Donor Testimonials – Full Version

“After my appointment as Dean of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 1996, I began to meet with those who have graduated from the College in an effort to raise funds that would allow our faculty and students to thrive. They certainly did that as we built on the success of Dean Emeritus Michael Schwartz to build funds that would enable students to attend the College of Pharmacy and for faculty to have the resources needed to build their research programs. It wasn’t long before I met Dr. Bob Crisafi and learned about his time in the College and his success in industry. He had such a strong conviction that those who have benefited from the College of Pharmacy should give back to enable others to gain an excellent education with a bright future. I remember meeting with Dr. Bob and our fund raiser, Kelly Markey. No one leaves Dr. Bob’s presence without a smile on their face. He was alway willing to give of his resources and time to continue to build our College into the outstanding institution it is today and one that is highly recognized by the other Colleges on Camus and by the administration. I know he was very proud of all the College was doing to improve the education and research available to our students and faculty. He saw the “P Wing” completely renovated providing a state of the art research facility for faculty and graduate students. At the same time, he was able to see the construction of the HPNP Building housing administrative offices as well as faculty offices, research facilities and student activity areas. None of these advances would have been possible without the support of Dr. Robert Crisafi who not only gave to these activities himself, but encouraged others to become involved. Dr. Bob’s heart will always be in providing the opportunity our students through scholarship opportunities. The Crisafi Challenge was a brilliant idea and has ignited a significant mechanism to raise scholarship funds. When Dean Julie Johnson began as Dean in 2013, she continued to build and enhanced the relationship with Dr. Crisafi and all of us can now see the fruit of his work and his relationships. Bob Crisafi, you are a true friend and one that I will always treasure from my time with the University of Florida. May God bless you and your family and GO GATORS!!”

“I am proud to support the Crisafi Challenge in honor of our son Jared. I first met Bob at a football game in the president’s box. He was sharing with me his ideas about starting the fundraiser and I was sharing with him my story of our son Jared. Bob has asked me numerous times to share that story here. Jared started at UF in 2001 and planned to study business, I never encouraged him to study pharmacy as I did not want him to blame me later. After a year or so in business, he informed me that he was changing his major to pharmacy. I told him that was great and he responded that he did not think I wanted him to and I responded that I wanted it to be his choice. After graduating, he started work at our Baya Pharmacy. He was rotating between our three retail pharmacies and then at our long-term care pharmacy. He and my wife Joan and I were also working to open an Urgent Care Clinic next to one of the pharmacies. A few weeks after opening the clinic he was tragically killed in a jogging accident in Gainesville. Our lives were shattered but I knew he would not want us to give up our dream. Our daughter, Michele, moved home and now assists Joan in managing the businesses. We have been honored not only to support Bob’s scholarship but we also created the Jared Allison Memorial Scholarship. Our commitment to the University of Florida College of Pharmacy has grown and it helps me remember Jared.”

“We have known Dr. Bob Crisafi and his wife Barbara for over 38 years.  By way of background, during the summer of 1979 a mutual business acquaintance introduced us to Bob during a time my two brothers and I were poised to launch a small pharmaceutical manufacturing business.  Little did we know that our business lives, our careers, and our personal lives would be changed forever . . . and in all ways good!  Since the association began almost four decades ago our relationship with “Dr. Bob”, as he is affectionately known, has grown in any way that one can imagine, both professionally and personally. Anyone who knows Dr. Bob personally is aware of his deep faith, and it is that faith that shaped Bob’s view on how our paths crossed in the summer of 1979.  Bob has always contended that it wasn’t fate that brought us together, but the intervention of the Holy Spirit.  Given what has transpired in the 38 years since, how can anyone disagree?!! This brief testimonial not only confirms Dr. Bob’s commitment to education, but also to his pursuit of new relationships that provide opportunities to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. That is exactly what he is accomplishing with the Crisafi Challenge Scholarship Program.” Thank you Dr. Bob from the Tarallo brothers, Steve, Phil and Rob.

“I am presently retired and I’m writing to express my feelings about helping pharmacy students to reach their goals in life.  My pharmacy education allowed me the opportunity to be employed for 30 years by the prestigious pharmaceutical company, Parke Davis.  After retiring from Parke Davis, I wanted to continue to be active and I took a position as a staff pharmacist in a retail pharmacy for 16 additional years.  Few professions offer such opportunities.  By donating to the Crisafi Challenge, I feel that I will be helping others to have those same opportunities. Dr Crisafi has been active in raising money for the University of Florida and also helping increase the membership of pharmacy students in Kappa Psi, the professional pharmacy fraternity. He has brought together the graduate brothers on a regular basis to help advance the profession and develop fellowship. I want to commend Dr Crisafi for all that he has done for Pharmacy and Kappa Psi.”

“Dr. Bob asked me if I would donate money to his scholarship program at the university of Florida.  He talked to me for more than an hour about why he started raising money for scholarships. He told me that the college wanted to sign up smart students that lived in states outside of Florida, but the students had to pay high tuitions if they did not live in Florida. If they got a scholarship, that money would help them afford the tuition. Dr. Bob hired me to work as an intern in one of his companies as a maintenance mechanic when I was going to trade school. I look upon Dr. Bob as a father figure because he has given me advice on many things in my life. Now I have my own business and I told Dr. Bob that I would definitely donate to help students who need help for tuition. He told me the students that were awarded the scholarships are called Crisafi Scholars.  I feel like I’m a Crisafi Scholar myself because of the things Dr. Bob taught me. Instead of a picture of myself, I submitted a picture of Dr. Bob’s classic automobile.  When he stopped driving the car, he gave it to me as a gift.  Dr. Bob is really a true giver in my eyes.  I hope you accept the picture.”

