$1M Gift Paves the Way for Future Pharmacy Leaders
Edgardo Mercadante, BS ‘79, H ’17, experienced the transformative power of a Saint Joseph’s education firsthand; now he’s paying it forward.
When Edgardo Mercadante, BS ‘79, H ’17, immigrated to the United States as a child with his family in 1956, he did not expect to one day become the CEO of multiple companies, the founder and chairman of another, and a University trustee. But that, Mercadante explains, is the transformative power of a Saint Joseph’s University education.
“As a first-generation Italian immigrant, education gave me the tools to build a new life in a new country,” Mercadante says. Mercadante used those tools to forge a pathway to success. Now, he’s paying it forward with a $1 million gift in support of an endowed scholarship for Saint Joseph’s students studying pharmaceutical sciences.
“I want to help ensure that future generations have access to the same opportunities I had.”
Mercadante graduated from Saint Joseph's Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP) in 1979, an achievement he describes as a “pivotal moment” in his life.
“[PCP] equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a successful career in pharmacy and fulfill my professional aspirations.”
Mercadante is quick to point out the emphasis on experiential learning that was prevalent at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy during his time there and has continued to this very day. Mercadante credits a course taught by Joseph L. Fink, BSPharm, JD, FAPhA, titled Pharmacy Administration with exposing him to the myriad ways he could make use of his degree.
“As one of the early programs that focused on experiential learning, I did rotations for most of my last year,” Mercadante says. “I had placements in retail, hospital, specialized medical practice and compounding pharmacy. That exposure was incredibly helpful.”
Starting as a staff pharmacist with Rite Aid in 1981, Mercadante embarked on a career that would lead him to roles in countless healthcare sectors. Pharmacy, long-term care, physician management or hospice care – whether Mercadante was working as a practitioner or in the C-suite, he found his way to success.
Now, he is putting his considerable experience to work as the founder and chairman of MediTelecare, a leading tele-behavioral health medical practice. Mercadante now provides leadership in the care of more than 40,000 behavioral patients across hundreds of long-term care facilities throughout the United States.
“As someone who personally experienced the life-changing impact of a Saint Joseph’s education, I know how financial support can open doors for talented students,” Mercadante says. “But this scholarship is not just about financial assistance — it’s about empowering individuals to pursue their dreams, contribute meaningfully to society and continue a legacy of excellence at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at Saint Joseph’s University.”
To Mercadante, supporting the students themselves is just as meaningful as being able to give back to the institution that had such a profound impact on his life.
“[PCP] is committed to pioneering new approaches in pharmacy and cultivating future leaders in the profession and embodies values that have shaped my own personal and professional journey,” Mercadante says. “Supporting this institution allows me to honor that legacy while helping to ensure that it continues to lead the way in pharmaceutical education and research for generations to come."
