After nearly three decades in the pharmaceuticals field for CVS Health, Christine (Picard) Sawicki ’89, P’21, P’25 believes her Assumption education laid the groundwork for her successful career.
“A strong foundation in science and philosophy prepared me for my career in pharmacy,” said Sawicki. “Developing a strong network and lifelong friendships as a part of campus ministry, the volleyball team, and the music program has been a critical component that keeps me centered. Academic excellence and support from faculty who believed in me even when I questioned myself helped me stay focused and accelerate the completion of a pharmacy degree within two years after graduating from Assumption.”
Fr. Andre Dargis, A.A., AP’58, AU’60, who mentored Sawicki during her undergraduate studies, left an indelible impression upon her. “He often reminded me to discern my purpose to become ‘who I was meant to be to make a difference in the world.’ This has been a mantra as I focus on changing healthcare and making it easy for patients to live their best life,” she said.
Sawicki said that while she holds advanced degrees and certificates such as an MBA from Anna Maria College, a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Villanova University (a professional skills leadership program), and a pharmacoeconomics certificate from the University of South Carolina, it’s her Assumption education that has “helped instill transportable skills and an invaluable growth mindset. It allows me to approach challenges with curiosity and reimagine success when opportunities do not work out as planned,” she explained.
These skills learned at Assumption inspired Sawicki to turn to her alma mater for interns. Last summer, three students interned for CVS Health, developing innovative digital solutions for rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, building plans on how CVS Health can support solutions for systemic racism and ending the HIV epidemic, as well as contributing to COVID-19 testing and research.
“Assumption students demonstrated curiosity, interest in healthcare, critical thinking, and motivation to serve,” she said. “They brought diverse ideas, multidimensional critical thinking, and passion to learn and make a difference.”
Sawicki also teaches in the health advocacy program at Assumption as a way of mentoring and sharing her expertise and experiences with the next generation of healthcare professionals. “Giving back is essential to help others learn and grow,” she said. “It is also fulfilling because so many have invested in me.”