“The Crisafi Challenge Scholarship Fund  is as important to Bob Crisafi as any business endeavor that he has ever undertaken.  In Dr. Bob’s own words, “when it comes to the “Challenge” I have a tendency to over-extend my passion to others because I know the excellent things that the Program has done for financially burdened students who wish to become pharmacists”.    The Challenge is an example of a grateful alum who, through this initiative, has sought to do something on an extraordinary level to help others.  While many talk of giving back, Dr. Bob has demonstrated the depth of his appreciation to the UF College of Pharmacy in a very profound way. I am one of the three Tarallo brothers who have had the privilege of knowing and working with Dr. Bob for the past 38 years in our business, Lyne Laboratories, Inc.   The story of how we came together is presented in a separate testimonial, and I encourage you to read it.   I’m certain that Bob’s generous spirit, his kindness, and his willingness to teach, mentor and lead motivated him to create the Challenge simply because worthy students would benefit.   Please consider that providing opportunities to pharmacy students who might otherwise not get a place at the table  is potentially life-changing.   Stop and think about that as you contemplate the value and significance of your support.”

“The Crisafi Challenge Scholarship Fund is a passion for Dr. Bob that he loves to share with others. The story of Dr. Bob Crisafi is a unique one. A young pharmacy student from Massachusetts venturing off to UF College of Pharmacy in the late 1950’s. Dr. Bob relied on scholarship support from charitable individuals to make his ambition a reality. Since his graduation from the University of Florida, Dr. Bob has gone on to achieve a very successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. His entrepreneurial spirit has guided him on this long and prosperous journey. Along the way, Dr. Bob never lost his love or connection to the UF College of Pharmacy. He always appreciated the support he received as a young pharmacy student and endeavored over the many years to give-back to the College to support future deserving UF pharmacy students. I have known and worked with Dr. Bob for the past 42-years. I was a young recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy when I first met Dr. Bob. I am the youngest of the three Tarallo brothers that have had the privilege of calling Dr. Bob our partner at our business in Massachusetts (Lyne Laboratories, Inc.). Dr. Bob has been a mentor and friend. His generous spirit and caring way have made him an exemplary role model and passionate leader. Dr. Bob established the Crisafi Challenge to provide resources for worthy aspiring pharmacy students who otherwise may not have been able to achieve their dream, just like Dr. Bob so many years ago. I encourage you to consider supporting this wonderful and worthwhile cause. You will be helping to make a “dream come true” for some less fortunate aspiring young pharmacy student.”

“Dr. Robert Crisafi, who I call Cousin Bob, blends his passions of education, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship to enhance the lives of students hoping to attend the U of F’s Pharmacy Program by creating the Crisafi Challenge. I have known Dr. Bob my entire life.
Dr. Bob started up an outstanding company in Massachusetts several years ago through innovation, creativity, leading from the front, and is highly ethical, all traits of a successful entrepreneur. He is also thoughtful and compassionate.
In the spirit of giving back, Dr. Crisafi’s philanthropy has significantly expanded the opportunities available to enhance the lives of the next generation of pharmacy students. By matching his resources, Doctor Crisafi’s Challenge makes pharmacy school at the U of F a reality for many, and with that, comes the key to all other successes.
Doctor Bob is investing in the futures of bright students who, otherwise, could not afford college. The reason for the “Challenge” is to inspire and to foster successful students. A scholarship will make students and their families very happy and will ease the process of attending college, to a great extent, as the cost of higher education continues to rise.
All are invited to take part in this “Challenge,” which I trust will be hugely successful this year!”

“I’m pleased to have contributed to the Crisafi challenge and honored to write a testimonial for Bob Crisafi, a remarkable individual who excels as an uncle, entrepreneur, pharmaceutical mentor, and embodiment of unwavering faith and integrity. His commitment to the University of Florida further underscores his exceptional character and dedication to education.

As an uncle, Bob’s warmth, and genuine care for his family shine through in every interaction. His invaluable wisdom and guidance shape lives as he models independence and support. His mentoring skills are exceptional, fostering growth while offering guidance.

In the competitive pharmaceutical industry, Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit drives his success. Decades of innovative thinking, strategic insights, and adaptability commendably define his journey. His ventures reflect both business acumen and dedication to positive healthcare impact.

Bob’s true distinction lies in his unwavering integrity and faith. He embodies honesty and ethical standards, setting an example for all. His faith provides a foundation guiding his harmonious decisions, uniting personal beliefs, and professional endeavors.

Moreover, Bob’s connection with the University of Florida underscores his commitment to education and future generations. His engagement showcases understanding of education’s pivotal role. Through appearances, mentorship, and support, Bob enriches the academic experience.

In conclusion, Bob Crisafi impresses as an uncle, entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate of education. His journey and contributions inspire, emphasizing the profound impact of dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence.”

“The Crisafi scholarship, in many ways, embodies the pillars we, as Brothers in Kappa Psi, hold dearly—particularly the Kappa Psi pillar of always reaching for high ideals. Hence the significance of this scholarship for the Zeta Gamma Chapter of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.

We are so proud of our fellow Brother, Dr. Robert Crisafi, for creating this legacy and his continued commitment to furthering the field of pharmacy by supporting the future of tomorrow.

Likewise, this scholarship holds a special place in the heart of Zeta Gamma, as four of our current brothers are Crisafi Scholars. We appreciate this scholarship’s direct contribution to our brother’s journeys, including (in order of school year) Dionna Shine, Aicha Ndiaye, Emmanuel Jallah, and Tyler Broady.

We are so happy to carry on the Kappa Psi legacy of the Crisafi scholarship as we continue to contribute to developing the future of pharmacy with Dr. Crisafi.”