Sripriya Upadhyayula Patel Memorial Endowment Fund
Sripriya (“Priya”) Upadhyayula Patel was a healer by trade and by instinct. Following an early calling to medicine, Priya attended the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in Chennai, India, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Upon returning to the United States, Priya worked with her father, Ramesh Upadhyayula, to develop and support progressive outpatient initiatives in the independent pharmacy setting. Priya grew a powerful interest and appreciation for pharmacy practice and matriculated at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy in 2019 with the goal of earning her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and becoming a clinical pharmacist.
Priya was best known for her boundless professional and personal energy, her unique, pretense-busting humor, and her generous and inclusive spirit. She was undeniably memorable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the fortune of meeting her, and vivifying the lives of her family, friends, classmates, and colleagues.
During her time at WesternU, in addition to her own academic commitments, Priya was a frequent tutor and peer mentor. Priya was also highly involved in student organizations and outreach and was recognized for her tireless advocacy for the pharmacy profession. In addition, Priya was a dedicated and selfless community member who believed staunchly in equitable access to health care. Priya spent much of her free time volunteering on behalf of the underserved, including organizing and conducting vaccine drives for indigent patients.
Priya was a leader, an advocate, a colleague, a friend, and—in every sense—a healer; a provider of care. She is survived by her daughter, Raahi Patel, her husband, Mrunal Patel, her parents, Ramesh and Sujatha Upadhyayula, and the memories kept of her in the College of Pharmacy and the community she so deeply loved.
The Sripriya (Priya) Upadhyayula Patel Memorial Endowed Scholarship has been established and will be presented annually to a College of Pharmacy student who, like Priya, has demonstrated exemplary service at the College, University and/or local and state levels, has participated in and displays a commitment to provide opportunities for underrepresented or disadvantaged populations, and has demonstrated a keen interest in the advocacy of the pharmacy profession. With the support of her family and friends, this scholarship will establish a permanent home for Priya’s legacy at WesternU.