Dale Hagerman, founder of Diplomat Pharmacy and graduate of Ferris State University’s
College of Pharmacy, will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Health Services degree
and speak to graduates at the May 8 ceremony at 7 p.m.
Hagerman has long been recognized as an industry leader in Genesee County and an important figure in the profession of pharmacy throughout the state of Michigan, regionally and nationally. In the mid-1970s, Hagerman’s belief in the profession and his commitment to his family led him to trade in his stock in Ideal Pharmacy, which he founded, to purchase a new pharmacy that would allow for him to work with his son, Phil. Together they founded Diplomat Pharmacy, which is now one of the largest specialty pharmacies in the country.
Hagerman also served as a mentor to younger pharmacists – as well as young men and women who would become pharmacists. One of those mentees, Mike Larson (P ’69), sums up his commitment to helping others in the profession:
“Dale instilled in all of us the necessity to do the right things, take care of the patients and be involved in the profession,” Larson said. “Many of us became presidents and on the boards of our local professional organization.”
In addition to establishing highly successful businesses and fostering professional standards, Hagerman also founded a pharmacy dynasty at Ferris. His son, Phil, is a College of Pharmacy graduate, as is his daughter, Deborah, and his granddaughter, Jennifer. Today, Phil is CEO and chairman of the board of directors at Diplomat Pharmacy, and Jennifer is senior director of education at Diplomat, and is president of the Michigan Pharmacists Association.
In honoring Hagerman, the university is recognizing someone who has instilled in all of those he has mentored the commitment to put patients and their well-being first. Part of Diplomat Pharmacy’s philosophy is a commitment to treat one patient at a time. It is that level of service to individuals and the profession that has served as the foundation of the company’s success and its ethos.
Recognition of Hagerman is an acknowledgment of his entire family and the three generations of Ferris Pharmacy graduates that collectively have bettered the lives of the thousands of patients afflicted with some of the most difficult to manage diseases. Additionally, his role in Diplomat Pharmacy has provided major new economic possibilities for the city of Flint.
Also receiving honorary doctorates will be Karl Linebaugh and Frederick E. Shell. You can find out more information on Ferris’ commencement ceremonies, here.