Marvin R. "Marv" & Melanie Richardson

Why is it important/ what motivates you to give back to the College of Pharmacy?

I believe that a great deal of success that I achieved in my career is directly related to the education and the pharmacy professors who encouraged me to achieve my goals early in life. Now, it is time to give back to students attempting to achieve their goals and to the faculty who support and encourage their dreams.

You have made a planned gift. Why did you decide to use this specific vehicle (will, annuity, CRT, etc.) to make a gift?

I have made it a part of my overall financial gift giving and planning process.

What was your experience at Purdue as a student? Any particularly fond/humorous memories of your days at Purdue?

I met my best friend, Rick Rondinelli, due to alphabetical seating in Room 172 of the Pharmacy building. We have maintained our relationship for over 30 years.

How has your pharmacy education shaped your life/career?

I was fortunate enough to have three professors who encouraged me while at Purdue. The late Dr. Robert Evanson, Dr. George Spratto and Dr. Nick Popovich. They made their respective areas of expertise fun and meaningful and that encouraged me to find similar interests in the field of pharmacy that allowed me to achieve success.

How do you hope your planned gift will impact the College of Pharmacy and its students in the future?

I hope that my gift supports students and faculty that continue to improve the Purdue University School of Pharmacy program. I also hope it will lay the foundation for a new School of Pharmacy.