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Alumna Award 1997

Congratulations Beth Kaplan!

Wharton Women in Business was privileged to award the 1997 Kathleen McDonald Distinguished Alumna Award to Ms. Beth Kaplan, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Rite Aid Corporation. Wharton Women in Business recognizes Ms. Kaplan as a role model for Wharton women by creating a supportive environment for women in business, achieving professional excellence, and demonstrating a commitment to balance career, community involvement, and other personal pursuits.

As Executive Vice President in charge of Marketing for the Rite Aid Corporation, Ms. Kaplan holds all marketing, merchandising, pricing, and store design responsibilities for the nation's largest drugstore chain. Prior to Rite Aid, Ms. Kaplan worked as a marketing executive for 16 years at Procter & Gamble. Ms. Kaplan joined the Rite Aid Corporation in 1996 to enhance Rite Aid's brand equity, further develop category management initiatives, and spearhead customer friendly merchandising.

Ms. Kaplan has contributed greatly to both the business world and the community at large. Ms. Kaplan is active in her Maryland community and involved in a variety of civil and corporate service activities. She sits on the boards of Sinai Hospital and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Kaplan also participates in the Economic Planning Commission for the state of Maryland, the Strategic Planning Committee of the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and the Children's Museum. She has two children, Henry and Seth, with her husband Bruce Sholk.

Ms. Kaplan attended both the Wharton undergraduate and graduate programs, graduating with a BS in Economics in 1980 and an MBA degree in 1981. She continues to contribute to the Wharton community by serving on the Wharton School Undergraduate Executive Board and on the Trustees Council of Penn Women.