In Tribute to Dr. Ronald T. Borchardt: A Giant in the Pharmaceutical Sciences

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Ronald T. Borchardt, age 81, the founder of Globalization of Pharmaceutics Education Network (GPEN). Dr. Borchardt was known affectionately as “Ron” or “Dr. B” to his students, colleagues, friends, and family. A Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Kansas-Lawrence (KU), Ron often said, "I did it my way," a testament to a life marked by unique achievements and profound impact.

Born February 18, 1944, in Wausau, Wisconsin, Ron came from humble beginnings. His parents, Helen and Martin, despite having only grade-school educations, instilled in Ron and his older sister Judi the value of education. Ron's early life, however, was more focused on sports and work than academics. He excelled in ice skating, baseball, and basketball, while also working various jobs to earn his way. A summer job in a factory, however, convinced him that college was a better path.

His academic journey began during his pharmacy studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW). While he initially enjoyed a lively social life, his study of organic chemistry ignited a passion for science. At UW, Ron worked in a research laboratory, which ultimately led to his first scientific publication and a shift in his career aspirations from pharmacist to pharmaceutical scientist. His gift for leadership and teamwork was evident even then, as a classmate remembers Ron as "the epitome of a colleague," always willing to help others.

Upon earning his B.S. in Pharmacy in 1967, Ron followed the advice of a trusted advisor and pursued graduate studies at KU under the mentorship of Professor Edward E. Smissman, a second father to him. Ron and his college sweetheart, Pamela (Bohl), whom he married on June 11, 1966, moved to Lawrence, Kansas, in June 1967 to embark on this new chapter.

This new chapter resulted in a nearly 50-year career at KU. Ron began his career in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, eventually appointed as the Solon E. Summerfield Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry. In 1983, he transitioned to the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, where he succeeded another mentor, Takeru Higuchi, as department chair. He remained Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry for 15 years, followed by two years as Acting Dean of the School of Pharmacy.

Ron’s career at KU was filled with publishing research, consulting with pharmaceutical companies, serving on scientific advisory boards, acting as editor of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and many other professional responsibilities and accomplishments too voluminous to list. The most important part of his career was what he liked to call his “academic family.” This family consisted of 19 master's students, 62 Ph.D. students, 63 postdoctoral students, and 24 visiting scientists from around the world that worked in Ron’s research laboratory. His dedication to education earned the Chancellor's Club Career Teaching Award in 2005.

In fact, the founding and establishment of GPEN is a testament to Ron’s dedication to not only cultivating his students’ scientific curiosities and skills, but also ensuring they are prepared for an increasingly globalized research scene. During the 1990s, he was as busy at consulting and advisory activities for the pharmaceutical industry as he had been nearly all his professional life: since 1975, he consulted for over 80 pharmaceutical companies and lectured at over 500 universities, research institutes, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies around the world. These activities doubtless provided him with a privileged viewpoint from which to observe the effects of conversion of large parts of the industry to international firms with movements of persons and information from place to place on a gigantic scale, in short, the globalization of the industry. As GPEN Chair of Board of Directors and Dean Emeritus of Pharmacy at KU Kenneth Audus has said, “Professor Borchardt recognized that the pharmaceutical sciences, and the industry and academia it served, was global. Moreover, students from institutions like KU would be working at and interacting with colleagues around the world throughout their careers in the pharmaceutical sciences. Therefore, as part of their graduate education, he pursued the idea that students should be exposed to the international science and culture of the other top pharmaceutics programs in the world.” Thus, GPEN was born.

GPEN, Inc., has conducted biennial meetings since 1996, with GPEN 2026 at the University of Kansas marking the 30th anniversary of the conference.

Conferences have previously been held at:

Of the meetings, Audus says, “GPEN meetings are organized in entirety by graduate students of the hosting University. The meeting format includes a keynote address by a prominent scientist, scientific presentations and posters by graduate students, short courses by faculty, and social events that help introduce students and faculty attendees to the host country's culture. GPEN encourages the pharmaceutical industry to attend, provides support for participation by all of the 55 member schools, and actively endorses research exchanges between and among all of the institutions and their pharmaceutics programs. Professor Borchardt is a visionary in graduate education and training particularly with respect to the global needs of the pharmaceutical sciences.” It is through these niche meetings that many graduate students have been able to make the necessary links with faculty members and industrial representatives around the globe leading to excellent future employment opportunities. We look forward to continuing Ron’s vision and legacy through GPEN, to ensure our graduate student researchers (all around the globe) are equipped to pursue their scientific goals in an ever-changing world.

Ron eventually retired from KU in 2015, though he maintained a professional presence in the field that he worked so hard to be successful. In “retirement,” Ron enjoyed spending time with Pam working in their gardens, travelling, attending KU basketball games, and spending time at the family’s summer home in northern Wisconsin.

If you asked Ron about his biggest success and source of pride, it would not be something from his professional career; rather, he would say that it was his family. His loving and selfless wife Pam. His three children and their spouses, Scott (Julie), Paul (Susan), and Kelly (Philip). And finally, his four grandchildren, Noelle, Nick, Catie and Max. He was not shy about telling strangers about his family, including their educational and professional successes. He was especially proud of the number KU degrees that the family holds: 15 in total, with more in the works. Ron’s remarkable journey from a small-town Wisconsin boy to a "Giant in the Pharmaceutical Sciences" at KU is a powerful demonstration of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his loved ones and colleagues. He blazed a trail, leaving an indelible mark as a teacher, mentor, scientist, and collaborator, while still maintaining his passion for his family.

To read more about Dr. Ron Borchardt’s scientific journey and contributions, we refer readers to the February, 2016 issue of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Volume 105 (2): pages 369-1022). Access here DOI: 10.1002/jps.24687

The issue is dedicated to Dr. Ron Borchardt and where he is one of a small, select group of individuals recognized as a “Giant in the Pharmaceutical Sciences.” The journal issue is comprised of research reviews and research articles by former students, friends, and colleagues as a tribute to his influence in the pharmaceutical sciences. A broader summary of Ron Borchardt personally and professionally is also within the dedicated issue.