The Neon Foundation Provides $1.15 Million Gift to Establish Transformational PharmD Scholarship Program

Author: Markie Heideman, Content Marketing Manager

Media Contact: Lindsay Groth, Director of Marketing and Communications, [email protected]

The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy is proud to announce a significant gift that will establish a scholarship program for Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students.

The Neon Foundation, founded by alum Chris Nee, PharmD ‘86, and his family, has generously committed to a $1.15 million donation establishing The Neon Foundation Scholarship. The Scholarship will provide partial yet significant yearly tuition support for four years during a PharmD student’s professional education. The first two recipients of this scholarship will be named starting in 2025, with a new student added each subsequent academic year. 

The Neon Foundation’s mission goes beyond transactional giving – ensuring that every project it commits to aligns with its mission to advance healthcare, education and sustainability. This philanthropy includes a scholarship program at Chris’ son, Wesley’s, alma mater, Arizona State University, and a food systems research program at Chris’ daughter, Amanda’s, alma mater, Columbia University. 

“We always try to think outside the box and partner with organizations to make things better than how we found them,” said Wesley Nee.

Outside of making impactful gifts to higher education, the Foundation is helping address unmet needs in a number of ways in the Las Vegas community, where the Foundation and family are based. Whether it’s connecting a local state park with student artists to enliven the space with murals or working with local organizations to help children with autism, the family is constantly listening to the needs of those around them and helping in any way they can.

“The Neon Foundation’s mission to invest in the future of healthcare and education aligns with the mission of the College of Pharmacy, and we are extremely grateful that the Nee family is providing this much-needed funding to help bring some of the country’s most talented students and future leaders to U-M,” said Terra Khanna, Executive Director of Pharmacy Development and Alumni Engagement. 

“This gift could not have come at a better time, as we seek new funding opportunities to help continue developing the next generation of pharmacy leaders,” remarked Dean Vicki Ellingrod. “We are deeply appreciative of The Neon Foundation for giving back to Chris’ alma mater in this pivotal way.”

For Dr. Nee, supporting pharmacy education is both personal and purposeful. As a U-M student, he benefited from scholarships and work-study programs that enabled him to complete his education – support that he now is happy to pay forward.

“Somebody helped me, and now I want to help future pharmacists,” said Nee. “Our healthcare system needs pharmacists more than ever. We fill vital roles—from monitoring chronic conditions to adjusting therapies and updating physicians. After a diagnosis is made, pharmacists are often the ones who ensure that care is delivered effectively.”

Dr. Nee began his career in pharmacokinetics during his time in U-M’s PharmD program, an experience that opened doors to early roles in clinical care and healthcare consulting. He later founded PharMedQuest in 1992, using technology to streamline medical billing and improve healthcare management. After nearly 30 years of innovation, his family sold the company in 2019 and launched WALC Capital and The Neon Foundation to focus on philanthropy. 

The College of Pharmacy is grateful for this generous gift, which will help us continue to provide exceptional pharmacy education.