Ernest Mario

After completing his graduate work, he began a career in the pharmaceutical industry, beginning as a researcher for Strasenburgh Laboratories in Rochester, New York.

After Alza, Mario became chairman and CEO of Reliant Pharmaceuticals, based in Liberty Corner, New Jersey.

He was also the non-executive chairman of Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc, based in Wilmington, North Carolina, from 1993 to 2009.

His 18 years on the Duke University board made him the second longest serving trustee in the school's history.

[a]Duke lowered it’s flag to half mast on October 22, 2024 to honor his legacy of service to the university and the health system.

[1] Mario died of pancreatic cancer at his son’s home in Durham, North Carolina, on October 20, 2024, at the age of 86.