College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Home   >  College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences   >  About   >  Awards   >  College Awards

College Awards

These general awards are nominated and presented annually by members of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to deserving students, faculty members, alumni and friends of the College.

Jump to

Student Awards

Diversity Catalyst Award

This award honors a student who has shown exemplary leadership, advocacy, and dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on campus. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, empowering peers, and affecting positive change through their actions. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

Nominees must demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  1. Advocacy: Leading efforts to raise awareness about DEI issues or advocating for marginalized groups.
  2. Initiative: Creating or participating in programs, events, or projects that promote DEI.
  3. Peer support: Acting as a mentor or ally to fellow students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
  4. Community impact: Contributing to a more inclusive campus through engagement and leadership.

  • 2025-26: Lisa Kuriakose
  • 2024-25: Brooklyn Lowry

Emerging Nurse Clinician Award

This award honors a student with a clear passion for lifelong learning who is committed to expanding their clinical knowledge. They consistently engage with patients, families, and colleagues in a compassionate, respectful, and therapeutic manner, fostering trust and meaningful relationships. The awardee exemplifies strong clinical skills and sound judgment, delivering safe, high-quality care across diverse patient populations. They are dedicated to evidence-based practice, integrating current research and best practices to improve patient outcomes and advance the profession. The award will be presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: Aspen Ball

Health Sciences Student Leadership Award

This annual award recognizes a Health Sciences student who has shown leadership in their curricular and co-curricular activities. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

  • 2025-26: Isaac Cho
  • 2024-25: Addie Cunningham
  • 2023-24: Edda Pederson
  • 2022-23: Megan Kearns
  • 2021-22: Connor Oetzmann
  • 2020-21: Fiona Kearns
  • 2019-20: Jason Grady
  • 2018-19: Jenna Behnke
  • 2017-18: Ben Williamson
  • 2016-17: Logan Clarahan
  • 2015-16: Kyli Torkelson
  • 2014-15: Becca Mahnesmith
  • 2013-14: Ngoc (Jade) Cao
  • 2012-13: Violet Ho
  • 2011-12: Michael Sage

Heart of a Nurse Award

The recipient of this award exemplifies genuine kindness, compassion, and a calm, safe presence in their every interaction. They demonstrate a contagious positivity that uplifts patients, peers, and faculty to create a culture rooted in support and care. This individual values human connection, recognizing the profound impact of presence, empathy, and listening. Above all, they embody the true spirit of a nurse through selfless service, integrity, and heartfelt dedication to others. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

2025-26: Gabby Schnathorst

Nursing Leadership Award

The recipient of this award consistently demonstrates strong, authentic leadership among peers, professional partners, and across the broader college community. They actively foster collaboration and communication with a passion for building a supportive peer network. The awardee models professionalism, integrity, and accountability while inspiring others through their actions. Through mentorship and example, they pave the way for future nurses and contribute meaningfully to a culture of excellence and shared purpose within the profession. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

2025-26: AJ Jurgens

Occupational Therapy Leadership and Professional Development Award

This award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day to a second-year Occupational Therapy student who has demonstrated a drive to advance the profession through leadership opportunities, publications, or involvement in professional presentations. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

  • 2025-26: Taylor Bohannon
  • 2024-25: Cole Brockman
  • 2023-24: Nicole Herren
  • 2022-23: Josie Svoboda
  • 2021-22: Jenna Lynn Willer
  • 2020-21: Branden Christensen
  • 2019-20: Keli Zemke

Occupational Therapy Scholastic Achievement Award

This award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day to a second-year Occupational Therapy student who has excelled in their coursework, and whose academic performance is in the top 25% of their class. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

  • 2025-26: Amanda Miller
  • 2024-25: Lauren Osborn
  • 2023-24: Hannah Bley
  • 2022-23: Bri Brewster
  • 2021-22: Rachel Stafford
  • 2020-21: Jacqueline Widmer
  • 2019-20: Chelsea Steffens

Outstanding Health Sciences Student Award

Annual recognition for a health sciences student who has shown academic excellence and service to the College and the Health Sciences program. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

