Pharmacy Students Create Scholarship in Memory of Classmate

A late pharmacy student at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and now a scholarship named in his honor.

The pharmacy school’s Class of 2015 chose to create a scholarship in memory of their fellow student, Philip C. Slater, who passed away in 2012. Two alumni named Rick and DeAnna Rondinelli recently announced they would be matching donations up to $5000, as well.

Slater was involved in community service projects and organizations on campus, including the Purdue University Dance Marathon, the Society of Nuclear Pharmacy, and Phi Delta Chi, according to a school press release.

“Phil was the kind of guy that would give you his jacket if you were cold—literally the clothes off his back—and he was very interested in service and giving back to the community,” pharmacy student Ricky Rivelli said in a press release. “We see this class gift as a way to immortalize his name in a way synonymous with giving back.”

“When I learned of the Class of 2015’s decision, I was filled with pride in our students, who not only exhibit outstanding academic quality, but also have extraordinary quality of character,” added Purdue University College of Pharmacy Dean Craig Svensson in a school press release. “Phil’s kindness and compassion touched many lives, and through this scholarship, he will continue to touch many more.”

Slater was 21 years old when he was struck by a train in what appeared to be suicide, according to The Purdue Exponent.