The academic and pharmaceutical community at the University of Cincinnati is in mourning after the death of James L. Winkle, the benefactor of the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. According to the University of Cincinnati's announcement, Winkle, who graduated in 1958, passed away peacefully at 90 in Loveland, Ohio.
After graduating, Winkle handled day-to-day operations at a local pharmacy in Hamilton and later owned Winkle Discount Drug, anonymously donated $10 million to the college in 2005. His name was attached to the institution in 2007 when he openly acknowledged his gift at the behest of then-dean Daniel Acosta. Acosta hoped this public recognition would encourage alumni contributions and heighten the college's national reputation. Having begun his career in pharmacy at the tender age of 15 by working behind a soda fountain, the school always held a special place in his heart.
In a heartfelt reflection, Winkle once said that if not for his pharmacy degree, his life's path would have been much different. "I think you reward those who have helped you, and this is my way of saying thank you to the College of Pharmacy," Winkle told UC Magazine in a statement obtained by the University of Cincinnati. He transitioned from running a pharmacy into a career in investing, using skills he believed were honed from his time in the pharmacy business.
The College of Pharmacy commits to upholding Winkle's legacy, as faculty, staff, and students were deeply connected to Winkle's dedication. "Jim's health was poor then, but he seemed to enjoy our time together," reflected the College's current Dean, Christopher Surratt, recalling a recent visit to Winkle alongside his best friend and classmate Norm Dingeldein. With Dingeldein visiting Winkle weekly, Surratt noted that the college was his passion and mentioned the impactful use of his donation to attract top-tier faculty candidates. Even in his final days, Winkle's passion for the college lived on vividly, casting a long shadow over the institution he helped shape. Details on Winkle's funeral arrangements have yet to be released.
