Paul White of North Canton, Ohio, has dedicated his career to utilizing his pharmacy skills and background to help others, and that spirit endures with the establishment of the Paul White Endowed Scholarship fund at his alma mater, Ohio Northern University.
The fund will support scholarships that will be awarded to ONU Raabe College of Pharmacy students from northeastern Ohio, with a preference to students from Stark County and surrounding counties. The first scholarship will be awarded for the 2019-20 academic year.
Upon earning his degree in pharmacy from Ohio Northern in 1966, White accepted a position with Schuman Drug Company in Canton, where he previously worked during the summers while attending ONU. After approximately a decade with Schuman, White became a franchisee with the up-and-coming Medicine Shoppe organization in 1975.
His career flourished, and White currently owns five pharmacies in northeastern Ohio, including four Medicine Center Pharmacy stores and a long-term care pharmacy.
White has established himself as a leader in his professional field, and he is a past president of the Chain Drug Marketing Association.
Further, White received the Ohio Pharmacists Association’s Pharmacist Public Relations Award, which acknowledges continuous service in educating the public on pharmacy and health-related issues.
He has also earned the NARD Ownership Award, which recognizes an independent community pharmacist who embraces entrepreneurial spirit, from the National Community Pharmacists Association.
Further, White has been actively involved in his community. Beyond helping to meet the health care needs of area residents, White’s businesses have supported area reading programs and sports teams in the region. An active Rotarian, White has served as president of the local club and earned the Rotarian of the Year Award in 2012.
Additionally, White has remained loyal to ONU. He has served as a preceptor for students in externship programs and has regularly returned to campus to serve as a guest speaker to share his experiences with current students.
“We are very grateful to Paul White for this generous gift, as well as his continual support of Ohio Northern. Throughout his career, Paul has emphasized the importance of making a positive impact on his community, profession and alma mater.
This scholarship fund will continue that dedication to others by helping to ensure future students can obtain the same educational experience that has been instrumental in his success,” Ohio Northern Vice President for Advancement Shannon Spencer said.
From left are: Susan White (Paul White’s wife), Paul White and Steven Martin, dean of the ONU College of Pharmacy.
