Grunewald spent his entire postgraduate career at KU, and his impact on students over five decades is immeasurable. As a mentor and doctoral adviser, he helped launch the careers of more than 40 graduate students in medicinal chemistry and countless others who were under his guidance as postdoctoral scholars.

Grunewald came to KU in 1966 as an assistant professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry after finishing a doctorate in physical organic chemistry at the University of Wisconsin. He graduated with highest honors and as valedictorian of his 1960 class at Washington State University, where he received two bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and pharmacy. He was selected outstanding graduate in both programs.

Granted full professorship in 1972, Grunewald served as department chair in medicinal chemistry from 1994 to 2003. He was also acting dean of the school in 1993-94.

Grunewald earned School of Pharmacy and university teaching awards and was a valued member of the academic and professional community through active committee service and leadership. He was an extraordinary researcher as well, awarded more than 10 National Institutes of Health research grants in addition to funding awards from the American Heart Association, the Department of Defense and university grants. His research focused on drug design, using computer modeling and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques.

Grunewald, who retired in 2016, died in 2023.

Providing support for scholarships and funds to enrich student learning is one of the School of Pharmacy’s priorities in KU Endowment’s current campus fundraising campaign. For information on how you can help support the School of Pharmacy, please contact Kyle Zerr, Pharmacy Development, at 785 832-7477.