Published on September 29, 2026 by Alison Ingle  
females wearing blue shirts holding trophy

Laughter, friendly competition and plenty of Samford University spirit filled the day as students, faculty and staff gathered for McWhorter School of Pharmacy’s annual picnic. 

The longtime tradition gives the McWhorter community an opportunity to step away from the classroom, connect with classmates and colleagues, and enjoy time together. Students competed in a variety of games and activities, earning points for their classes throughout the day. 

When the competition came to an end, the third-year Doctor of Pharmacy class emerged as this year’s winner of the Bumgarner Cup. 

Named for beloved McWhorter professor Gary Bumgarner, the cup honors his legacy of encouraging students to connect their education with service and community. This year marks 10 years since his passing. 

“Gary understood the importance of community and the lasting impact we can have on students when we invest in them,” said Michael Kendrach, interim dean of McWhorter School of Pharmacy. “The Bumgarner Cup is a special tradition that allows us to celebrate our students while remembering Gary and the impact he had here.” 

Bumgarner spent 15 years at Samford and touched the lives of nearly 2,000 pharmacy students. He was known for his dedication to students both inside and outside the classroom, serving as a mentor, advocate and friend. 

The Bumgarner Cup continues his legacy as a tradition that brings together McWhorter School of Pharmacy students each year. 

GIVE TODAY: Support the Dr. Gary Bumgarner Legacy Scholarship. 

McWhorter School of Pharmacy established the Dr. Gary Bumgarner Legacy Scholarship in his memory. Gifts to the scholarship support future pharmacy students and help carry forward Bumgarner’s legacy of mentorship and service. 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,522 students from 46 states, Puerto Rico and 12 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.