For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 10/27/03

Dr. George Downs to Retire From Post as Dean

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) recently announced the retirement of George Downs, PharmD, dean of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. Dr. Downs, who has been associated with the university for more than 30 years, will remain as dean until the end of the academic year in 2004.

Dr. Downs came to USP in 1972. He was named associate dean in 1987 and became dean in 1995. Dr. Downs is retiring only from his post as dean. He retains the academic rank of professor and will continue to participate and focus his energy in academic and administrative areas of the university.

The past decade has seen extensive growth as the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science became University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, one of the four colleges in the university, has grown during Dr. Downs’ leadership to include the entry level and non-traditional option Doctor of Pharmacy program, three B.S. programs in Pharmacology/Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management and an M.B.A. program in Pharmaceutical Business.

“Dr. Down’s list of accomplishments is a testimony to his dedication and service,” said Dr. Philip P. Gerbino, USP president. “We also appreciate and respect his decision to retire from this prestigious deanship.

"He is an extraordinary professional who has rendered a career of distinguished and exemplary service to this institution," added Dr. Gerbino. "He is, in every respect, a great colleague and a caring individual. He has built his career on leadership, approachability and academic successes. This institution, and particularly its students, has been the beneficiary of his talents and skills.”

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia is a private, coeducational institution founded in 1821 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in North America. Comprising four colleges across a broad range of majors, USP specializes in educating students for rewarding careers through its undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs in the health and related sciences.

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