College of Pharmacy Mourns the Loss of Dr. Don Uden

Minneapolis, Minn.

Mar. 23, 2020

The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy mourns the loss of Don Uden, PharmD, professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, who died on Saturday, March 21.  

Dr. Uden, 67, was part of the College of Pharmacy and University community for more than 30 years. He was a kind, thoughtful and humorous individual who adored his family and especially his grandchildren. He loved biking, skiing, hiking and spending time fishing at the Brule with his best friends, including professor emeritus, Dr. Ron Hadsall. He was also a member of the Metropolitan Men’s Choir and had a knack for finding just the right colorful bow tie for any occasion. 

Dr. Uden was an inspirational mentor who had a profound impact on the lives of so many within our College of Pharmacy community. He was generous with his time and talents to help others’ professional growth and shared as much of the “real world” with his students in the classroom as he could. He will be greatly missed. 

As a double alumnus, Dr. Uden’s connection to the College of Pharmacy began in the early 70s. As both an educator and a clinician he was a pioneer who led the profession and advanced our curriculum. From exploring contemporary issues in pediatric therapeutics to being a multiple time winner of the college’s Teacher of the Year honors, his positive impact on the world of pharmacy is clear. 

Dr. Uden also served in leadership positions within the college, including as associate dean for Student Services from 2000-2007. As a tireless champion of interprofessional education, he advised the CLARION student organization to drive pharmacy’s role as a leader in interprofessional education forward and was actively involved in leading the Minnesota Rural Health School. 

Dr. Uden was awarded fellow status with the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) in 1979 and was an instrumental leader in the evolution of that professional organization. He was the recipient of the University of Minnesota Graduate-Professional Teaching Award in 2003, the Center for Health Interprofessional Program (CHIP) Champion in 2005 and the Weaver Medal in 2017.

The College of Pharmacy is working with Dr. Uden’s family to determine the most appropriate way to honor his contributions to this community.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hadsall-Uden Fund for Pharmacy Advancement at the U of M College of Pharmacy. Online at z.umn.edu/Hadsall-Uden (click “Special Options” to add “In memory of Don Uden”) or mail checks to U of M Foundation, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266 (make checks payable to U of M Foundation with “#22899 in memory of Don Uden” in memo line).  

The faculty, staff, students, friends and alumni of the College of Pharmacy are keeping Don’s family and friends in our thoughts at this time. 

You may read Dr. Uden's official obituary here. The faculty, staff, students, friends and alumni of the College of Pharmacy are keeping Don’s family and friends in our thoughts at this time.