Former Dean Lawrence Weaver Dies

Weaver recognized nationally as a visionary leader for his contributions to pharmacy education, research and practice

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (Dec. 21, 2011) –Lawrence C. Weaver, former dean of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, died Dec. 21, 2011, at his home in Fridley, Minn. after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 87.

Weaver is the only person in the history of the College of Pharmacy to twice serve as its dean: he was dean and professor of pharmacology from 1966-1984, and interim dean from February 1994 through 1995. 

During his term as dean from 1966-1984, the college grew in size, national prominence and professional influence. Weaver championed the effort to integrate the college into the health sciences complex, developed a nationally recognized Doctor of Pharmacy program, and was integral in securing approval and funding for what was originally called Health Sciences Unit F, where the college has been located since 1982. Funding for Unit F was obtained after a decade of effort and is the first and only facility built specifically for pharmacy education in the state. On April 12, 1996, the University’s Board of Regents approved the naming of the building Weaver-Densford Hall in honor of the achievements of Weaver and Katharine Densford, a leader in the nursing profession.

“Larry Weaver was a visionary who worked to promote the understanding of comprehensive pharmaceutical care and to integrate pharmacy into a team approach to health care,” said Marilyn Speedie, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “Along with his wife Dee, Larry made many contributions to the profession of pharmacy and the College of Pharmacy. Over the quarter century that Larry was involved in pharmacy education, he mentored numerous students who have gone on to become leaders in pharmacy throughout the world. His influence extends beyond Minnesota and the United States to reach virtually every corner of the world. With Larry’s passing, the profession of pharmacy has lost one of its most innovative thinkers.”

Weaver earned his bachelor’s in pharmacy from Drake University in 1949 and his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Utah in 1953. That year, Weaver joined Pitman-Moore where he served as head of biomedical research until he left industry for the dean position at the University.

After retiring as dean in 1984, Weaver held the position of vice president of professional relations for the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PMA). Upon leaving the PMA, Weaver co-founded Orphan Medical, Inc., a company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for rare disorders.

Among the many awards and honors he received throughout his career, in 1989 Weaver was awarded the Remington Medal, the highest recognition given in the profession of pharmacy.

Weaver is survived by his wife, four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Update: A memorial service will be held Feb. 17, 2012, and will be open to the public.

Media Contact:
Amy Leslie, 612-624-7654, johns423@umn.edu
 

The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, the only school of pharmacy in Minnesota, offers its program on the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. Founded in 1892, the College of Pharmacy educates pharmacists and scientists and engages in research and practice to improve the health of the people of Minnesota and society. The college is part of the Academic Health Center, which is home to the University of Minnesota’s six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Learn more at www.pharmacy.umn.edu