The University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Award
John Daniel 59 BSP
For more than 60 years, John Daniel has been a steadfast community leader and pharmacist. The Fort Dodge, Iowa, pharmacy owner embraces civic duty, volunteering his time to strengthen his city and fostering quality pharmacy education.
Daniel opened Daniel Pharmacy in 1963 alongside his father. When his son, John F. Daniel III (99 PharmD), graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, they became co-owners.
Through decades of changes in health care, Daniel has been one of Iowa’s most dedicated independent pharmacists and educators. For more than 25 years, he mentored UI pharmacy students during their rotations, sharing his expertise and passion with future pharmacists. Daniel also is a charter member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association and joined the American Pharmacists Association in 1969.
Daniel has prioritized community throughout his life, including six years of service on the Fort Dodge Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District Board. Since 1997, he has been a member of Rotary International and is a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Daniel and his wife, Margo, are very active in their church. In 2022, they were honored for their local contributions as grand marshals of Fort Dodge’s Frontier Days parade. The following year, they served as honorary co-chairs of Iowa Central Community College’s capital campaign.
Daniel and his wife are loyal and generous Hawkeyes. They contributed to the UI College of Pharmacy building, which opened in 2020, and established a pharmacy scholarship fund for Fort Dodge students. In 2024, Daniel received the UI College of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumni Award—a fitting tribute to a selfless supporter.