Women have been integral to the success of the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy since its inception. Representing disciplines where few women had gone before, these trailblazers mentored and inspired future generations. Whether as pioneers, activists or scientists—the impact of the School’s founders, faculty and alumni extends far beyond Stockton.

Edna Gleason

(1886 - 1963)

Gleason, a local pharmacy owner, played an active role in the initial discussions that led to the formation of the school of pharmacy at Pacific. In 1922, she became one of the first women in California to be licensed as a pharmacist. Following the death of her husband, she became the sole proprietor of their independent pharmacy. Gleason was the first woman to serve as president of the California Pharmacists Association and the first woman appointed to the California State Board of Pharmacy. She was also the first woman to serve on the Stockton City Council and her home is now the Gleason House clinic. A fair trade activist, she was known by the nickname “Dynamite.” 
 

Cisco Kihara ’61, MS

(1904 - 1999)

Kihara, a colleague of Dean Ivan Rowland at Idaho State University, was recruited by him to be one of the School’s founding faculty members. In 1961, she earned a master of science in physiology-pharmacology, becoming the first graduate of the School’s fledgling graduate program. She served on the faculty until her retirement in 1973. Former students remember Kihara staunchly holding them to the highest standard of professionalism.

Helen Rowland ’31

(1907 - 1993)

Helen and her husband, Ivan W. Rowland, PhD, the School’s founding dean, were known as “Team Rowland.” A strategic fundraiser, she played a vital role in the success of fundraising initiatives through her gracious hospitality throughout Dean Rowland’s 25-year tenure at Pacific, especially during the development of North Campus.

Alice Jean Boyer Matuszak, PhD

(1935 – 2021)

Dr. Matuszak’s 37-year tenure at Pacific made a lasting impression in many notable ways. She was uniquely equipped to teach her students about new drugs. Dr. Matuszak served a 10-year term as the American Pharmacists Association representative on the United States Adopted Names Council, which is responsible for creating unique nonproprietary names for new drugs before they reach the market. She also spearheaded the chartering of Pacific’s chapter of the Rho Chi Honor Society.

Katherine (Lum) Owyoung ’59, RPh 

(1937 - )

Owyoung was the only woman in the School’s inaugural class—Class of 1959. She served as the inaugural president of the Central Valley chapter of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Known to many as a mentor, she dedicated 40 years of distinguished service to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton, holding roles spanning from staff pharmacist to director of pharmacy.