The American College of Apothecaries Research and Education Foundation has announced a gift from ACA Member Terri Hall Klouda in memory of her late husband, former ACA President and Chairman Bernie Klouda. The gift will be used to establish the Bernie Klouda Memorial Student Scholarship Fund, which will provide assistance to pharmacy students in financial need.

“Bernie never wanted financial need to be a barrier for students interested in the profession of pharmacy,” said Terri. “He loved having students rotate through his pharmacy and serving as a mentor to them. The Bernie Klouda Memorial Student Scholarship Fund will allow the ACA Foundation to help students who may need assistance with expenses ranging from tuition and books, to rent and groceries.”

The ACA Foundation has set an initial goal to raise a minimum of $100,000 in order to create an endowment for the Bernie Klouda Memorial Student Scholarship Fund. The 1^st Annual Klouda Classic Golf Tournament will be held on August 20 in conjunction with the ACA Fall Pharmacy Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Bernie Klouda Memorial Student Scholarship Fund. Information for sponsors and players is available at http://www.acafoundation.acainfo.org/kloudaclassic.

“This much-needed fund will ease the burden of future students and work to reduce barriers to their success,” said John Oftebro, President of the ACA Foundation. “We commend this vision and accept the challenge of raising the balance of the funds needed to fully endow the Bernie Klouda Memorial Student Scholarship Fund.”

Bernard “Bernie” Klouda was the owner of Bernie’s Pharmacy in Anchorage, Alaska. As a youth, he was encouraged to pursue a career in pharmacy by a pharmacist working in one of his family’s drug stores. During his nearly 35 years as a pharmacy owner, Bernie enjoyed mentoring pharmacy students and young pharmacists and sharing his perspective and experiences in independent pharmacy.

Over his distinguished career, Bernie served as President, Chairman of the Board, and a Regional Director for the American College of Apothecaries, as well as a member of the ACA Foundation Board of Directors.  Bernie received the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the ACA Foundation in 2014. Bernie was also a Past President of the Alaska Pharmacy Association, receiving the Bowl of Hygiea Pharmacy Award in 2002 and Pharmacist of the Year in 2013.