The event begins at 3 p.m. inside the UI’s College of Pharmacy Building.

The 1959 UI graduate grew up in Fort Dodge, and returned there after college.

In 1963, he opened Daniel Pharmacy in Fort Dodge with his father, later becoming sole owner in 1973. Daniel currently co-owns it with his son, John Daniel III.

Daniel Pharmacy is the only independent pharmacy in Fort Dodge, operating as a downtown anchor.

Daniel is involved with numerous local organizations, including the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District.

Daniel was a charter member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA), and has held memberships with the National Community Pharmacists Association and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

He and his wife, Margo, are strong advocates of supporting students in furthering their education. The Daniel Pharmacy Scholarship Fund, founded in 2003, assists graduates from Fort Dodge Senior High and St. Edmond High School who are pursuing a pharmacy career. In 2011, the UI recognized the pair as long-time school supporters by establishing the John and Margo Daniel Scholarship. It is now awarded annually to a doctor of pharmacy student from the Fort Dodge area, and has supported nine students with 13 scholarships in the last 12 years.

John and Margo Daniel served as Frontier Days parade grand marshals in 2022.

The couple, who married in 1973, has three children: John III, Mary Kay and Mark.

The alumni award recipients are exemplary representatives of the college’s alumni and friends who have excelled in their pharmacy practice, research, and community advancement, while simultaneously being steadfast ambassadors for the pharmacy profession and the college.

The ceremony today is part of the UI homecoming festivities.

Daniel will be joined by fellow University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni honorees Steve Firman and Jan Hansen.