At CU Pharmacy, mentorship isn’t just a part of the curriculum—it’s the heart of it. That spirit was on full display during the 2025 Annual Preceptor Awards. Each year, this event honors the incredible pharmacy professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to mentor students through clinical rotations. These preceptors are more than teachers, they’re role models, with a passion to help guide the next generation of pharmacists.
The awards ceremony brought together faculty, alumni, and honorees for an evening of gratitude and celebration.
From the first semester of the PharmD program, students begin clinical experiences that are shaped by the mentorship of these dedicated pharmacy professionals. The Annual Preceptor Awards shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to make those experiences meaningful.
Dana Hammer, PhD, Co- Curriculum Faculty Lead kicked off the event with the Co-Curriculum awards; a set of service learning, professional activities and experiences designed to complement the PharmD program and help students become more knowledgeable and skilled pharmacists on their path to graduation.
- Co-Curricular Partnership: Megan Claydon, Principal and Maria Saavedra, Administrative Assistant; Parklane Elementary School
- Co-Curricular Preceptor: Suegie Park, PharmD; Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice (CAHEP)
- Co-Curricular Mentor: Julia Rawlings, PharmD; [Colorado] Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) Contracts and Partnerships
This year’s Preceptor awards recognized excellence across several categories, honored by Assistant Dean for Experiential Programs, Kimberly Stultz, PharmD:
- Ambulatory Care Pharmacy: Lida Bighash, PharmD; Denver Health Hematology/Oncology Clinic
- Faculty Preceptor: Brian Murray, PharmD; UCH Medical Intensive Care Unit
- OEP Partnership: Bryn Loutzenhiser, PharmD, and Torel Patel, PharmD; UCH Internal Medicine
- Colorado Commitment Pharmacy: Wes Hunter, MA, RPh; UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center
- Community Pharmacy: Kyle Evans, PharmD; Costco Pharmacy
- Health System Pharmacy: Dominique Minjarez, PharmD; UCH Medicine Specialties/Internal Medicine
- Global Preceptor: Noor Mikhail, PharmD; Family Pharmacy Center
- Outstanding Preceptor: Vannak Taing, PharmD; Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach
Whether it was through patient care, professional development, or simply being a steady source of encouragement, these preceptors left a lasting impression.
As pharmacy continues to evolve, the role of preceptors becomes even more critical. They help students navigate new challenges, embrace innovation, and stay grounded in patient-centered care.
See all event photos here.
