Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) held its annual Health Professions Day on February 19, 2026. The event is organized by a student-led committee and engages members of the College in a series of activities that foster professional development. In addition, several awards were presented to students, faculty, staff, and experiential educators. CPHS would like to congratulate these individuals on their achievements and thank them for their dedication to their professions.
Student Awards
Faculty and program directors announced the recipients of several prestigious student awards. Health Sciences student awards were presented by Dr. Jon Hurdelbrink, Associate Professor of Health Sciences. Occupational Therapy student awards were presented by Dr. Leslie Jackson, OT Department Chair/Program Director and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy. Pharmacy and general awards were presented by Dr. Erik Maki, CPHS Dean. The inaugural Nursing awards were presented by Dr. Katie Scott, Nursing Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nursing.
Chris Huynh, a junior health sciences student, received the Outstanding Health Sciences Student Award. Recipients of this award have excelled in their coursework and have been active in University and College professional organizations and activities.
Isaac Cho, a junior health sciences student, received the Health Sciences Student Leadership Award. This award recognizes a health sciences student who has shown leadership in their curricular and co-curricular activities.
Amanda Miller, a second-year occupational therapy doctoral student, received the Occupational Therapy Scholastic Achievement Award. Recipients of this award have excelled in their coursework, performing in the top 25% of their class.
Taylor Bohannon, second-year occupational therapy doctoral student, was awarded the Occupational Therapy Leadership and Professional Development Award. Recipients of this award demonstrate the drive to advance the profession of occupational therapy through leadership opportunities, publications, or involvement in professional presentations.
Lisa Kuriakose, first-year pharmacy student, received the 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.
Lindy Odegard, senior health sciences student, received the Nita Pandit Student Research Award. This award recognizes a student who is involved in hands-on research with a CPHS faculty member.
Stacy Johnson and Hannah Lester, third-year pharmacy students, received the C. Boyd Granberg Student Excellence Award. This alumni-funded award was named for C. Boyd Granberg, former CPHS faculty member and Dean from 1977-1984. In honor of the award’s namesake, this honor recognizes rising fourth-year student pharmacists who have demonstrated leadership in advancing the profession and have had significant involvement in professional organizations.
Jackie Fernandez, third-year pharmacy student, received the Richard Morrow Transformational Student Leadership Award. This alumni-funded award honors Richard Morrow, GR’83, who served as a faculty member from 1972-2010. The award recognizes a student whose transformative work goes above and beyond.
Aspen Ball, nursing student, received the Emerging Nurse Clinician Award. The recipient of this award demonstrates a clear passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to expanding their clinical knowledge.
AJ Jurgens, nursing student, received the Nursing Leadership Award. The recipient of this award consistently demonstrates strong, authentic leadership among peers, professional partners, and across the broader college community.
Gabby Schnathorst, nursing student, received the Heart of a Nurse Award. Recipients of this award exemplify genuine kindness, compassion, and a calm, safe presence in every interaction.
Faculty and Staff Awards
Several awards were presented to faculty and staff members who demonstrated outstanding teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and professional involvement over the past year within their fields. Nominations for the awards are sought from students and colleagues alike from within the college.
CPHS Dean Dr. Erik Maki announced the recipients of the following distinguished awards:
Allyssa Ruths, Director of Experiential Affairs, received the Outstanding Staff Member of the Year Award. This award was created to recognize the work of one individual who has gone above and beyond in their work to help the College fulfill its goals and mission.
Katie Akin, Administrative Assistant II, received the 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.
Lynn Kassel, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, received the 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 College’s Student Governance Association announced the following teaching and mentoring awards. These awards were presented by students who have been impacted by the exceptional leadership of these individuals.
Sarah Grady, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, was named Mentor of the Year. The award was presented by second-year PharmD student Payton Jones.
Anisa Hansen, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, was named Faculty Preceptor of the Year. The award was presented by Health Sciences junior Mayada Alwan.
Ashley Murray, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, was named CPHS Teacher of the Year. The award was presented by second-year OTD student Kayla Jack.
John Gitua, Professor of Chemistry, was named Non-CPHS Teacher of the Year. The award was presented by Health Sciences senior Grace Stegen.
Experiential Awards
Experiential educators were recognized for their outstanding teaching and mentorship to students at their practice sites. Nominations for the awards are sought from students within the college.
Dr. Eliza Dy-Boarman, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs, presented the following experiential education awards:
Athletic Training
Brian Sanders and Kayley Crilly received the Preceptor of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding contribution to athletic training education.
Pharmacy
Valerie Koch received the APPE Preceptor of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to pharmacy education.
Gregory Ramsay received the IPPE Preceptor of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to pharmacy education.
Occupational Therapy
Chaz Trujillo received the Fieldwork Educator of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to occupational therapy education.
Liliana Roman-Johnson received the Doctoral Capstone Mentor of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to occupational therapy education.
Health Sciences
Gina Cariveau received the Senior Internship Preceptor of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to health sciences education.