Atlee Carr chose pharmacy over other healthcare professions after job shadowing several pharmacists in high school.
“Seeing how pharmacists were so accessible and reliable motivated me to want to find a spot in the field,” he said.
For Atlee, helping others is second nature.
While at ONU, he spearheaded a global service project. In 2022 and 2023, thanks to his initiative and efforts, ONU student volunteers made over 15,000 easily transportable meals for the God Always Provides (GAP) food packaging program sponsored by the International Disaster Emergency Services.
The meals, made of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and 21 essential vitamins and minerals, were distributed worldwide to combat hunger, explained Atlee.
Atlee also tutored fellow Polar Bears who needed assistance with their coursework.
“Working in the tutoring center helped me grow the most,” he said. “My freshman year, I often went there to ask for help with my own classes. Once I became a tutor myself, I was better able to connect with each student because I could see where they were coming from.”
When he’s wasn't learning, working or helping others, Atlee could be found unwinding on the volleyball court. ONU’s club volleyball team was an outlet for him and a source of great friendships. “We were such a close knit group of guys,” he said. “Practicing each week was my favorite event and provided a good stress relief.”
ONU, he said, was the best launching pad for his future. “ONU allowed me to constantly grow and learn more because of all the opportunities. Not only is the pharmacy program well-respected, but the professors are very approachable and they all want students to succeed.”