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CORVALLIS - A leading pharmacy administrator, a genetics researcher, and a national marketing specialist will visit Oregon State University this week as part of the university's Alumni Fellows program.

Stephen D. Roath, president of Longs Drug Stores; Karl Drlica, a professor of biology and microbiology at New York University; and Jean A. Thomas, senior director of marketing for the Nabisco Biscuit Company, will be on campus this Oct. 10-12 as part of OSU's annual Homecoming activities.

Each year, the university brings back to campus prominent alumni to share their expertise and experiences with students and faculty and participate in public forums. The forum this year will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, from 2 to 3:50 p.m. at LaSells Stewart Center, 26th Street and Western Boulevard in Corvallis. The event is free and open to the public.

Roath is a 1964 graduate of OSU, receiving a bachelor's degree in pharmacy. He has spent his entire professional career at Longs Drugs Stores, helping build the company into one of the largest, most profitable drug store chains in the country. In 1991, he was prompted to president.

As part of the forum, Roath will lecture on "Whatever You Do: Make a Difference." It will begin at 2 p.m.

Drlica, also from the class of '64, received a bachelor's degree in entomology from OSU. His research involves designing and developing inhibitors and deactivators of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, by attacking the viral genome. A noted author, he has written a new book called, "Double-Edged Sword: Promise and Perils of the Genetic Revolution."

His forum lecture, "Genetics and the General Public," will begin at 2:40 p.m.

Thomas is a 1978 graduate of OSU, receiving her bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition. She is responsible for directing Nabisco's expansion in new "wellness" areas, including the SnackWell product line. Her advertising and promotions have been credited with vastly increasing brand awareness and sales of the Newtons and SnackWell lines.

Her lecture, "How Business Views the Public Interest in Wellness," will begin at 3:20 p.m.

A reception for the three fellows will follow the forum. It will be held in the multipurpose room of the CH2M-Hill Alumni Center, adjacent to LaSells Stewart Center.