By Ian Thomsen
His father, Alvin J. Yorra, was a renowned mechanical engineering professor at Northeastern University.
And so Mark Yorra grew up with the ambition of graduating from Northeastern. When he enrolled in 1973, he never anticipated a personal affiliation that continues more than a half-century later.
“People joke that I bleed red and black because I’m a diehard Northeastern person,” says Yorra, a triple Husky who serves as a senior cooperative education coordinator and clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at his alma mater. “I basically grew up with the school and it’s changed a lot — it’s a very different place than it was many years ago.
“It’s nice to be part of that change.”
Yorra’s contributions to the pharmacy industry will be honored before the Boston Red Sox’ April 18 game at Fenway Park. He will be among a group recognized by the Massachusetts Pharmacists Association and Massachusetts Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
“Your dedication, expertise, and commitment to the pharmacy profession have made a lasting impact on patient care, your communities and your teams,” Ryann Abrams, a Northeastern graduate who serves as president of the Massachusetts Pharmacists Association, wrote to Yorra. “As you step onto the field, know that you are representing not just yourself, but the countless pharmacy professionals who tirelessly serve others every day. We are incredibly proud of you and grateful for all that you do!”
“It was a surprise,” says Yorra, who will be cheered on by 22 family members.
The Northeastern tradition ran in the family
Alvin Yorra taught mechanical engineering at Northeastern from 1955 (the year of Mark Yorra’s birth) until his retirement in 1992.
“I went there as a student, as did my two brothers,” says Mark Yorra, whose parents live in the Boston area. “All four of my kids — Jessica, Katey, Mike and Liza — went to Northeastern.”
Yorra’s wife, Nancy, joined him in earning a doctor of education (Ed.D.) at Northeastern.
“My wife went to Northeastern to get a speech language pathology degree,” Yorra says. “And then she got an Ed.D. with me. She finished one semester earlier than I did.”
