In Memoriam: Alumnus Hal Wand '74

Former Executive Director of the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy and R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy Alumnus Hal Wand passed away on January 30. 

Wand completed a bachelor's of science in biology with emphasis in genetics at California State University, Northridge in 1974. He chose to pursue pharmacy and worked on his pharmacy degree at the University of Arizona, graduating in 1979. During this time, he met Marilyn Fruth, a 1974 alumna, and they married in 1977. 

From the late 1980s to the early 2000s, he served as a compliance officer and deputy director for the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (ASBP). In 2003, he was named executive director and served with the board for more than 25 years. 

"The words I'd use to describe Hal: true, honest, pure and humble," said Keith Boesen '02, PharmD, Vice President of Medical Affairs for Rare Disease Therapeutics. "He is very much the type of person I consider myself lucky to call a friend and fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him." 

He stayed connected with the College of Pharmacy as a member for a number of years on the National Advisory Board. As a board member, he provided advice and support for the college to advance its programs, faculty and students. In 2015, he received the Alumnus of the Year Award from the University of Arizona Alumni Association for his achievements and contributions to the College. In addition to his service to the College, he served as a member of the executive committee of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), representing District 8, from 2008 to 2014.

Wand also played a key role in saving the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center after funding was cut in half the state. Boesen was the director of the Center at the time and remembers Wand coming up with the idea to use funds from licensing fees paid by the pharmacy profession. 

"Hal felt the poison center, as a pharmacy run program that provides a public safety role, was a perfect fit for the mission of the State Board of Pharmacy," Boesen said. "The University worked to draft and pass legislation to make the transfer of funds possible. There were many people involved in saving the poison center but Hal’s creativity and willingness to do what is right for pharmacy and the public was selfless and really quite remarkable." 

Boesen added: "The profession of pharmacy is better for having him as a colleague and the University of Arizona should be proud to call him a Wildcat!" 

In 2015, he retired from his position as executive director of the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. At the time of his retirement, he reflected on his time serving the College and the state board by saying, "The College and the Board have been the most rewarding and fun places and activities I have ever been associated with. It's a pleasure to give a little back." 

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 17 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ.