Purdue College of Pharmacy

Eaton Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Lyman D. Eaton II (BS 1974) and Joyce A. Eaton established the Eaton Entrepreneur of the Year Award for alumni of the College of Pharmacy who have excelled in entrepreneurial activities during their career. One recipient is chosen annually and recognized during the Dean’s Leadership and Innovation Forum.

Nominations are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

Eaton Entrepreneur of the Year Award Selection Guidelines:

  • The winner must have excelled in the area of entrepreneurial activity by starting or growing a company/commercial enterprise in a significant manner.
  • The Dean of the College of Pharmacy and/or his/her nominee will determine the winner.
  • The winner must be able to travel to campus and receive the award and deliver a lecture relating to entrepreneurial activity to the Dean’s Leadership and Innovation Forum in the spring semester.
Nominate

2026 Eaton Entrepreneur of the Year

Two adults standing side by side and smiling at the camera outside a building. One wears a pink button-down shirt with a dark tie, and the other wears a dark short-sleeve top and a statement necklace.

Trevor (PharmD ’17) and Cassie (PharmD ’18) Thain

Owners, Topeka Pharmacy

Trevor and Cassie Thain are the current owners of Topeka Pharmacy in Topeka, Indiana.  Trevor graduated from Purdue in 2017.  The couple purchased the pharmacy from family friends, Tom and Morag Miller, in January of 2018.  Cassie graduated from Purdue in 2018 and worked for Meijer for 2 years following graduation.  During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Cassie left Meijer to manage the salesfloor at Topeka Pharmacy and work as an additional pharmacist.

Trevor has a passion for pharmacy economics, regulation, and legislation.  He is currently on Parkview LaGrange’s Hospital Board, LaGrange County’s Community Foundation, and Westview School Corporation’s Student Health Advisory Committee.  Trevor has also served as President of the Indiana Pharmacy Association’s Independent Pharmacy Academy.

Cassie fills her time by managing Topeka Pharmacy’s salesfloor, assisting in the store’s fabric department, and participating in townwide events.  She has a passion for assisting patients with over-the-counter remedies and orthopedic braces and supports.

Previous Award Recipients

2025: Brett Dines (BS 1992)
2024: Rola Kaakeh (PharmD 2007)
2023: Beth Brown (BS 1991)
2022: Ismail D. Badjie (PharmD 2013)
2021: R’Kes Starling (BS 2002)
2020: John Zehner (BS 1998)
2019: Nathan Gabhart (BS 1998)
2013: Hamid Abbaspour (BS 1985)
2013: Alisa Wright (BS 1987)
2012: Katie MacFarlane Phillips (BS 1988, PharmD 1989)
2011: Rick Rondinelli (BS 1980)
2010: Barry Hart (BS 1990)
2009: Marcel Sassola (BS 1983)
2008: Jeff (BS 1997) and Angela (BS 1997, PharmD 1998) Jackson
2007: John (BS 1999) and Tara (BS 1999) Voliva