Ramona Danks, a double major in dietetics and pharmacy, received the United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Practice Award. Rear Admiral (Ret.) Fred G. Paavola, NDSU alumnus and creator of the award, presented it to Danks on April 30.

During the summer of 2008, Danks worked at the Indian Health Service Pharmacy in New Town, N.D., where she practiced her skills as an intern pharmacist and effectively used her dietetics' degree to enhance her passion to practice total patient care for a growing patient population that is impacted by obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Through her role as a student and president of the NDSU chapter of the American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists, Danks enjoys the opportunity to encourage other students to be enthusiastic participants in the practice of pharmacy and get involved in the legislative process. "Ramona is straightforward and confident in her abilities. She is a good listener, extremely well organized, and understands the importance of delegation and collaboration prior to moving forward on projects," stated Wanda Roden, American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists adviser.

Paavola, who serves as a representative of the United States Public Health Service, earned a pharmacy degree from NDSU in 1970. He received a 2002 honorary doctorate from NDSU and was a recipient of the NDSU Alumni Achievement Award. He also is a member of the Pharmacy National Advisory Board and the NDSU ROTC Wall of Fame.

Paavola has worked as a pharmacist in both chain and independent stores and many U.S. Army and U.S. Public Health Service facilities. He held numerous leadership positions throughout his career. He retired in 2000 as Chief Pharmacist Officer and Assistant Surgeon General for the U.S. Public Health Service with more than 30 years of service.