Eugene Applebaum’s Passion: Building the Next Generation
Mr. Eugene Applebaum, a 1960 Wayne State University graduate with a B.S. in Pharmacy, was an instinctive entrepreneur and leader, which propelled his renowned success in the pharmacy business as the Founder and CEO of Arbor Drugs. Beyond business, Mr. Applebaum dedicated much of his life to helping others maximize their greatest potential and focused his efforts to inspire the next generation to be their very best.
To continue Mr. Applebaum’s enduring example, Applebaum Family Philanthropy (AFP) established the Applebaum Leadership Development Program (ALDP) in partnership with Wayne State’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (WSU Applebaum).
Applebaum Leadership Development Program (ALDP)
ALDP is the culmination of five years of evolving leadership initiatives supported by Applebaum Family Philanthropy dedicated to developing future pharmacy leaders. The core aim of ALDP is to strengthen vital entrepreneurial, advocacy, and critical communication skills to prepare and empower the next generation of pharmacists to thrive.
The yearlong cohort program is designed to provide students with a multifaceted experience, which includes a curated educational seminar series, industry networking and conference opportunities, and direct interaction and insights with accomplished executives and entrepreneurs.
“… The sessions have inspired me to think beyond traditional roles and consider how I can help redefine what it means to be a leader in pharmacy—by setting new standards and creating lasting change.” – Regis Reka, Pharm.D. Candidate 2026, ALDP Applebaum Fellow 2024-2025
Now in its second official cohort, ALDP engages eight highly promising second-year Applebaum PharmD students who embody integrity, innovation, and a strong commitment to community development. Students who meet specific eligibility are selected based on their qualifications, application, and recommendations from WSU Applebaum faculty members.
Model Program
“The Applebaum Leadership Development Program is unique amongst the 142 pharmacy programs in the nation. It helps to attract students that not only can provide high quality health care but also create innovative leaders skilled in advocacy and entrepreneurship to communicate across all sectors — health care, community, government and industry. It is an honor and pleasure to work hand-in-hand in a collaborative partnership with Applebaum Family Philanthropy to create the next generation of pharmacy leaders. Ultimately, our intent is simple: we are working to develop the next ‘Eugene Applebaum’ by infusing students with his values and spirit.” – Brian Cummings, PhD., Dean, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The success of ALDP would not be possible without the commitment of Dean Brian Cummings and the hands-on leadership expertise and guidance of Dr. Francine Salinitri, WSU Applebaum Director of Experiential Education and Clinical Professor, and Dr. Susan Davis, WSU Applebaum Associate Dean for Pharmacy and Clinical Professor. Together, they devote significant time to ensuring ALDP’s excellence and personally mentoring and stewarding each student.
“This leadership program has taught me the importance of recognizing my strengths and applying them with purpose, just as the most successful leaders do. I am also grateful for the opportunity to appreciate the legacy of past pharmacy leaders whose contributions continue to shape our profession today.” – Zeynep Atkas, Pharm.D. Candidate 2026, ALDP Applebaum Fellow 2024-2025
Prosperity Agenda
The Applebaum Leadership Development program aligns with the core vision of Wayne State’s Prosperity Agenda set forth by President, Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy:
- Accelerate Mobility for Our Students
- Empower Health for Our Urban Neighborhoods
- Fuel Innovation for Our Competitiveness
The success of ALDP fuels the innovation and competitiveness of WSU Applebaum and its important position of impact for our entire community.
Coming full circle, advancing prosperity also complements the legacy of Mr. Applebaum and the main purpose of Applebaum Family Philanthropy: to provide unique and invaluable opportunities that will inspire and promote leadership, entrepreneurship, independence, and well-being.
AFP is proud to support ALDP at WSU Applebaum and looks forward to the many ways these students will bring forth innovation and entrepreneurship to the pharmacy field– just as Mr. Applebaum did.
“Supporting and strengthening Wayne State was so important and special to our Dad. He had a deep appreciation for the opportunity this school gave him in starting his pharmacy career. We are so pleased to do our part in helping students advance their skills not only as Pharmacists but as Community Leaders.” – Lisa and Pamela Applebaum
