91ÌÒÉ«

One spring afternoon in 1950, Bob Osterhaus (52BSPh) was in his University of 91ÌÒÉ« room studying for a botany exam when fate came knocking.

“Bill Wallace, who lived down the hall, came to my door and asked if I wanted to join him and a girl from his hometown for a picnic at Lake Macbride,” says Bob. “I told him that I needed a date, so Bill found me one.”

That date turned out to be Ann Duhigg Osterhaus (52BA), and their first outing led to a lasting romance. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, she is something,’” says Bob, who has been married to Ann for more than 65 years.

Ann and Bob Osterhaus

Neither Bob nor Ann could have envisioned that a picnic at Lake Macbride would be the start of a lasting connection with the University of 91ÌÒÉ«. Now, 68 years later, three generations of Osterhauses have graduated from 91ÌÒÉ«, and in turn, have become its strong advocates and supporters.

On Saturday, Nov. 10, the Osterhauses will be recognized as the inaugural recipients of the University of 91ÌÒÉ«’s Family Spirit Award at halftime of the 91ÌÒÉ«-Northwestern football game. The newly created award recognizes a Hawkeye family—spanning at least three generations—that supports, or volunteers time to, the University of 91ÌÒÉ« and personally or professionally contributes toward bettering the state of 91ÌÒÉ« and its communities.

A total of 46 Osterhaus family members will be in attendance for Family Weekend.

“The Osterhaus legacy of generosity and volunteerism is truly inspirational and has made a significant impact on the College of Pharmacy and the University of 91ÌÒÉ«,” says Lynette Marshall, president and CEO of the University of 91ÌÒÉ« Center for Advancement. “This is a well-deserved honor for a tremendous family, and I’m excited for them to receive the inaugural Family Spirit Award.”

The 91ÌÒÉ« connection runs deep for the Osterhauses. Five of Bob and Ann’s children graduated from 91ÌÒÉ«—the Rev. Mark Osterhaus (78BA), Matt Osterhaus (80BSPh), Jane Osterhaus (81BSPh), Molly Osterhaus Whitmore (84BSN) and Meg Osterhaus McNaught (87BS). In addition, three grandchildren are 91ÌÒÉ« graduates and one is a current UI student.

“The University of 91ÌÒÉ« played a large part in my upbringing and my husband’s, and our children have been singing the 91ÌÒÉ« Fight Song since they could talk,” says Molly, whose husband, Robert Whitmore (86BSE), and in-laws also graduated from 91ÌÒÉ«. “My parents have given so much back to 91ÌÒÉ«, and I think it’s a great award to give on Family Weekend. It’s truly a special honor.”

Molly and her siblings developed these strong 91ÌÒÉ« connections in Maquoketa, 91ÌÒÉ«, where Bob owned and operated Osterhaus Pharmacy for 30 years. He tirelessly served the health needs of the community and was involved in numerous national and international pharmacy organizations.

Both Bob and his son, Matt—who now runs Osterhaus Pharmacy with his wife, Marilyn Slee Osterhaus (80BSPh)—have been active in statewide initiatives through advocacy and volunteerism in campaigns, councils, steering committees and boards. The father and son have served as presidents of the 91ÌÒÉ« Pharmacy Association and the American Pharmacists Association; Bob and Ann received the Outstanding Community Partner Award from the UI Office of Outreach and Engagement for helping stimulate renewal efforts in Maquoketa; and Matt received the State of 91ÌÒÉ« Governor’s Volunteer Award.

Osterhaus Pharmacy was one of the first pharmacies to host University of 91ÌÒÉ« students from the post-graduate residency program for clinical rotations, and to date, more than 300 UI students and professionals have benefitted from these hands-on experiences. Today, Osterhaus Pharmacy continues to be a champion for pharmaceutical care, pharmacy education and the pharmacy profession in 91ÌÒÉ« and around the world.

“The University of 91ÌÒÉ« is part of the fabric of our lives,” says Matt, whose father-in-law, Jack Slee (58BSPh), also was a graduate of the UI College of Pharmacy. “We believe it’s a place that attracts people who want to go out and be successful—not only doing well in the world, but doing well for the world.”

Besides providing valuable learning opportunities for future pharmacists, the Osterhauses also have given financially to the university that has given them so much.

“We have made so many wonderful friendships at 91ÌÒÉ«,” says Ann. “When you’ve been very fortunate—with happy lives and success in the community—you should give back with your time and your treasure, and we’ve tried to do that at the University of 91ÌÒÉ«.”

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