  • 2025-26: Chris Huynh
  • 2024-25: Areigna Ralston
  • 2023-24: Anna Miller
  • 2022-23: Kieu Pham
  • 2021-22: Delaney Goertzen
  • 2020-21: Fiona Roehrs
  • 2019-20: Corey Elliott
  • 2018-19: McKenzie Temperly
  • 2017-18: Emily Schmid
  • 2016-17: Nick Jenderko
  • 2015-16: Katherine North
  • 2014-15: Emily Larson and Hannah Mikkalson
  • 2013-14: Melissa Parks
  • 2012-13: Logan North
  • 2011-12: Mallory Tough
  • 2010-11: Katelin Zaeske

Faculty Awards

Diversity Catalyst Award

This award recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and leadership in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the campus community. The recipient will be honored for their impactful contributions that promote understanding and inclusivity through teaching, research, service, or community engagement. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

Nominees demonstrate contributions to DEI in any of the following areas:

  1. Teaching: Developing or delivering inclusive curricula, implementing pedagogical strategies that address diverse learning needs, integrate diverse materials/perspectives and/or mentor underrepresented students.
  2. Research/Scholarship: Advancing DEI through scholarly work that explores equity, social justice, or related themes.
  3. Service: Supporting DEI through campus or community initiatives, advocacy, committee leadership, or policy development.
  4. Community Engagement: Building partnerships with organizations to address inequities and promote inclusion in broader communities.

  • 2025-26: Lynn Kassel
  • 2024-25: Anisa Hansen

Faculty Preceptor of the Year Award

This award recognizes faculty members who have served as excellent preceptors to students, demonstrating a commitment to experiential education within their health profession. They make time and put in effort to provide valuable experiences, outstanding teaching and professional mentorship to students. This award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: Anisa Hansen
  • 2024-25: Darla Eastman
  • 2023-24: Jamie Pitlick
  • 2022-23: Sally Haack
  • 2021-22: Sarah Grady
  • 2020-21: Jared Butler
  • 2019-20: Geoff Wall
  • 2018-19: Lynn Kassel
  • 2017-18: Darla Eastman
  • 2016-17: Erik Maki
  • 2015-16: Sarah Grady
  • 2014-15: Geoff Wall
  • 2013-14: Ginelle Bryant
  • 2012-13: Nora Stelter
  • 2011-12: Darla Eastman
  • 2010-11: Andrew Miesner
  • 2009-10: Sheryl Compton
  • 2008-09: Carrie Koenigsfeld
  • 2007-08: Anisa Hansen
  • 2006-07: Sally Haack
  • 2005-06: Geoff Wall
  • 2004-05: Kristin Meyer
  • 2003-04: Carrie Sarvis
  • 2002-03: Sharon Foust
  • 2001-02: Christine Meyers
  • 2000-01: Geoff Wall
  • 1998: Marcia Birkenholz
  • 1997: Tim Cmelik and George Drake
  • 1996: K.C. Coulter, Deb Coulter and Bill Baer
  • 1994: Jill Dimon
  • 1993: Michael Fotis
  • 1992: Sue Horton
  • 1991: Diane Johnson
  • 1990: Charm Russell
  • 1989: Mark Richards
  • 1988: Lawrence Vanheukelom

Mentor of the Year Award

This award recognizes faculty members who have served as role models to students. An exceptional mentor is available to assist students not only in their classes, but beyond in such areas as finding internships, discussing career opportunities, helping with organizational activities, encouraging life-long learning and planning for the future. The interaction between a student and their mentor generally occurs one-on-one and is more relationship-based. This award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: Sarah Grady
  • 2024-25: Wendy Mobley-Bukstein
  • 2023-24: Christine Urish
  • 2022-23: Nate Newman
  • 2021-22: Shankar Munusamy
  • 2020-21: Megan Brady
  • 2019-20: Kim Huey
  • 2018-19: Jill Batten
  • 2017-18: Cheryl Clarke
  • 2016-17: Erin Ulrich
  • 2015-16: Andrea Kjos
  • 2014-15: Jill Batten
  • 2013-14: Brian Gentry
  • 2012-13: Craige Wrenn
  • 2011-12: Linda Krypel
  • 2010-11: Renae Chesnut
  • 2009-10: Geoff Wall
  • 2008-09: Heidi Price
  • 2007-08: Michael Miller
  • 2006-07: Nita Pandit
  • 2005-06: June Johnson
  • 2004-05: Lon Larson
  • 2003-04: Geoff Wall
  • 2002-03: Kimberly Plake
  • 2001-02: Renae Chesnut
  • 2000-01: Darrel Bjomson

