Page 6 - Summer 2021 Chronicles

ALUMNI PROFILE
JOHN MUCHKA ’01
John has been recognized for his
work with Pharm to Tables for
several honors including:
2019 Bowl of Hygeia Award from
Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin
2020 Philanthropic 5 Award from
United Way Milwaukee and
Waukesha Counties
2021 Froedtert Menomonee Falls
Hospital Preceptor of the Year
Award
• 2020: Pharm to Tables For Catholic Memorial alumnus, John Muchka ‘01, it
raised $17,500 and 2 was the foundation that CMH provided him during his
tons of food to help teenage and young adult years academically, socially
those experiencing and spiritually that he attributes to setting him on a
food insecurity. path for success in his future endeavors. While at CMH,
John enjoyed spending time in the classroom and in
• 2021: the organization extracurriculars bonding with his friends, who he
has already raised proudly states he is still great friends with 20 years
$18,412 to date later.
through pharmacy His interactions with teachers and coaches helped
school Phood Phights guide him and push him to excel. He fondly recalled
and their Ice Fishing Mrs. Marie Norgal’s class and her enthusiasm that
Jamboree event. Their helped ignite his interest to pursue a career with a
Annual Auction event combination of math and science. After graduating in
coming up on October 2001, John went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in
2, 2021 will be at CMH Chemistry from UW-Madison and move on to earn his
alumni-owned, Steny’s Doctor of Pharmacy from South University School of
Tavern & Grille for the Pharmacy in Georgia.
5th year. “Looking back, I now realize how important Catholic
Memorial was in my development. The environment at
• Over 98% of all funds CMH gave me what I needed to be successful.
raised by Pharm to Academically, I was well prepared to succeed at the
Tables goes directly to next levels. My time spent involved in extracurriculars
meal programs. helped develop other skills: accountability, hard work,
teamwork and time management, that helped me
adapt socially.”
The community at Catholic Memorial not only created
lifelong friendships and sparked John’s interest in his
future career direction, but it also helped him develop
a sense of responsibility to serving others. Like most
things, it started small with getting involved in service positive impact on others and not service to build a
projects at school and continuing to help the homeless
on an individual basis while in college. As he continued
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John Muchka ’01 pictured with his wife and
Pharm to Tables co-founder Lindsey Muchka.
to establish himself in his career in pharmacy, he found
an opportunity to combine his career and calling to
help the greater community by co-founding Pharm to
Tables, a nonprofit charitable organization that unites
pharmacy professionals in a singular, focused mission
of helping end the hunger crisis of our local
communities.
The organization directs pharmacy community
members to bring the occupation outside the doors of
the hospital, clinic and neighborhood pharmacies and
continue the impact of these individuals in the local
communities in which they serve. Pharm to Tables
organizes fundraisers, events and “Phood Phights”
between pharmacy organizations to encourage
widespread involvement to support the efforts of local
food pantries. It is a creative and innovative approach
to continue their service outside the traditional sense
that their professions ask of them and band together in
supporting the basic needs of their patients, customers
and neighbors.
“CMH’s motto, Caritas In Omnibus (Charity in All
Things) definitely resonated more and more with me
as I got older. Realizing the importance of charity has
changed my mindset over the years. It’s so important
to be less of a “me first” person and do your best to
help others and improve our communities. I love to
see the Crusader Day of Service tradition at CMH and
hope that continues to grow. It’s an amazing example
of the culture CMH has created where students are
learning the importance of service to help make a
resume.”
To learn more about John’s work with Pharm to
Tables visit: www.pharmtotables.org