The National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation named Laura Schwartzwald, BS ‘89, pharmacy, its 2015 National Preceptor of the Year during the association’s annual convention in National Harbor, Maryland. The award honors a pharmacist who has made significant contributions to the education of pharmacy students by devoting time, talent and efforts as a preceptor.

Schwartzwald serves as a preceptor to pharmacy students from NDSU, South Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota.

“It was an incredible honor to receive the award, and I’m very fortunate to live in the upper Midwest where the colleges of pharmacy provide such talented students,” Schwartzwald said. “They make my role as a preceptor a pleasure.”

Schwartzwald is co-founder of GuidePoint Pharmacies in Minnesota. Prior to GuidePoint, she worked in a variety of practice settings including large chains, hospitals and independent pharmacies. She has served as a preceptor for 135 pharmacy students during the last 10 years.

“Laura Schwartzwald is an experienced and dedicated preceptor who demonstrates a deep care and passion for her students,” said Sharlea Leatherwood, president of the National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation. “Students from multiple universities have benefited from her guidance, expertise and knowledge based on her wide array of experiences in the profession.”

Schwartzwald has served on a number of task forces and advisory committees on immunization objectives with the Minnesota Department of Health. She was awarded the 2014 G. Scott Giebink Excellence in Immunizations Award for the State of Minnesota. She also serves as vice president of the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, having been appointed in 2010 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and reappointed in 2014 by Gov. Mark Dayton.

Visit here for more information about the National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation.

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