CPHS Teacher of the Year Award

Exceptional teachers facilitate learning that goes beyond simply lecturing. CPHS faculty members who receive this award employ unique teaching techniques that are used to encourage student-teacher interaction, are available and accessible outside of the classroom, can form on-on-one relationships with students, answer student questions, and exhibit special abilities to promote student learning. The award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: Ashley Murray
  • 2024-25: Jamie Rognes
  • 2023-24: James Sacco
  • 2022-23: Yolanda Griffiths
  • 2021-22: Alisa Drapeaux
  • 2020-21: Jill Batten
  • 2019-20: Shankar Munusamy
  • 2018-19: Ron Torry
  • 2017-18: Frank Caligiuri
  • 2016-17: Jayna Fischbach
  • 2015-16: Ron Torry
  • 2014-15: James Sacco
  • 2013-14: Abebe Mengesha
  • 2012-13: Heidi Price-Eastman
  • 2011-12: Ron Torry
  • 2010-11: Jennifer Tran
  • 2009-10: Sarah Grady
  • 2008-09: Robert Soltis
  • 2007-08: Ron Torry
  • 2006-07: John Rovers
  • 2005-06: Jane DeWitt
  • 2004-05: Richard Morrow
  • 2003-04: Linda Krypel
  • 2002-03: Ron Torry
  • 2001-02: Lon Larson
  • 2000-01: James Reynolds
  • 1999-00: Lon Larson
  • 1998-99: Julie Suiter
  • 1997-98: Robert Soltis
  • 1996-97: Reza Mehvar
  • 1995-96: James Reynolds
  • 1994-95: James Reynolds
  • 1993-94: James Reynolds
  • 1992-93: Nita Pandit
  • 1991-92: Richard Morrow
  • 1990-91: James Giordano
  • 1989-90: James Reynolds
  • 1988-89: Kathryn Russi

Non-CPHS Teacher of the Year Award

Exceptional teachers facilitate learning that goes beyond simply lecturing. Faculty members who teach outside of CPHS who receive this award employ unique teaching techniques that are used to encourage student-teacher interaction, are available and accessible outside of the classroom, can form on-on-one relationships with students, answer student questions, and exhibit special abilities to promote student learning. The award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: John Gitua
  • 2024-25: Mark Vitha
  • 2022-23: Mark Vitha
  • 2021-22: Mark Vitha
  • 2020-21: Mark Vitha
  • 2019-20: Mark Vitha
  • 2018-19: Heidi Sleister
  • 2017-18: Mark Vitha
  • 2016-17: Matthew Zwier
  • 2010-11: Lisa Gardner
  • 2008-09: John Gitua
  • 2007-08: John Gitua
  • 2006-07: Gholam Mirafzal
  • 2005-06: C. Kenneth Meyer
  • 2004-05: Amy Wisniewski
  • 2003-04: Donald Stratton
  • 2002-03: Wayne Merkley
  • 2001-02: Marie Klugman
  • 2000-01: Donald Stratton
  • 1999-00: James Lindberg
  • 1998-99: Rodney Rogers
  • 1997-98: James Lindberg
  • 1996-97: R. Dean Wright
  • 1995-96: James Lindberg
  • 1994-95: Donald Stratton
  • 1993-94: James Lindberg
  • 1992-93: Donald Stratton
  • 1991-92: James Lindberg
  • 1990-91: Donald Stratton
  • 1989-90: James Lindberg
  • 1988-89: Donald Stratton

