Emeritus Dean Ara Paul, a distinguished figure in the field of pharmacognosy and a devoted educator who spent almost his entire career at the University of Michigan, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the age of 94.
Ara was born in 1929 in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, the youngest of four siblings, to parents who had immigrated from Armenia. His father, John, worked in steel and tin mills until the Great Depression forced him to change course. When Ara was in grade school the family moved to Newark, New Jersey, where his parents opened a traditional soda shop.
In high school, a perceptive teacher recognized Ara's talents in both science and business, suggesting pharmacy as a career that would blend these two strengths. Ara embraced this idea, pursuing his college education at the University of Idaho, surprising his parents by venturing to the western United States. He later returned to the East, obtaining his Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut and engaging in post-doctoral work in biochemistry at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois.
Ara's academic journey led him to a faculty position at Butler University in Indianapolis before he found his long-term home at the University of Michigan where he had a remarkable 38 year career at the College of Pharmacy, including a record 20 as Dean. In 1995 he retired and began serving as Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus of the College, continuing his commitment and active engagement as an educator, leader, and fundraiser until his passing.
Specializing in pharmacognosy, the study of plants and natural substances as sources of drugs, Ara's research focused on hallucinogenic compounds from various sources, including fungi, mushrooms, cacti, and higher plants. In later years, he explored ethnopharmacology, even spending time with a shaman in Mexico. His contributions to biomedical research were recognized through numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health.
As dean, Ara played a pivotal role in shaping the College of Pharmacy. Under his leadership from 1975 to 1995, the College gained worldwide recognition as a premier center for pharmacy education and research. Recognizing the evolving role of pharmacists, he spearheaded the adoption of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, a model later embraced by all U.S. colleges of pharmacy. Dean Paul was a very successful fundraiser as well. He significantly expanded the college's endowment, facilitating the growth and enhancement of facilities, research funding and scholarship opportunities.
In addition to his administrative accomplishments, Ara was a recipient of several awards, including the College of Pharmacy Outstanding Teaching Award, the Idaho State University Outstanding Alumni and Professional Achievement Awards, the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education Distinguished Former Fellow Profile Award, and appointment as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Ara met his wife, Shirley, while working at the University of Michigan, and together they built a home on Brooklyn Avenue in Ann Arbor where they lived for 60 years before moving to Glacier Hills Senior Living Community. They adopted two boys, John and Richard. John, now retired as a lacrosse coach, resides in Bend, Oregon with his wife Lisa and their daughter, Amelia. Richard, a computer engineer, lives in New Hampshire.
Ara and Shirley built a life full of travel and adventure. On sabbatical in the early 60s they spent a year living in Japan, where Ara eventually built deep professional and personal ties. They also spent a sabbatical year in Berkeley, California in 1972-73. The family enjoyed a week every summer at Camp Michigania on Walloon Lake, where Ara was a frequent speaker, and winter excursions to the Homestead near Glen Arbor. Along with many trips to distant countries with family, they were frequent hosts on Michigan Alumni trips all over the world. They especially enjoyed spending time with their dear friends, Chuck and Jean Walgreen, on their yacht, the Sis W. After Ara’s retirement, he and Shirley spent most of the next 25 winters in Poipu, on the southern coast of Kauai.
Ara G. Paul leaves behind a lasting legacy in the field of pharmacy and at the University of Michigan. He will be remembered by many for his dedication to education, innovative leadership, and significant enhancements to the field of pharmacognosy and the College of Pharmacy. His family and those close to him will remember him for his warmth, curiosity, and incredible generosity. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable career and life. He is survived by his beloved wife Shirley, sons John and Richard, granddaughter Amelia, and several cousins.
Condolences and memories can be shared at https://www.forevermissed.com/ara-g-paul/about.
All gifts will directly support the Ara G. and Shirley W. Paul Scholarship Fund.
Please note: Gifts to endowment will be administered as a permanent endowment under Michigan law and University policies.
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