Lynn Hutchinson's journey of giving back
While a high school student in Columbia working as a soda jerk at a local drugstore, Lynn Hutchinson found his calling while observing pharmacy students interact with customers.
“They all got along so well, and they were all very kind to people,” recalls Hutchinson, a 1967 graduate of the USC College of Pharmacy. “I enjoyed being behind the counter and talking to all those folks that came into the pharmacy.”
That early experience launched Hutchinson into a rewarding 40-year career — 15 years with Parkland Pharmacy in Cayce as a community pharmacist, followed by 24 years with Bristol-Myers Squibb.
“I was intrigued by a couple of things — the freedom, not being in one place every single day, getting out and talking with doctors, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies,” Hutchinson says of his transition to industry.
His pharmacy education proved invaluable throughout his career. “The College of Pharmacy was wonderful in getting me prepared,” Hutchinson explains. “To be a good pharmacist, you have to be a good communicator.”
And over the past 40 years, Hutchinson has consistently supported his alma mater, utilizing his company’s matching gift program to double his impact.
“I remember in my soul how tough it was to pay all the expenses with my little part-time job in the drugstore while I was a college student,” he shares. “I just enjoy doing what I can do to give back.”
I remember in my soul how tough it was to pay all the expenses with my little part-time job in the drugstore while I was a college student.
Hutchinson encourages fellow alumni to investigate whether their employers offer matching programs. “You give a dollar, and the company gives a dollar. That’s twice as much,” he notes. “It’s a little bit of paperwork, but you’re doing twice as much good for the college. If you’re not making use of your company’s matching gift program, you should.”
While he retired his pharmacy license last year, Hutchinson’s legacy continues through his generosity—helping ease the path for today’s pharmacy students facing significantly higher education costs than the $180 tuition he paid in 1962.
“I owe a lot to the pharmacy school,” Hutchinson reflects. “I made a decent living
and was able to provide everything my children needed.”
Find out if your company has a matching gift policy:
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift. We will do the rest.
Visit go.sc.edu/giftmatch and search your employer's name.
Topics: Alumni, Support the College