Colonel Jerry W. Ross Scholarship Foundation

 Dedicated to Integrity, Service, and Excellence in Pharmacy Education  

“Leadership will make the difference.” ~~ Jerry Ross, BOMO notes, Sept 2006

Mission

The Colonel Jerry W. Ross Scholarship Foundation (CJWRS) is a not-for-profit organization founded by “Friends of Col Ross” in 2008 to perpetuate the memory of Col Ross and his achievements and contributions to the profession of pharmacy. Administered by the APhA Foundation, CJWRS provides educational scholarships to Air Force pharmacy technicians and Air Force Pharmacy family members pursing a degree in pharmacy. The Foundation strives to assure that the legacy of Col Ross’ achievements and commitment to pharmacy will be carried forth in the personal, community, and institutional lives as these individuals assume pharmacy and leadership roles throughout society.

About Colonel Jerry W. Ross

Besides a dynamic personality, appreciative gentleness, and humorous character, Colonel Ross was a trailblazer for military pharmacy. His 30-year Air Force career spanned the ranks of Airman Basic to Colonel, from pharmacy technician to Medical Group Commander, to the first Pharmacist as the Chief of the Biomedical Sciences Corps. He was instrumental in the early stages and long success of the Biomedical Officer Management Orientation (BOMO) course with continued presence as the capstone speaker until his passing. Many of the programs and opportunities available to technicians and pharmacists today are a direct result of the contributions of Colonel Ross. In 1997, the Society of Air Force Pharmacy renamed their Annual Awards program the “Jerry W. Ross Annual Pharmacy Awards Banquet” …in recognition of sustained and significant contributions to Air Force Pharmacy.”

After his retirement in 1998, Colonel Ross remained active in the Air Force and military community. Colonel Ross served as a Board Member for The Association of Military Surgeons of the US (AMSUS). He worked for five years with Schering-Plough Corporation as a National Accounts Executive in Federal Markets, and was working for GlaxoSmithKline Corporation as a Regional Account Director, Federal Markets before his sudden passing.

Colonel Ross leaves behind a legacy of leadership, loyalty, and service. He demonstrated gratitude for all of life, and a genuine caring for people, their health, and their wellbeing. He was passionate about the profession of pharmacy and set the success of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as his life’s work.

“Now go out and make a difference!” ~~ Jerry Ross, BOMO notes, Sept 2006

How Scholarships are Awarded

Qualified CJWRS scholars are pre-selected by an Air Force selection committee comprised of “Friends of Col Ross” or their delegates upon receipt of an official application. These pre-screened applicants then meet the APhA Foundation Selection Committee for final award. The major factors in selection are the applicant’s demonstrated alignment with the Air Force Core Values of Integrity, Service before Self, and Excellence.

How the Colonel Jerry W. Ross Scholarship Foundation is Administered

Leveraged by the long term success of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the CJWRS is administered by the APhA Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The American Pharmacists Association is the oldest and largest national professional society of pharmacists in the United States.  The APhA Foundation, founded in 1953, provides innovative programs and projects that contribute to new information and fresh ideas for pharmacists to use in retooling their practices to satisfy the contemporary health needs of their patients.

How to Support the Colonel Jerry W. Ross Scholarship Foundation

Your support to showing your pharmacy pride, preserving the legacy of Col Ross, enhancing the education of pharmacy technicians, enriching the future, and making a difference is vitally important CJWRS. Contributions to the CJWRS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Below is a list of ways you can help.

Contribution through US Mail- To contribute by mail, please send your check to:

Colonel Jerry W. Ross Scholarship
PO Box 1502
Frederick, MD 21702-0502

Online Giving- You can make a convenient, secure online donation using a major credit card. 

Appreciated Stock - The APhA Foundation is able to accept gifts of stock as an alternative to cash donations.  Gifts of appreciated stock and mutual funds are not subject to capital gains tax and are fully tax deductible. This creates a tax saving gift for the donor and benefits the CJWRS.

Employer Match - Some organizations make available to their employees a fund matching program.   Please ask your company’s personnel office if they would like to participate.  It is an easy way for you to increase your gift to the CJWRS.

Memorials - Memorials are contributions made in memory of a friend or loved one. Online donations offer opportunities to make a memorial gift.

Tributes - Tributes can be made to honor a person or group.  It’s a great way to make a charitable contribution in someone’s name for a special occasion or holiday, or recognition for an accomplishment. Online donations offer opportunities to make a tribute gift.

 “It is one of the beautiful compensations in this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” ~~Ralph Waldo Emerson

How to Become a Colonel Jerry W. Ross Scholarship Foundation Scholar

To apply for a CJWRS, the applicant must meet the following general eligibility guidelines:

•    Be an Air Force Pharmacy Technician pursuing a degree in pharmacy.

•    Be a family member of an Air Force Pharmacist or Technician who is accepted in an accredited college of pharmacy.

•    Have demonstrated Air Force Core Values of Integrity, Service before Self, and Excellence.

•    Completed at least one equivalent academic year in the professional sequence of courses.

•    Be a member in the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). 

•    Earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent grading system) in required pharmacy courses.  

•    Submit a letter from the college registrar or designee verifying the applicant’s current GPA.

•    Submit an essay of up to 500 words addressing a designated topic.

•    Submit two letters of recommendation, one letter from a college official or faculty member who can speak to the applicant’s leadership involvement with APhA-ASP and a second letter from a non-academic reference (i.e. pharmacist-employer, military pharmacist/officer, community service contact, pharmacy association or other membership association representative).  The letter of reference from the non-academic source should address the applicant’s strengths in areas not involving academics or APhA-ASP involvement.

•    Submit a current resume or CV.

•    Submit a listing of pharmacy and non-pharmacy related activities that demonstrate the applicant’s community involvement and leadership skills. Please note activities for which academic credit was received.

For more information on the Colonel Jerry W. Ross Scholarship Foundation or on opportunities for giving, please contact the Colonel Jerry W. Ross Scholarship Office at (805) 310-1701 or send an email to info@ColJerryRoss.com.