C. Boyd Granberg, Professor Emeritus and former Dean of Drake University’s College of Pharmacy (now the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences), passed away on August 31, 2025. He was 104 years old.
During his lifespan, Granberg dedicated 34 years to Drake University, serving as a pharmacy faculty member from 1950 to 1977 and then as Dean of the College until his retirement in 1984. However, Granberg’s impact on Drake and on the pharmacy profession extends far beyond these years. His service played a significant role in building the foundation on which the College stands today.
Granberg helped the College of Pharmacy not only adapt to curricular changes, such as a new five-year pharmacy program structure and the inclusion of clinical pharmacy experiences, but grow the number of faculty and students in the process. Additional developments made during Granberg’s time as a faculty member and Dean included the establishment of the innovative combined Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration degree and amplified alumni outreach resulting in initiatives like the Alumni Advisory Board and Pharmacy Alumni Endowment Fund.
Academia was profoundly touched by Granberg’s involvement. Granberg served as editor of the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education (AJPE) from 1961-1974. He served as Director for the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE), now the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, as well as the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Council of Faculties Chair and an AACP Board of Directors member.
Granberg was also deeply involved in the transformation of the pharmacy profession, both nationally and within the state of Iowa. Notable positions included serving as National President of the Rho Chi Society, Grand Historian of the Kappa Psi professional fraternity, and becoming the first Iowa educator to serve as President of the Iowa Pharmacists Association, now the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA). Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Polk County Board of Health.
Granberg was a dedicated Drake Bulldog in many ways. He served on numerous committees, boards and task forces including University Senate, the Athletics Council, the President’s Advisory Council, and as a Drake Relays Official. He was a loyal fan of Drake basketball and football. Drake is also where Granberg met his wife, Peg, who was a librarian for the College of Pharmacy. They raised three children together: Brian, Elizabeth, and Siri.
Granberg’s dedication to the profession and to education earned him distinguished awards both within and outside Drake. He received the Robert G. Gibbs Distinguished Pharmacist Award, the highest honor from the IPA in 1984 and in 1998 was awarded the Drake Medal of Service for his contributions to the Drake community. In 2000, he was the recipient of the Weaver Medal of Honor, the highest award bestowed by CPHS.
While the above are all notable achievements, Granberg is most remembered for the relationships he cultivated with students. Many alumni attribute their professional development and career successes to lessons learned from Granberg. This legacy of strong faculty-student connections and support systems is still felt in the College to this day.
“Boyd deeply cared for the students and was always there to help them succeed,” said current CPHS Dean Erik Maki. “The College has always had a student-centered approach, and Boyd is a big reason for that.”
Granberg’s legacy will continue to shape the history of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and of Drake University for years to come. Granberg’s legacy of steadfast devotion to students continues through the Granberg Student Excellence Award and the Granberg Professional Leadership Award, which each support individuals who embody his traits as an educator, mentor, scholar, and leader. The annual Eggleston-Granberg Golf Classic organized by the Iowa Pharmacists Association raises funds for Iowa pharmacy students while recognizing Boyd Granberg and Iowa alumnus Max Eggleston.
A more extensive overview of Granberg’s life and time at Drake can be found in the 100th birthday celebration video created by CPHS in 2021 and in his obituary. Those wishing to honor Granberg’s legacy may contribute to the C. Boyd Granberg Student Excellence Fund by completing this form to make a gift online (select “Other” as the Designation and write “C. Boyd Granberg Student Excellence Fund” in the resulting box. Select “Add to Cart” and complete the payment information). Donations may also be sent to: Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50311.