It’s never too late to commemorate one of life’s great achievements
By: Markie Heideman, Content Marketing Manager
After a long and rewarding career, Dr. Kishor Desai enjoys the reward of a relaxing retirement in his Cincinnati home – practicing spirituality through in-person and Zoom meditation classes and spending more time with his family and friends. What he did not expect was a recognition of his completed PhD from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy almost 50 years after completing it.
When visiting Ann Arbor in May for his grandson’s graduation, Kishor was given the surprise of a lifetime—an inspiring reminder that it is never too late to honor one’s accomplishments.
“I had told my sons previously that after I completed my PhD from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, I was never hooded because I couldn’t make it to the ceremony,” Desai explained.
For our readers unfamiliar with graduate commencement ceremonies, a PhD hood is a traditional piece of doctoral regalia. At U-M, as a candidate walks across the stage, this hood is placed around their neck to honor this significant achievement.
Hoping at least to take a photo during his trip to U-M, Desai bought a PhD gown online. What he didn’t know is that his sons Tejal and Kalpan had bigger plans in store in collaboration with the College of Pharmacy.
“I put on my gown, and Dean Vicki Ellingrod came out to meet me, gave me an official gown, and told me to change into that instead.”
Donning the official garb, Dean Ellingrod and Senior Associate Dean Karen Farris officially hooded Dr. Kishor Desai some 47 years after completing his PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
“It was very emotional for me. About 20 family and friends were here to celebrate my grandson’s graduation, so it was a great moment for both of us.”
A simple favor by the College’s leadership team made for an unforgettable moment for Desai, who has dedicated his life to healthcare.
From India to Ann Arbor
Before Desai’s journey at the University of Michigan in 1968, he and his wife Asha moved to Wisconsin from India so they could attend the University of Wisconsin. When he was awarded a fellowship with the late Professor William Higuchi, he transferred to the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, and they (Asha and he) built a life in Ann Arbor.
“We were so excited to be welcomed by the College,” Desai reflected.
It wasn’t always easy, though. As newlyweds, Desai and Asha began to build a family with the arrival of their son Tejal in 1970. It was then he had to learn to juggle his PhD work with an even more important role: father.
“It was difficult timing to go to school in a foreign country and raise a child. Thankfully, my professors were very supportive and helpful.”
More than his professors, he credits his wife for giving him the opportunity to follow his dream.
“Asha was going to school at the time for architecture but had to stop to raise our son full-time. She has always been a big supporter of my education. My success is because of her hard work.”
Desai attended a year of English classes at U-M to better understand the language, which helped him continue his PhD studies.
A Successful Career
In the lab at U-M, under the guidance of Dr. Norman Ho, he studied the biophysical model approach to the study of intestinal transport of drugs. This research helped him in his long career in drug development within the pharmaceutical industry.
After receiving his PhD from U-M, Desai served in postdoc positions at Ohio State University and the University of Tennessee. Then, he began at Richardson-Vicks (now Procter and Gamble), a company that manufactures products like Vicks Vaporub, NyQuil, and other over-the-counter medications.
During his 25 years at Richardson-Vicks, Desai took on many roles and projects. “This job aligned with the research I did at the College,” said Desai. “The background that I had from my education at the college prepared me to make important recommendations for the company.”
One of those early recommendations was explaining which respiratory care active agents could be suitable for buccal delivery, meaning it could be dissolved orally.
“When I was given this assignment, I knew I was right up my alley. I did the research for a couple of months and made the recommendation. My boss was very impressed with the science and logic used in making the decision.”
During his time there, Desai went on to work on the development of many other drugs including Tempo Antacid, Dayquil and Nyquil softgel products. When Procter and Gamble bought out the company, he led the transfer of technology from the former company to the new company. At Procter and Gamble, Kishor was able to move up to a Principal Scientist position as he moved into different drug development areas.
After his eventual exit from Procter and Gamble, he was still motivated to work in drug development. “I could not stay at home for too long and was offered the role of Director of Research for a small company.”
He worked as a director of research at UMD Inc. for five years, leading research on the vaginal drug delivery of various pharmaceutical agents. During his career at both Procter and Gamble and UMD, Kishor was co-inventor for several patent applications and three granted patents.
Time for Reflection
As Desai enjoys the simple life of retirement with the family he holds close, he cannot help but reflect on the doors the College of Pharmacy opened for him.
“The school supported me, and it was an amazing experience. I can proudly say that the education I received from the College was used at every level of my career. The College was very generous to me, and at 80, they still haven’t forgotten about me.”
We certainly haven't. The College’s alumni network is one of the greatest assets to our students. Whether you’re hooded the day of your commencement or almost 50 years later, we are committed to delivering an education that prepares our graduates to advance health outcomes across the world.