Mary Munson Runge was a pioneer, role model, mentor, successful pharmacist, mother, wife, grandmother, gracious lady, hard worker and guest lecturer.  These are only a few of the words to describe Mary who passed away on January 8, 2014.

Mary graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1948.  After moving to California, she practiced hospital pharmacy for 21 years and then moved to a community practice where she helped poor African Americans who couldn’t pay for their medicines.  She retired in 1994.

Mary held many distinguished offices in pharmacy organizations including president of the California Pharmacists Association and the California Society of Hospital Pharmacists. She was the first woman and African American to serve as President of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) in 1979.  Sponsored by the Alpha Nu Chapter on campus at Xavier University, she became the fourth honorary member of Kappa Epsilon in 1978.  Mary was the recipient of numerous awards and honors.  A few of her many acheivements include recipient of the 1996 APhA Hugo H. Schaefer Award, honorary Doctor of Science degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and honorary Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University.

Mary was dedicated and willing to achieving for the benefit of the community. She opened many doors for others to follow.  She will be truly missed.