Recognition as an Oregon State University Icon of Pharmacy or Outstanding Young Alum and induction into the Pharmacy Hall of Fame is an honor reserved for those who have demonstrated dedication to the College of Pharmacy and distinguished themselves through sustained, meritorious contributions to pharmacy throughout their careers.
Icons of Pharmacy Award Recipients
John O'Connell ('83)
John O’Connell chose pharmacy as his career at the age of 14. By 20, he had already accumulated three years of hospital pharmacy experience and decided to move to Corvallis, Oregon, seeking adventure and new experiences in a place he had never been.
His time at Oregon State University (OSU) was transformative, allowing him to build confidence and make lifelong friends. He actively participated in his education, running for ASOSU president, creating the Pre-Pharmacy club, and co-founding the Phi Delta Chi chapter at OSU with Sean Sullivan.
John furthered his education with a Master’s degree and an administrative residency at the University of Maryland, where he discovered his interest in the business aspects of pharmacy. He then moved to Santa Rosa, CA, to work with his close friend and fellow alum, Brad Brazill. In 1992, they developed RP Healthcare, a pharmacy focused on serving the assisted living community.
RP Healthcare provided compliance packaging, cycle fill, on-call services, continuing education for caregivers, MARs, and other services. Today, RP Healthcare services over 110 facilities and two hospices in Sonoma County.
In 2002, John purchased Dollar Drug in Santa Rosa to complement his long-term care pharmacy. In 2011, he co-founded Westcliff Compounding Pharmacy in Newport Beach with his partner Mike Pavlovich. This pharmacy obtained a patent for a sustained-release pellet of naltrexone for treating opioid dependency.
Beyond his professional interests, John sponsors a race and club cycling team in Santa Rosa through RP Healthcare. He enjoys traveling and has visited 30 countries, looking forward to retirement and the opportunity to explore many more.
Marvin Lee ('65)
Marvin Lee’s journey into pharmacy was inspired, in part, by his mother, who presented him with three career options: medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy. He chose pharmacy thanks to its shorter curriculum, and he was determined to succeed academically.
Marvin started his career by working at various pharmacies, including Super X, Walgreens, and Joe’s Pharmacy in San Francisco. He also enlisted in the Army Reserve, where he received pharmacy training at Fort Sam Houston and later worked at Letterman General Hospital. After transferring to the Air Force Reserve, Marvin served at David Grant Hospital, working as a medic for five years.
Marvin’s opened his own pharmacy in Portland’s Medical-Dental Building. He later sold that location and purchased Cal’s Pharmacy on East Burnside, expanding it into a thriving neighborhood business with a drive-thru window and, infamously, a skateboard shop. During the AIDS epidemic, Marvin’s pharmacy became a major provider of HIV medications in the Pacific Northwest, earning him recognition for his commitment to serving HIV patients.
After selling Cal’s Pharmacy to CVS and transitioning the business for a year, Marvin retired. Since his retirement, Marvin has focused on public service, having previously volunteered at the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic and served on the board of Volunteers of America. He also worked with various medical clinics, including the Old Town Medical Clinic, and mentored pharmacy students as a preceptor.
Marvin’s notable achievements include pioneering the use of computerized pharmacy systems in Oregon and becoming a leading provider of HIV medications during the AIDS epidemic. His dedication to public service is highlighted by his volunteer work and board memberships with organizations like Volunteers of America and the Old Town Medical Clinic. Marvin’s personal life is marked by his determination to succeed, and his career reflects a commitment to both pharmacy and community service.
Outstanding Young Alumni Inductee
Maj. Mason Zhang ('19)
Major Mason Zhang is Director of Pharmacy Operations at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. He drives all pharmacy operations for the 15th Medical Group, the 535th Airlift Squadron and the 19th Fighter Squadron. Major Zhang is also an Adjunct Professor of Pharmacy Practice for the University of Pacific, where he serves as a mentor for Doctor of Pharmacy students and Active Duty Pharmacy Technicians.
Major Zhang attended Oregon State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degree from Oregon Health Sciences University. Following graduation, he established his own practice as a Clinical Pharmacist with the Indian Health Services, serving the Klamath Tribes. He thrived in this position until 2020, when a pivotal moment ignited a fire within Major Zhang to dedicate his pharmaceutical expertise to serving his country.
Major Zhang was one of five pharmacists nationwide selected to commission through Officer Training School. Upon arriving at Travis Air Force Base, he was handpicked to become the Chief of the Inpatient Pharmacy, where he led a $7 million dollar renovation of the pharmacy, setting the blueprint for all pharmacy construction projects for the Department of Defense. He soon took over as the Chief of Oncology, Infusion, and Clinical Pharmacy where he served on an expert panel, leading the optimization of the Department of Defense’s $4.3 billion-dollar electronic health system.
In just four years of service, Major Zhang has been recognized as the Society of Air Force Pharmacy’s Clinical Pharmacist of the Year, 60th Medical Group’s Officer of the Year, 60th Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Squadron’s Officer of the Year, 60th Air Mobility Wing’s Officer of the Quarter, and the 15th Healthcare Operations Squadron Innovator of the Quarter.
The 2025 Icons of Pharmacy Awards were held at the Portland City Grill on May 3, 2025.