(Nov. 19, 2008) The University of Colorado Denver’s School of Pharmacy announced a $100,000 gift by local King Soopers/City Market stores to help in the construction of its new $59.5 million, 165,000 square foot building that will house the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

The gift was presented by Marla Frawner, head of pharmacy operations for King Soopers/City Market stores, to School of Pharmacy Dean Ralph Altiere at the semi-annual meeting of the Development Council—a forum for individuals and corporations who help guide the school’s advancement and provide crucial financial support to scholarships, facilities and programs.

“King Soopers contributed generously to the former pharmacy building and has long been a supporter of the school's educational programs,” said Altiere. “We’re delighted now to have their help in shaping a new era for pharmacy education, research and patient care in Colorado.”

Pharmacy’s new facility will be a milestone in the school’s ability to prepare students for their roles as pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who are highly skilled, well prepared to manage complex drug therapy regimens and able to provide direct patient care for a wide variety of medical conditions.

“Our new home will take us into the future by furthering our tradition of excellence and our position as one of the nation’s top pharmacy schools,” added Altiere. 

With site preparation under way already, the sustainably-built, collaborative learning and research center is projected to be ready for occupancy in January 2011.

Photo: Marla Frawner (left), head of pharmacy operations for local King Soopers/City Market stores, presents a $100,000 gift to School of Pharmacy Dean Ralph Altiere (right) for construction of the new Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences building on the Anschutz Medical Campus.