Giving back is central to Jeff Sikes’s BS Pharm 1979 belief about life. His community, his church mission trips to foreign countries, and his college are all beneficiaries, as he has made a commitment to using his successful pharmacy career to serve others. And he is quick to point out that the College of Pharmacy gave him the foundation for a successful career and the opportunity to make those gifts.

“I encourage all UGA pharmacists to think about what the College of Pharmacy means to us and where we would be without it.  I tell my classmates that it’s time for us to give back to the place that got us started in this profession,” he says. “We need to think about how we can make a difference by contributing even a small amount of money to a student who may be hanging on a thread wondering, ‘Will I be able to pay for the next round of tuition?’ Success is defined differently by everyone. For me, success is not how much money one makes, or how many toys we have. In my definition, it’s how many people have we helped, how many smiles we make happen, and how respectful we are to everyone goes a long way.  

“I could not be successful without the great education that the University of Georgia and the College provided me,” he added. “That foundation opened up a lot of opportunities–opportunities that created a level of financial security that is the impetus for me to give.”

One focus of his giving is student scholarships. In 2023, Sikes created the Donna Sikes Jones Pharmacy Scholarship in memory of his sister, who died from ALS. He also funded an undergraduate scholarship for the BS in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Program. 

Veronica Hereda, P3, is a recipient of the memorial scholarship and has overcome serious health issues herself–she was diagnosed with cancer at age 17. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, she worked as a pharmacy technician in high school and started college in Orlando. 

“I really love helping people,” she says. “I knew that UGA was one of the best pharmacy schools in the country. I applied even though I didn’t think I would get in–but I did!” Moving to Athens on her own with no support system was “…a real culture shock, but our professors are there to support us. They would call and check in on me. They really want us to be great people as well as great pharmacists.”

The cost of being an out-of-state student led her to apply for need-based scholarships. When Veronica recently met Sikes, she was able to tell him what the scholarship meant to her and thank him for his gift. “He told me about his experience here and his decision to be a community pharmacist. He gives back because of the great experience he had at UGA and to continue that legacy. I want to give back like he gave to me when I am able.”

A native of Cochran in South Georgia, Sikes “escaped” the fact that his uncle was a Georgia Tech graduate and his father and brother were Yellow Jackets. UGA was his dream school. 

“My dad’s desire was for me to be a dentist.  After an interview with the Dean at Emory University, who advised me I’d be better off to consider a plumbing background, I applied for and was admitted to the College of Pharmacy and left the plumbing to someone else!” he laughs.  After graduation, he worked in a retail pharmacy in Valdosta, but was frustrated by the inability to spend the amount of time he wanted with his patients. He took jobs in pharmaceutical sales, insurance, and with an investment company–and then he met Jenny, his future wife. 

“After we got married, I wanted to be home more and travel less,” he recalled. “A friend of mine owned two independent pharmacies and needed help, so I bought into his practice and later he agreed to sell his share to me. I worked hard, trusted in God, and expanded the business.”

But again, he was soon too busy filling prescriptions (400 per day at times) to build relationships with patients. One area that was more fulfilling and gratifying was infusion therapy, so he sold the pharmacies and focused on that practice, delivering IV therapy to patients in their homes. “We treat 10 patients a day in their homes, which keeps them from having to go to the hospital and limits their exposure,” he says. “It’s much more affordable for them as well. Our patients appreciate being able to receive treatment at home, and our nurses develop relationships with them.” 

That level of care for his patients is emblematic of Sikes’s philosophy: “Care about what you are doing and about the people you are serving.” In pharmacy, he found a calling to serve others through healthcare and compassionate care. And his gifts have touched many lives, including Veronica’s.

“He didn’t have to do what he did; he didn’t have to give his money to create a scholarship,” she says. “He really cares about his community and his school.” 

In Summary…Why Jeff Sikes Gives

“It was time for me to give back to the place and profession that got me started. The College of Pharmacy allowed me to springboard my business in a way that never seemed possible. The profession of pharmacy allowed me to spread my wings and pursue an area of pharmacy that was rather novel–home IV therapy.  Without the degree in pharmacy, I would not have been able to achieve a level of success in a field that was literally wide open. The great education we all received from the UGA College of Pharmacy paved the way for us and our employees to earn a great living doing what pharmacists do–helping others. When I look back, I could’ve and should’ve given a lot more.”  

• First gift to Pharmacy in 1992

• Supported the Post-Graduate support fund in 2023 through a President’s Club gift

• First major gift commitment–capitalized on a UGA Foundation matching opportunity and created the Donna Sikes Jones Pharmacy Scholarship in memory of his sister in 2023

• Created an undergraduate scholarship for the BS in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Program through a Georgia Commitment Scholarship matching program via the UGA Foundation