University Times

Stanford I. Cohen, senior lecturer of pharmacy administration, died of renal disease March 2, 1998. He was 71.

He is survived by his wife Jean; daughters Pamela, Jodi, Jennifer and Rise; his brother, Melvin Cohen; his sister, Marcia Solomon; a son-in-law, Neil Somogye, and grandchildren Emily and Jacob Somogye.

Stan lived life to the fullest. He was a successful teacher, businessman and pharmacist, and he served on numerous boards of civic, academic and health care institutions. Among other things, he was a member of Pitt's Board of Trustees, 1974-75. He was past president of the Alumni Association and a key volunteer who helped start the University's Annual Fund gift program. He was an ardent supporter of the Golden Panthers and helped to organize his 40th class reunion during the 1997 Pharmacy Alumni Weekend.

Stan's approach to success often involved "taking the road less traveled." For example, during World War II he enlisted — under age — in the Army Air Corps and was made a tail gunner, flying numerous bombing missions over Europe. After the war, he finished high school and then, with the aid of the G.I. bill, obtained degrees in both education and pharmacy. During college he also worked as a short- order cook in Toledo, where he earned his education degree in 1950. He earned his pharmacy degree from Pitt in 1957.

Stan taught at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy from 1968 to 1983; he taught at Pitt's School of Pharmacy from 1983 until his death. Because of his numerous community affiliations, he could easily demonstrate to students the importance of networking with relevant agencies and institutions in the communities in which they would work. His approach to education was practical and eclectic. He deeply appreciated the arts, especially literature, film and the theatre, and whenever possible he incorporated that appreciation into his teaching. He strongly felt that both the arts and sciences dealt with the human condition, just in different ways; both were valid and useful to health professionals.

Stan was a most generous person, often inviting colleagues and students to restaurants or the theatre but only on the condition that he pick up the tab. In fact, it was not uncommon for him to have pizza and soft drinks delivered for the entire class after his lecture was over. And, in return, he was very loved by those he taught, receiving outstanding yearly evaluations and, in 1985, the teacher of the year award.

Stan maintained a special fondness for the Borough of Millvale, where he began his pharmacy career. To the end, Stan insisted on maintaining the soda fountain in his Millvale store — whether it was profitable or not. In 1996, Millvale displayed its affection for Stan by making him grand marshal of the Millvale Days parade and giving him the key to the borough.

Perhaps the best measure of a man is whether the world is a better place for his having lived. In Stan's case, that can be answered with a resounding yes. You will be missed, dear friend. Thanks for having touched us with your warmth and humanity. Thanks for having been part of our lives. You will not be forgotten.

–John H. Kilwein

(Editor's note: John Kilwein is an associate professor in the School of Pharmacy.)