Michigan Alumna, Board of Governors Member Wins Bowl of Hygeia Award

JoAnn Sanborn, BSPharm’77, received the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award during the 2021 Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) virtual Annual Convention & Exposition held Feb. 26-27.

The Bowl of Hygeia Award, presented in cooperation with the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, is given to a pharmacist who has made outstanding professional contributions and has participated in community or governmental activities that reflect well on the pharmacy profession. The Bowl of Hygeia derives its name from the Greek goddess, Hygeia, who was the guardian over the healing potion contained in the bowl.

Ms. Sanborn, vice president of Hudson Pharmacy, Inc., in Hudson, MI, where she has worked for the past 38 years, said the accomplishments of which she is most proud are those that affect children and students.

Ms. Sanborn was elected to the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Alumni Association Board of Governors in 2008. In 2011, she was appointed the liaison to the University of Michigan Alumni Association; she still serves in this role. Ms. Sanborn helped educate Michigan Pharmacy students in her role as an adjunct faculty member for many years. In recognition of her contributions to her community and the field, Ms. Sanborn was awarded the College’s Alumni Service Award in 2013. 

In 2016, Ms. Sanborn established the JoAnn Stano Sanborn Scholarship. The fund provides scholarship support to PharmD candidates with a preference for students planning a career in independent pharmacy. JoAnn noted at the time “by financially supporting the future of the profession, I hope to allow one of the brightest and best focus on their education rather than worry about financial constraints. It is my pleasure to give back to the college that gave so much to me.”

Ms. Sanborn earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy in 1977. She is a member of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA). Ms. Sanborn is also the vice president of the Jackson Area Pharmacy Association and has served as a delegate to the MPA House of Delegates since 2003. She is a member of the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Board of Governors and served as the MPA treasurer for six years. Sanborn has been an MPA member for the past 46 years.

Her community service includes the Adrian Symphony Orchestra board of directors, six years as a Hudson School Board trustee as well as a member of the Sacred Heart Education Commission. She was also a member of the Lenawee County Catholic Charities board.