UNMC College of Pharmacy student Lydia Fritsche, PharmD, was honored as 2025 Good Government Student Pharmacist-Of-The-Year by the American Pharmacists Association. This national honor “recognizes a student pharmacist who actively promotes the value of advocating for the profession and organizes student pharmacist grassroots activity within his or her chapter,” according to APhA.
Dr. Fritsche, who graduated in May, was active in the UNMC American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists chapter and the UNMC Student Delegates. She helped organize trips to the state capitol to allow students to participate in the legislative process, including public testimony and direct engagement with state senators. She also contributed to the writing of proposed bills with the Nebraska Pharmacists Association.
Ally Dering-Anderson, PharmD, clinical professor of pharmacy practice and science, said Dr. Fritsche showed original vision for ways pharmacists can improve the lives and health of Nebraskans and worked through these channels to bring ideas to reality. One of her proposals became state law in 2023.
“This is a very big deal,” Dr. Dering-Anderson said of Dr. Fritsche’s recognition by APhA. “I am so happy for her.”
Drew Prescott, PharmD, assistant dean for the student affairs and clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice and science, said he was thrilled to see Dr. Fritsche receive the award immediately after a presentation by two U.S. senators.
“Having a UNMC student recognized right after their encouraging remarks on the profession made the moment even more meaningful,” he said.