Corvallis, Ore. — March 9, 2011 ⎯ Dr. John Block, professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the OSU College of Pharmacy for 45 years, was awarded for his distinguished career and community service with the Bowl of Hygeia award.
The Bowl of Hygeia was presented at the 2010 Oregon State Pharmacist’s Association banquet where he was honored as one of 50 pharmacists in the nation in recognition of his outstanding service to his profession and community. He was most touched by the standing ovation and recognition of his volunteer service.
The Bowl of Hygeia is awarded annually in all fifty states and derives its name from the mythical Greek assistant to the god of medicine and healing. Recipients are selected by participating pharmacy organizations and for outstanding community service.
Block has been treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Corvallis for several years and was Kiwanian of the year for 2007-08, is a Medicare advisor at the Corvallis Senior Center under the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program and has chaired the Board of the United Campus Ministry at Oregon State University. This recipient has served on the Oregon Board of Pharmacy 1990-98 including twice as Board President.
At the national level, Block has served on the National Boards of Pharmacy Resolutions Committee, Committee on Education and Internship, Test of Spoken English task force, and the NABP’s Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination Committee.
As a recipient, Block received a plaque and lapel pin distinguishing him among the few thousand of Bowl of Hygeia awardees in the nation.
Block is most proud of his career as a professor. “I think I’ve taught high quality courses,” he says. “I was demanding but fair.” Though he calls himself retired, he still teaches spring electives at the college and lives in Corvallis with his wife, Alice.