Texas
at Austin
1 University Station
A1900
Austin, TX, USA
78712-01200
Email Address: pharmacy
@www.utexas.edu
Phone:
1-512-475-9759
Fax:
1-512-232-1893
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Alumni Association Honors
A professor, a pioneer in computer management of patient files, an emerging leader in the profession, and an oncology
specialist are among the honorees in the 2009 Pharmacy Alumni Association awards program.
