University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Capital Campaign

An extraordinary effort takes an extraordinary individual to lead it. That is why the School of Pharmacy considers itself so fortunate to have alumnus John Balch, BSP '68, RPh, as the chair of its $30 million capital campaign, its largest fundraising effort ever. Balch, president of The PharmaCare Network in Cumberland and Frostburg, joins fellow alumnus and honorary chair John Gregory, BSP '76, (Hon.) DPS ’02, in leading the School of Pharmacy through this transformational period.

Balch has a personal commitment to his chosen profession of pharmacy. This dedication is evident in his effective advocacy for and proven success in building and sustaining safe and quality pharmacy health care for Maryland's citizens. He has served on the Maryland Board of Pharmacy as president (2005-2006) and commissioner (1998-2005). To succeed in today's pharmaceutical environment, it takes more than knowledge of issues; it also requires prompt and precise response to state legislators, government representatives, and the consumers themselves. Balch has excelled in all these endeavors, and says he embraces the challenge of heading the School of Pharmacy's capital campaign.

A humble man who has made pharmacy his life and his passion, Balch has a special gift for bringing visionary leadership to his community and evoking the same in his peers. The respect and admiration he has earned in the 40 years since graduating from the School of Pharmacy are proof of his tremendous success — both personally and professionally. And it's not just the University of Maryland that sings his praises. In 2007, the Maryland Pharmacists Association named Balch the recipient of its Bowl of Hygeia Award, the association’s highest honor recognizing outstanding community service.