At the close of each academic year, the CU Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences recognizes faculty and staff who have shown excellence in their work. These awards honor their contributions to science, education, service, mentorship, and lifetime achievement, and reflect the collective impact of a community committed to advancing pharmacy and improving patient care.
Ralph Altiere, PhD, Professor and Dean Emeritus, received the Distinguished Coloradan Award, the School's highest recognition of lifetime achievement. Dr. Altiere joined the school in 1987 as a researcher and educator, later serving as associate dean for academic affairs and, beginning in 2006, as dean, where he led the move to the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, secured transformational support from the ALSAM Foundation for the school’s building, and established a multi-million dollar research endowment. During his tenure as one of the school’s longest-serving deans, CU Pharmacy grew significantly in stature and program offerings, ranking #20 nationally by U.S. News & World Report and in the top 15% for NIH funding. An international leader in pharmacy education, Dr. Altiere has held numerous leadership roles with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), including in the Academic Pharmacy Section and FIP Education, and contributed to global initiatives that continue to shape the future of the pharmacy workforce.
Christina Aquilante, PharmD, Professor, received the Innovations in Science Award, which celebrates innovative discovery in basic and/or clinical sciences. Dr. Aquilante is a leading innovator in applying patient genomic data to guide therapeutic decisions and improve health outcomes, leveraging advanced systems to translate basic science into clinical practice and reduce adverse events. Over the past year, her leadership has propelled the PGx Program past 1 million pharmacogenomic results in the electronic health record and more than 100,000 biobank participants with PGx data. The program has also expanded GI Oncology services across the UCHealth system and launched a new Breast Cancer initiative in February 2026.
Tarah Buckner, Office of Student Services Business Coordinator, is the winner of this year's Staff Recognition and Appreciation Award. This award honors staff members who consistently go above and beyond in their roles, embody the values of CU Pharmacy, and contribute significantly to the School's collective success. Buckner started with the School in March 2025. She is a trusted partner in bringing student programs and events to life, coordinating logistics, streamlining processes, and collaborating across teams to ensure seamless execution. Her work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across the School and in the student experience.
Doug Fish, PharmD, Professor Emeritus, was awarded the Excellence in Pharmacy Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, have advanced the profession of pharmacy, and improved the health and welfare of society. Dr. Fish has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing pharmacy practice, education, and leadership, most notably through his transformative work at UCHealth, where he has developed innovative models of pharmacist-led care that improve patient outcomes and elevate the role of pharmacists within interprofessional teams. A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Fish has trained and inspired generations of students, residents, and early-career practitioners, many of whom now serve in leadership roles, while remaining deeply engaged in residency training and the School of Pharmacy. Through his service and leadership at the state and national levels, he has helped shape policy, practice advancement, and professional standards, leaving a lasting impact on pharmacy in Colorado and beyond.
Ben Hill, PharmD, Clinical Assistant Professor, was named the CU Anschutz School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine Clinician of the Year. Award winners must have maintained a sustained clinical presence within the Department of Family Medicine for a minimum of three years and no more than eight years, with a demonstrated and ongoing significant impact in active clinical practice. Dr. Hill was selected from a competitive pool of nominees that included physicians, advanced practice providers, behavioral health clinicians, and pharmacists.
Meghan Jeffres, PharmD, Associate Professor, received the Chancellor's Teaching Recognition Award, which recognizes and rewards outstanding teaching and commitment to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. This award is chosen by members of the classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029. Dr. Jeffres practice site is the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH), where she precepts students and residents on Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infectious Diseases consult rotations, while actively contributing to the UCH Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee. In this role, she has led impactful initiatives including the “cefazolin for all” surgical site infection prophylaxis protocol and the revision of Gram-positive treatment pathways to liberalize use of linezolid and daptomycin. Dr. Jeffres is also deeply engaged in professional service, serving in leadership roles with organizations such as the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists and MAD-ID, co-founding the Infectious Diseases Educator Network, and frequently presenting nationally and locally on topics including antibiotic resistance, allergies, and innovative teaching strategies.
Susan Kepner, Program Director of PharmD Education, was awarded the inaugural Kepner Longevity Award. This award was developed by CU Pharmacy Staff Collective to recognize staff members who have dedicated 20 or more years of service to the School, and honors its first recipient. Kepner has devoted a remarkable 26 years to CU Pharmacy, and retires at the end of this academic year.
Brian Murray, PharmD, Assistant Professor, received the President's Excellence in Teaching Award, an acknowledgement of a faculty member's outstanding, innovative, and inspirational contributions to the student's professional development. This award is chosen by the graduating class of 2026. Dr. Murray is part of the CU Pharmacy Critical Care faculty team, with a practice site in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. He has a secondary appointment in the CU Anschutz School of Medicine, Department of Bioinformatics.
Robert Page, PharmD, Professor, received the Faculty Member of Distinction Award, which recognizes a full-time faculty member who demonstrates distinctive traits that make them an outstanding role model for peers and students. A highly sought-after educator and dedicated mentor, Dr. Page translates complex cardiovascular and critical care pharmacotherapy into meaningful learning experiences while building a nationally and internationally recognized program in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and integrative medicine, marked by high-impact publications, guideline contributions, and invited presentations that have advanced clinical practice. Through distinguished service and leadership at both the national level and within the School, Dr. Page fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professionalism, leaving a lasting impact on learners, colleagues, and the future of the pharmacy profession.
Header image: Dean Brian Tsuji, PharmD, leads CU Pharmacy in congratulating Susan Kepner for her years of service and as the inaugural recipient of the Kepner Longevity Award.