UC College of Pharmacy Renamed in Honor of Donor

CINCINNATI—The University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Pharmacy changed its name today to the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. The college is only the second in UC’s history to be named.

The name change honors Winkle’s pledge of $10 million to his alma mater from his estate or trust.

A Hamilton, Ohio, resident who graduated from the college in 1958, Winkle made the donation two years ago, but at his request his support was not publicly acknowledged until now. 

“Jim’s commitment is the largest ever given to the college, and it truly reflects his unselfish generosity and impressive belief in pharmacy education at UC,” says Daniel Acosta, PhD, College of Pharmacy dean.

“The Winkle College of Pharmacy is a perfect example of how the UC Foundation helps grateful alumni and friends of UC fulfill their dreams,” says Mary Sue Cheeseman, associate senior vice president for development and alumni affairs.

A modest man who still lives in the Hamilton house he grew up in, Winkle didn’t expect public recognition—he simply wanted to give back to the college.

“I think you reward those who have helped you, and this is my way of saying thank you to the College of Pharmacy,” says Winkle.

Winkle’s interest in pharmacy began when he was 15. He got a job in a local pharmacy and was exposed to the profession by a coworker who was a pharmacy student at UC.

“I worked mostly behind the soda fountain,” laughs Winkle. “But pharmacy seemed like a good career, so that’s what I pursued.”

After graduating, Winkle worked at another Hamilton pharmacy, and when the owner died, he found himself handling day-to-day operations. He ran the pharmacy for several years before opening his own store—Winkle Discount Drug.

After seven years, Winkle sold his store to a chain to pursue a career in investing.

“The idea of becoming an investment adviser was very appealing,” says Winkle, who has been doing it now more than 40 years.

Winkle says the pharmacy business taught him how to make decisions and correct them when necessary.

“I think being a businessman in pharmacy translated to being a good investment businessman—you have to learn to evaluate information and make decisions based on your investigation.”

Winkle says that without his pharmacy degree, he is unsure what career he would have pursued and is grateful for the direction it took him.

“The old saying that you should find something you like to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life—well, that’s certainly true in pharmacy.”

Winkle says he hopes his gift can help fund scholarships, attract quality faculty and support research.

“Jim’s gift to the College of Pharmacy means the difference between being a good college or a great college, because it allows us to increase our commitment to students, faculty development and program excellence,” says Acosta.