» Gavin Herbert Award

Presented annually at Chapman University's White Coat Ceremony, the Gavin Herbert Award recognizes someone who exemplifies the highest standard of professionalism, entrepreneurial leadership, and compassion in the pharmaceutical sciences that our school was founded to support.

Gavin Herbert Award Recipients

photo of Palmer Taylor, Ph.D.

Palmer Taylor, Ph.D.

2023 Recipient
Serving as the founding and Emeritus Dean Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Taylor has extensive history in serving California's pharmaceutical growth. He previously served as President of the American Society for Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, on an Advisory Committee to the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and on the Congressional Task Force on Environmental Health Sciences.
photo of James Roszak

James Roszak

2022
A founding member of CUSP's advisory board, Mr. Roszak has dedicated himself to Chapman University and has served on the Board of Trustees since 1996. As an active member of the University, including chairing several special committees, he helped set the foundation for CUSP's success.
photo of Al Babbington

Al Babbington

2020
Mr. Babbington fostered one of CUSP's founding community partnerships. As the second CEO of Prescribe Wellness, he continued to provide opportunity to PharmdD candidates to make a direct impact in the Irvine and Orange County area.
photo of Peter Vlasses

Peter Vlasses

2019
Chapman honors Dr. Vlasses for his long-standing dedication to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. As the first accredited pharmacy school in Orange County, CUSP recognizes the importance and distinguishment of having established qualifications and educational standards.
photo of Catherine Turkel

Catherine Turkel

2018
Dr. Turkel was a founding member of the Dean's Professional Advisory group, and brought insight on the trends and needs of the pharmaceutical industry. She has served as a CEO, founder, and VP for international healthcare companies and has wide expertise in a variety of niche knowledge.
photo of James Mazzo

James Mazzo

2017
As an advisor to several healthcare organizations, Dr. Mazzo created bonds between Chapman and some of the leading drug development centers in California. His affiliations with Allergen, Avellino, and Neurotech gave CUSP students direct lines to cutting-edge healthcare developments.
photo of Scott Whitcup

Scott Whitcup

2016
The founder of PrescribeWellness, Dr. Whitcup took thoughtful measures in ensuring Chapman students would have real-community impact during their time as PharmD candidates. Providing resources to create a small operating pharmacy at the Rinker campus, students make healthcare services more accessible to nearby businesses to help people build a maintain their wellness through vaccinations, health consulting, and family planning services.
photo of Gavin Herbert, Sr

Gavin Herbert, Sr

2015
Mr. Herbert, the namesake of the award, co-founded Allergan and served as its CEO from 1961-1991 while also serving on Chapman University's Board of Trustees and Cabinet. His belief in CUSP's success and early excellence provided steady leadership and guidance as our school was founded.