School of Pharmacy Faculty Member Nominated as Philanthropist of the Year

By Jim Pinder, JD, MBA

Eric J. Mack, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs, was nominated by his colleagues because of his generosity and desire to encourage others to give. The event was hosted by Association of Fundraising Professionals, Inland Empire Chapter.

A formal fundraising program at School of Pharmacy was launched in 2007 and Dr. Mack was eager to assist any way he could.  He brought to the table a thoughtful approach and experience assisting with fundraising efforts at other institutions where he taught pharmacy courses.  Why does Dr. Mack get involved with philanthropy?  He cares about students and wants them to achieve success.

Dr. Mack has now agreed to match the donations of all alumni during their first year after graduation.  With nearly 300 alumni, starting early to develop a culture of philanthropy will pay big dividends in the years to come.  By growing endowment funds, financial aid will be available to students for generations to come.

Walanika Lum, Pharm.D., class president from 2008 says, “The Class of 2008 had the honor of Dr. Eric Mack as our class advisor and continue to be privileged by his ongoing leadership.” Landon Dean, Pharm.D., class president from 2009 added, "Throughout our years at Loma Linda, we always knew that Dr Eric Mack cared about our success.  He has continued to prove his concern for student welfare by matching all of the donations to our class scholarship fund.  We thank him for his generosity."

Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Billy Hughes, PhD concludes, “The School of Pharmacy is blessed to have 61% of our faculty and staff contribute to one or more School-based philanthropic funds. Dr. Eric Mack stands out in his commitment to our school through his many acts of generosity. Equally important is Dr. Mack’s approach to philanthropy, one that not only involves personal giving, but also encourages alumni to start early with philanthropy through his matching funds program.”

Left to right, Eric J. Mack, PhD, pictured with Stephanie Titus, MBA, CFRE, president-elect of Association of Fundraising Professionals, Inland Empire Chapter, and Jose A. Marquez, president of Association of Fundraising Professionals, Inland Empire Chapter.