Staff Awards

Diversity Catalyst Award

This award celebrates a staff member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership, and innovation in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the campus environment. The award recognizes efforts that foster and welcoming and equitable culture, improve institutional practices, or support underrepresented groups. The award will be presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

Nominees must demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas: 

  1. Institutional advocacy: Leading or participating in efforts that promote inclusive policies or practices within their department or across the campus.
  2. Program development: Designing or implementing initiatives, events, or programs that foster DEI awareness and engagement.
  3. Community building: Supporting efforts that create a sense of belonging for underrepresented or marginalized groups on campus.
  4. Collaboration and leadership: Engaging with campus or external partners to achieve meaningful DEI goals.

  • 2025-26: Katie Akin
  • 2024-25: Sydni Jennings

Outstanding Staff Member of the Year Award

This award was created to recognize the work of one staff member who has gone above and beyond in their work to help the College fulfill its goals and mission. The award will be presented at Health Professions Day each spring.

  • 2025-26: Allyssa Ruths
  • 2024-25: Shelby Nelson
  • 2023-24: Jeannie Nielsen
  • 2022-23: Maggie Fiala

Alumni Awards

Alumni Achievement Awards

These awards will be presented to alumni who have demonstrated excellence in service to the College, in their career, or in their contributions to the community. The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes a young college graduate within the first 10 years of their career. These awards are presented at the CPHS Awards Ceremony each spring.

Graduates of the college who receive these awards have excelled in one or more of the following areas:

1. Service to the College

  • Service on college committees, task forces, boards etc.
  • Precepting students
  • Serving as a mentor for students
  • Classroom contributions
  • Fundraising
  • Financial support

2. Career distinction

  • Documented practice/career innovations
  • Professional association memberships, especially elected office or committee involvement
  • Formal honors/awards
  • Business achievement

3. Recognized civic/community contributions

Experiential Awards

ABSN Preceptor of the Year Award

Recipients of this award are recognized for their outstanding contributions to nursing education. This award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: Emily Klinkenborg

APPE & IPPE Preceptor of the Year Awards

Recipients of this award are recognized for their outstanding contributions to pharmacy education. This award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: Gregory Ramsay
  • 2024-25: Colby Dunn
  • 2023-24: Morkos Salib and Steve Wilkens
  • 2022-23: Talli Smith
  • 2021-22: Lavan Baccam
  • 2020-21: Tracey Campbell
  • 2019-20: Troy Padellford

  • 2025-26: Valerie Koch
  • 2024-25: Jennifer Alexander
  • 2023-24: Andrew Wagner
  • 2022-23: Matthew Korte and Steven Donnelly
  • 2021-22: Jennifer Meurer
  • 2020-21: Jill McCoy
  • 2019-20: DeeAnn Wedemeyer Oleson

Doctoral Capstone Mentor of the Year & Fieldwork Educator of the Year Awards

Recipients of this award are recognized for their outstanding contributions to occupational therapy education. This award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: Liliana Roman-Johnson
  • 2024-25: Chuck Klingsick
  • 2023-24: Danielle Anshus
  • 2022-23: Katy O'Reilly
  • 2021-22: Lisa Jaegers
  • 2020-21: Ashley Adams
  • 2019-20: Amy Dotson

  • 2025-26: Chaz Trujillo
  • 2024-25: Rachel Harada
  • 2023-24: Brittany Skaer
  • 2022-23: Nancy Mack
  • 2021-22: Whitney Peters
  • 2020-21: Matthew Ramsey and Michele Wille
  • 2019-20: Andrea Skellenger and Colleen Auen

Senior Internship Preceptor of the Year Award

Recipients of this award are recognized for their outstanding contributions to health sciences education. This award is presented each spring at Health Professions Day.

  • 2025-26: Gina Cariveau
  • 2024-25: Jeanne Burmeister
  • 2023-24: Ryan Domeyer
  • 2022-23: Kari Lebeda Townsend
  • 2021-22: Emily Madsen
  • 2019-20: Tracey Page