Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, has announced a $20 million commitment from alumnus Marcel Sassola III (Pharm ’83) to establish a leadership academy at the College of Pharmacy.

The Marcel Sassola III Leaders and Entrepreneurs Advancing Pharmacy (LEAP) Academy will expand the pharmacy college’s offerings, with a focus on strengthening student leadership and entrepreneurship. The LEAP Academy will feature a LEAP Scholars program for undergraduate, PharmD, and PhD students. Scholars will participate in the Pharmacy Leadership and Innovation Forum classes, complete the Purdue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate Program, and attend on- and off-campus weekend events, including a leadership and entrepreneurship retreat.

A former CEO of Santa Barbara Specialty Pharmacy, Sassola is a member of the Purdue Alumni Association and President’s Council.

“I felt now was the time to give back and, ultimately, pay my success forward by giving other people the same opportunities I had—or even better,” said Sassola. “Purdue and education have both always been passions of mine. I wanted to make sure my gifts would have the biggest possible impact on the university, and this was the right moment.” 

(Photo credit: Purdue University)