Scholarship supports nontraditional pharmacy students in memory of ’80 alumna  

By Catherine Caroe

A scholarship for College of Pharmacy students is getting a boost from a longtime supporter. Todd Platt, who donates to the college annually, has increased his impact by making a bequest to the college in memory of his mother, Barbara Gaskins Platt.

Barbara Platt, Class of 1980, was known for her love of family and pharmacy. An active minister’s wife, she pursued a second career in pharmacy with the full support of her husband – all while raising their two young sons, Todd and Bryan. After graduation, she enjoyed a nearly 30-year career with Eckerd/Rite-Aid in Lancaster and Columbia. 

Barbara Platt battled cancer through the last months of her career, passing away April 17, 2010. Her husband, Rev. Dr. John V. Platt, established a scholarship at the MUSC College of Pharmacy to honor her memory and passion for pharmacy. In a testimonial shared with the college Rev. Platt wrote, “She was very devoted to her calling and the people she came to know and serve.”

It was also important to Rev. Platt that the Barbara Gaskins Platt ’80 Endowed Memorial Scholarship benefit students like Barbara, who may be considered nontraditional because they are older or pursing a second career. Since 2010, scholarships have been awarded to 19 students in her memory.

Todd Platt hopes his gift will help MUSC pharmacy students achieve their goals. “I hope that my gift to my mother’s endowed scholarship will give future pharmacy students the stability to pursue their goals to improve the health care of all in our country,” he said. Making this bequest helped Todd Platt fulfill one of his own goals: to increase the impact of his mother’s scholarship. 

If you are interested in creating a legacy like the Platt family, please visit muscgiving.org or call the MUSC Office of Planned Giving at 843-792-9562.