Eileen DeMaggio and Kathy Kassab Reflect on Their Time at Pacific

Two familiar faces at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences have announced their plans for retirement. Eileen DeMaggio and Kathy Kassab have each served the University for about 18 years.

Eileen DeMaggio

Administrative Assistant II, Department of Pharmacy Practice

DeMaggio, administrative assistant II, joined the Pacific family in 2000 and throughout her tenure has served the Department of Pharmacy Practice. In 2005, she received the Most Valuable Pacifican award.

"Thank you to the fantastic staff and faculty that I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know," said DeMaggio. "You have been more than colleagues, you have become family. Thank you for sharing a small part of your lives with me and listening to stories of my life."

She shared a fond memory of an interaction with Marcus C. Ravnan '94, PharmD, FCSHP, FASHP, professor of pharmacy practice and assistant dean, Office of Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Health Affairs. She had brought him replacement batteries when the podium microphone went out during a lecture. As she was leaving he said, "Thanks mom." He explained to his students that she was his "Pacific mom."

DeMaggio and her husband plan to take their motorhome on trips to Arkansas and Tennessee to visit family. They plan to visit historic sites along the way. "Our family is a blended family; three children in California, one in Arkansas, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, plus one adopted granddaughter," DeMaggio said.

She also looks forward to spending more time pursuing her hobbies, including muzzleloading. She is actively involved in the Mountain Ranch Muzzleloaders.

Kathy Kassab

Program Services Assistant, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences Graduate Program

Kassab, program services assistant for the pharmaceutical and chemical sciences graduate program, joined the Pacific family in 2001. She started as receptionist for Physical Plant and transferred to the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2004.

For the past 15 years she has worked closely with students in the Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences Program (PCSP) and with Xiaoling Li, PhD, professor of pharmaceutics and medicinal chemistry and associate dean of graduate education and research. Many of the PCSP students are international students; Kassab has gone above and beyond to help them acclimate to the campus and get connected to the Pacific community. She has enjoyed watching their "development beginning with orientation through graduation."

Kassab's husband retired last year and they look forward to working together on their home and yard. They also plan to take trips to visit family throughout California and in Texas. "I will miss my Pacific family," Kassab said. "My time here has been very rewarding and I plan on keeping in touch. I wish everyone the best."