John J. Uskert

June 19, 2017

Chairperson

Academic and Professional Affairs Department

Butler University School of Pharmacy

Indianapolis, IN 

      Re:  Mr. Randolph Nguyen

Dear Sir or Madam:

     I have been practicing pharmacy since my initial licensure in the states of Alabama and Florida since 1976.  I am also licensed in Indiana and am currently employed as a pharmacist by CVS in Indianapolis.  In addition, I practiced law full time in Florida and part time in Indiana for a combined 23 years.  I am admitted to the Florida and Indiana Bars, as well as a member of the bars of the U.S. District Courts in the Northern District of Indiana and the Northern District of Florida.

     Throughout my professional careers, I have had the opportunity to work with and observe numerous colleagues in both professions and have learned that even the best professionals in both disciplines are not flawless.  In fact, many of my colleagues over the years had significant problems to overcome, yet remained professionally competent, dependable, trustworthy and were premiere attorneys and pharmacists.

     During my six plus years with CVS, I worked at nearly all the CVS pharmacies in my Indianapolis district and have come in contact with many Butler University pharmacy students and interns.  I have been impressed by their education generally, and by their abilities and knowledge as future pharmacists.  Butler Pharmacy School does an excellent job educating its students.  Mr. Randolph Nguyen is no exception.  Nguyen worked at my store this year from approximately January through the end of April.  During this time he worked approximately 30 hours per week.  In my direct observation of him, Nguyen exhibited punctuality, reliability, competence, integrity and professionalism.  Over the years I have become a pretty good judge of character.  I would have no reservation in hiring Randolph as a pharmacist, as I have professionally relied upon him during the time he worked with me.  In my observation and estimation, Randolph is, and will continue to be, an asset to the profession of pharmacy.

     Randolph did give me the complete details of his indiscretions which led to his dismissal from the Butler pharmacy program.  Such details do not change my opinion of him, or his abilities.  We all have flaws, as I previously pointed out; many such flaws are not fatal, but merely require some correction.  It is my understanding that this letter will accompany Randolph's petition for renewed eligibility into the pharmacy program.  In my discussions with Randolph, I have learned that his father was a POW during the Vietnam War, and that Randolph's siblings, as second generation U.S. citizens, have or are attaining post-secondary education here.  Randolph is a much greater asset to Butler and to the profession than his past actions might indicate.  I would suggest that you make the noble decision to renew his eligibility into the Butler pharmacy program so he may complete his Pharm. D. requirements.  I would consider being his mentor.  If you require further information, or have questions, do not hesitate to call or e-mail me,

Sincerely,