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Men of Pharmacy Strut Their Stuff: Oelrich crowned Mr. Pharmacy 2008 By Mark Anthony Maningas What do Rocky Balboa, Adam Levine and Luigi have in common? All made appearances at the inaugural Mr. Pharmacy 2008, held January 10th at Cole Hall. The highly-anticipated event, organized by the School of Pharmacy class of 2011 as a class fundraiser, did not disappoint. By all accounts, the event was a certified success. Proceeds from ticket and raffle sales, plus donations from sponsors such as Wal-Mart and Berkeley Honda, among others, netted the class of 2011 over $1800. The event itself was well attended, with over 150 presold tickets and more at the door. Rachelle Bermingham, class of 2011’s president, estimated that over 200 people were at hand for the event. The judges, including Dean Mary Anne Koda-Kimble, Assistant Professors Jennifer Cocohoba and John Gross, and platinum sponsor, Wal-Mart’s representative Day Gooch, who looked thoroughly impressed and entertained by the spectacle. The audience’s response was phenomenal. “I loved the energy from beginning to end, and the hosts Krystal Pong and Grant Kim were hilarious,” said Fon Hsieh, first-year pharmacy student. To pick out one outstanding moment would be an injustice to the contestants. All of them provided entertainment to last a lifetime. The contestants gave an impression that the “boy band” era might be en vogue again with an entertaining dance performance to O-Zone’s “Dragostea din tei.” There was an uncanny impersonation by contestant Walter Valdes that a bystander could’ve mistaken for Rocky Balboa. An “interpretative” piece by Jon Eggers drew loud applause from the crowd. A mashup performed by Troy Drysdale could have enticed Diddy to sign him to a recording contract. Aaron Prince’s impromptu spoken word provided great laughs. Joel Martin’s piano skills were showcased beautifully. Curt Allday bared his soul with a personal song and a poem. A powerful rendition of “P-Chem Blues” by Trevor Oelrich struck a chord with the audience. Aside from getting the title of Mr. Pharmacy 2008, the eventual winner, Trevor Oelrich, reaped $200 for his class (Class of 2009). The runner up, Walter Valdes (Class of 2011), received $100 for his class as well. As for Oelrich, what’s in store for him, and how has the title of Mr. Pharmacy changed his life? “It sparked my career. People recognize me more now; they even ask me for my autograph.” When asked if baring his abdominals influenced the results in any way, Oelrich answers, “I don’t know if that had any influence on the outcome, but I was prepared to do whatever it took to win the money for my class.” Lastly, when asked whether there is already a Ms. Pharmacy that currently occupies his time, Oelrich responds, “No, but this should help that situation.” Mark Anthony Maningas is a first-year Pharmacy student.
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