Alumnus Dan Rider Honored

Dan Rider, R.Ph., of Rider Pharmacy in Fairmont has been recognized for his many contributions and years of service to Cardinal Health's National Retail Advisory Board.

In addition to this recognition, Rider was given a check for $1,000 for his alma mater, Fairmont State. He presented the check to FSU President Daniel J. Bradley.

"Fairmont State recently honored Dan Rider with the Alumni of Achievement Award for 2005 in appreciation of his many contributions to the community and the business world," Bradley said. "We are glad to see Dan receive further recognition for his efforts and are proud to call him an alumnus and a friend. We would like to thank him, as well as Cardinal Health's National Retail Advisory Board, for this generous gift."

The NRAB provides direction and opportunities for more than 3,000 independent retail pharmacies across the country to work in partnership with Cardinal Health to the advantage of both parties and the communities they serve.

Rider, a Fairmont resident, graduated from Fairmont State in 1957 with an A.B. in education and then continued onto WVU where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, finishing with a rank of SP3. He spent time as a school teacher in Cambridge, Ohio, and then took a position as pharmaceutical salesman. He entered the field of retail pharmacy working as a pharmacist.

In 1967, Rider Pharmacy was established, growing from a 1,200 square foot storefront to an over 10,000 square foot facility. Today, Rider Pharmacy is the only remaining independent pharmacy in this area. The pharmacy employs more than 25 full- and part-time associates.

Over the years, Rider's vision has created a friendly community drugstore with services that include a state-of-the-art prescription compounding facility and the West Virginia Wellness Center that not only operates within Rider Pharmacy, but also visits surrounding communities offering health screenings. Rider's offers a full line of collectible gifts, customer floral arrangements, custom gift baskets, card department and delivery service. The store also has a complete line of medical equipment and provides Medicare billing.

Rider is a member of the National Retail Advisory Board for Cardinal Health; Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Advisory Board for Cardinal; 1997 West Virginia Merchant of the Year; Past President and member of the Associated Businesses of East Fairmont. His former and current memberships include the following: Fairmont State Foundation, past President of the TBI Fraternity, Jaycees, Rotary Club and Deacon and Usher at the First Baptist Church.

He is married to Barbara Lemley Rider, and they have three sons, Scott, Jonathon and Todd. He is the grandfather of Gatsby, Jason, Aidan, Dylan and Emily Claire.