Dr. Christian Albano

Dr. Christian Albano, 47, of West Fargo, ND, died Friday, December 8, 2017, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo.

Preceded in death by beloved grandparents: Brigid and Felicisima and a sister:  Lily.

Survived by wife: Hope;  children:  Ella Faith, Truman, and Tyger;  sister:  Vivienne (Jeff);  nephews: Matthew and Ryan;  brother:  Allen (Len);  parents: Felix and Leticia.

Funeral:  11 a.m. Friday, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 5 p.m. and a 7 p.m. Time of Sharing,  Thursday, December 14, 2017, at West Funeral Home in West Fargo. Visitation will continue at the church an hour prior on Friday.

In Lieu of Floral arrangements, donations in memory of Christian can be sent to:

Concordia University Wisconsin

Attn: Christian Albano Memorial Scholarship Fund (c/o Melissa Novotny)

12800 North Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097

Please make the check out to Concordia University Wisconsin and include in the memo line of the check:  Christian Albano Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Dear Christian,

I think you must have known you wouldn’t be with us long, so you had to squeeze 95 years into 47. I can list all your accomplishments, your six degrees and post your 50 page CV, but it isn’t your academic, or job related successes we will remember the most. No, it was your love for me, your children, family and friends. It was your silliness and infectious laugh. It was your competitive spirit, not only while participating in sports, but cheering on your teams and playing games. It was your deep love of music, playing guitar and going to concerts. It was laughing at Ella’s strategic schemes to try to get you off your screen. Although I’m sorry you never got your iPhone X as we all know your passion for the latest and greatest technology. Also, we have to mention your love of food and your pursuit of it along with your crazy hats and unique dance moves.

Many people don’t know your story, so I want to share it. You were born in Manilla, where you and your younger sister, Vivienne, ruled the block (or so you tell me). At 7 years old, you arrived in the United States with Vivienne, joining brother Allen and Chicago became your home. This is where you found me and your two lifelong BFF’s, Brian and Ken. We met at 15 years old and you told your friends you met “the one” (at least that was your line). It worked because in 1998 we married and moved to Fargo. I asked for two years in Fargo and two became 19.

The three greatest gifts you leave behind are our children, Ella, Truman, and Tyger. Thank you for bringing them laughter and silliness. Who else would dress as Gene Simmons to a Taylor Swift concert? They will always remember your goofiness, and pray I can keep the laughter going in the house now that you’re gone.

Thank you for eating oatmeal with me and for making our last morning together a quiet, peaceful memory. We watched GMA and the Back Street Boys reunion. You asked me for your boy band dance DVD, and I brought it to you. I’m glad you have it. Thank you for being the dreamer to my practicality. Thank you for convincing me to support you in pursuing your career at Concordia University of Wisconsin where I have never seen you happier or more fulfilled. Even though it was difficult being apart we made it work. How was I to know you were preparing me to figure everything out, so I could do it when you were gone? You are deeply loved and missing you is so utterly painful. No words baby …

143 forever,

Hope

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Concordia University

December 12, 2017 

In Memory of Dr. Christian Albano

On December 8, NDSU and Concordia University lost a beloved faculty member – Dr. Christian Albano. Christian is survived by his wife Hope, and three children, Ella, Tyger and Truman. Christian was a Professor at Concordia University, Wisconsin, School of Pharmacy. He also held a similar faculty position (2008-12) at the North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, North Dakota. At each institution, Christian distinguished himself in teaching, service and research.

He graduated in 1994 with a B.S. degree in Kinesiology, and completed an M.S. (2000) and Ph.D. (2005) degree in pharmaceutical sciences, and a M.B.A (2007) degree from NDSU. In 2009, he completed the M.P.H. degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Christian held academic positions at both private and public institutions. At NDSU from 2008 to 2012, he taught several public health and pharmacy courses. Christian readily shared his expertise and combined with his fun-loving approach to teaching made him a beloved instructor.

Christian was a leader in public health at the local, university, and national level. For example, at the university level, he served as a key faculty member who worked to develop the North Dakota Masters of Public Health Program (MPH) program. At Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), he was instrumental in the development of the proposed collaborative Pharm.D./MPH program between CUW and Concordia University Nebraska. Additionally, Christian served as national chair of the Public Health Special Interest Group of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) where he inspired development of the pharmacist’s role in public health and policy initiatives (e.g., tobacco cessation). Christian also networked very effectively both at Concordia and at other universities for his service projects. Christian has worked on a start-up company with other leaders at Concordia to develop a medication synchronization program. His startup company, Medsync-Rx, had recently won the top prize at the Concordia Medication Management Accelerator (CMMA) Pitch Event in November 2017. Christian published major manuscripts at NDSU and Concordia. Throughout his career, Christian made a concerted effort to connect his research along with his teaching, mentoring students and service efforts to serve the public health needs at the local, state and federal levels.

Christian was a person of character and a leader with excellent communication skills. He got things accomplished while maintaining positive relationships. He accomplished a lot in his short life and provides an inspiration to student pharmacists and future public health professionals. Christian made a difference in public health in both Wisconsin and North Dakota. While his life was cut short, Christian Albano will be remembered as a colleague and friend who was generous and giving to help others. His dedication to the education of health care students was truly praiseworthy.

Sincerely,

David M. Scott, M.P.H., Ph.D.                Dean L. Arneson, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Professor, School of Pharmacy                       Dean, School of Pharmacy

North Dakota State University                        Concordia University

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