The fifth annual scholarship golf classic was held on June 13, 2007 at Robinson Ranch located in Santa Clarita, California. Over 200 golfers participated in the classic, 11 current scholarship recipients were on hand to network with industry leaders, we also had the support of 50 volunteers to help keep the tournament on schedule. The atmosphere was very festive and everyone had a good time.  

Some highlights from the last five years:

• Our tournament has taken on a life of its own.
• The Trojan Traveling Band has kicked off all five tournaments.
• The golf committee exceeded this year’s fund raising goals.
• The golf committee after this tournament will have given $510,000 in scholarships to students attending USC School of Pharmacy and Western University College of Pharmacy.
• The funds raised this year on the day of the tournament, from raffles, mulligan packages, silent auction and the live auction were a record breaking amount.
• After five successful golf tournaments we have formed the GNP/ICP Scholarship Alumni which includes all 51 scholarship recipients.
• Last year we launched the GNP/ICP Pharmacy Ownership Program, which received outstanding coverage by the Los Angeles Times, and a great response from students, practicing pharmacists and pharmacy owners, all interested in participating in the program.  This program pairs older pharmacy owners that have no exit strategy with recently graduated pharmacists who have the clinical skills, energy and desire to own a pharmacy in a contractual sell/buy/working arrangement. The ideas behind this launch are to preserve independent community pharmacy, to encourage a new generation of pharmacy owners, create an exit strategy for pharmacy owners as an alternative to selling to chain drugstores. Once we refine the business model in California we hope to take the program nationwide.
• From the 2003 class of scholarship recipients: one member has purchased a pharmacy.
• From the 2004 class of scholarship recipients: one recipient is entering a junior partnership, and another plans to wait one year before actively looking for a pharmacy to purchase.

• From the 2005 class of scholarship recipients:  two are entering into junior partnerships and two are actively searching for pharmacies to purchase.

Our great tournament would not be as successful if it were not for our great sponsors. This year’s signature sponsors were United Pharmacists Network (UPNI), Home Diagnostics, Inc., Windmill Health Products, US Nutrition, 94.7 the Wave Radio Station, 2010 Transplant Pharmacy, Botica del Sol Pharmacy, Stater Bros Pharmacy and Rx Reverse Distributors, Inc.

Walter G. Cathey, Pharm. D.
President/CEO
C0-Chair of GNP/ICP Scholarship Golf Classic