By Thomas W. Durso
Marvin Samson did not graduate from University of the Sciences, but one look at his resume is enough to tell you why he has supported the institution so staunchly. With decades of pharmaceutical industry experience, a strong entrepreneurial bent, and a deeply held interest in increasing accessibility to life-improving drugs, Samson is practically a living embodiment of the University’s core values.
“I’m the luckiest person in the world,” he said. “I’ve lived the American dream a few times.”
Samson, the founder and CEO of Samson Medical Technologies, is vice chairman of the University’s board of trustees, on which he has served in numerous capacities since 1991. Over the years, his gifts to the University have supported the Marvin Samson Center for the History of Pharmacy museum and the Misher Visiting Professorship in the Humanities. In addition, he chaired the University’s most recent capital campaign.
University of the Sciences honored Samson earlier this year by naming its College of Health Sciences for its longtime friend and supporter. A ceremony commemorating the name change was held in November.
“This is really the greatest honor,” he said. “I really didn’t expect it.”
Samson began working in pharmacies when he was just 10. He put himself through Temple University as a chemistry major attending at night while working during the day for a pharmaceutical company, starting as an assistant compounder leading up to the plant manager position. The entrepreneurial bug soon bit, and in 1967 he helped to found Elkins-Sinn, Inc., today part of Baxter International and one of the largest generic injectables companies in the country. Following Elkins-Sinn, Samson founded and was president and CEO at Marsam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., from 1985 to 1998. He launched his current firm during that time. He was also CEO of SICOR Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and, following its acquisition by Teva, was named group vice president of Teva’s Worldwide Injectables. He recently joined Qualitest Pharmaceuticals as chairman of the board.
“His life’s work has been to improve the general health of the broad community of citizens of the United States and especially of this area,” said Laurie Sherwen, PhD, dean of Samson College. “Our students are being educated to do essentially the same thing. His work supports the type of work our students go on to do as clinicians and practitioners.”
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“Because of my early experiences, I have always held pharmacists in high esteem,” Samson said. “My first mentor was a proud graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and his influence drew me to the college. Over the years, I have come to recognize the high caliber of our graduates and their positive impact on the communities they serve, in whichever capacity they choose to practice. I strongly believe in the ‘pay it forward’ concept, and by supporting the University, with its diverse program offerings, we are contributing to the leadership of the future.”
Samson’s generosity—fiscal and otherwise— has enabled thousands of University of the Sciences alumni to follow in his footsteps in making significant contributions to their professions and their communities.
“I cannot think of a better way to express the University’s gratitude to Marvin for his support and dedication,” said University President Philip P. Gerbino P’69, PharmD’70. “He has been a transforming presence here.”
Is a "health science" major the same as saying "pre-med"?
Like I asked up there. :) Thanks! I'm filling out a college interest pamphlet thingy and while it does not specify "pre-med" it has pre-health science. Is this essentially the same thing?
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