Dr. Walter Enz was born April 29, 1905. Alter receiving his B.S. in Pharmacy from Purdue in 1927, his M.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Florida in 1929, he pursued his Ph.D. in Physical Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin, which he was awarded in 1931. He joined the Upjohn Company July 5, 1932. He rose to the position of Manager of Pharmacy Research prior to his retirement on April 30, 1970.

Dr. Enz was a leader of rare quality whose influence is still felt by many scientists who worked under his direction during his long tenure in research management at The Upjohn Company. His special gift was in helping young pharmaceutical scientists develop their full potential and in providing this help in such a way that would build the self-confidence and independence of the scientists.

Dr. Enz liked to say that sound training in basic physical science and mathematics made the best preparation for the practice of pharmaceutical sciences in an industrial setting. Dr. Enz said, "I'm interested in developing products but I'm also interested in developing people." Today his "graduates," people he hired and developed are found in every part of Pharmacia. More importantly, those "graduates" who have left his organization have distinguished themselves in other companies. A very large number of Dr. Enz' graduates have become influential professors in the most prestigious colleges of pharmacy here and abroad.

Dr. Enz is gone now but his memory lives on in those who were privileged to know him. He exerts an influence today in pharmaceutics whenever one of his "graduates" talks to students about the importance of basic training in physical sciences and mathematics. Dr. Enz also influenced pharmaceutics in a lasting way by showing that not only must basic knowledge be applied in the industrial pharmaceutical laboratory, but that basic knowledge should also be generated in this setting. Dr. Enz thought in terms of service to others; his life is a reminder that this belief can lead to lasting accomplishments.

Dr. Enz was so appreciated by The Upjohn Company, they established an award in his name for commitment to excellence in the pharmaceutical sciences.