2024 Crimson Gala celebrates impact of Coug community

PharmD class of 2013

Erik has distinguished himself through his collaborative leadership, dedication to the pharmacy profession, and commitment to the communities his pharmacies serve. Along with serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council, Erik also owns several pharmacies that are part of the Cascadia Pharmacy Group, one of the largest independent pharmacy chains in the Pacific Northwest. He acquired Sixth Avenue Pharmacy shortly after graduating in 2013 and has been unstoppable since.

PhD class of 2021

During her time at the college Ruby set herself apart with her research excellence and dedication to the Cougar community. Since her graduation she has continued to take her profession by storm and currently serves as the Associate Director of the Histocompatability Lab at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona which supports immunology testing for bone marrow and organ transplants at the highest-volume transplant centers in the United States. Before that she was at Northwestern University as a Director in Training at the Feinberg School of Medicine.

PharmD class of 2020

Kylee is currently a pharmacist at Fred Meyer and an inpatient pharmacist at North Canyon Medical Center. She was recently recognized for saving a patient’s life. While counseling a patient on her medication, Kylee recognized something seemed off with the patient. Using the suicide awareness and prevention training she received in the college, Kylee learned that this patient was planning to go home and end her life. Kylee provided mental health resources and followed up with the patient to ensure her well being.

PharmD class of 2022

Kellyan currently works as an inpatient clinical pharmacist at Hawaii Pacific Health – Straub Benioff Medical Center. She is committed to ensuring that all people regardless of their race or background has access to essential, basic care and are well-educated on managing their outcomes. In her free time, she volunteers at free clinics for Oahu’s homeless communities.

Class of 1989
Kaiser Permanente Riverfront Medical Center*

*Nominated alongside Jim Ruster

A quote from Chris Altman’s nomination: “Both Chris Altman and Jim Ruster deserve to be nominated for the preceptor of the year. They both have amazing teaching, communication, and professionalism skills. Both are very approachable and super organized. They really care about students and their success. I highly recommend these amazing preceptors and this rotation.”

Class of 2009
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center

A quote from Katie Kijima’s nomination: “Katie is a great preceptor who was able to provide significant emotional and educational support. She often checked in with us students to ensure that we were thriving while receiving an educational experience that was beneficial to us. She provided many different shadowing opportunities to increase exposure to different disease states and medications that are indicated. Katie is intelligent, engaging, supportive, and overall a wonderful person and preceptor. I truly believe that she deserves to be Preceptor of the Year.”

HealthPoint Community Health Care Center

A quote from Jonathan Phung’s nomination: “I nominate Jonathan Phung for Preceptor of the Year due to their unwavering commitment to fostering student development, exemplary teaching skills, and exceptional clinical expertise, creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that inspires success and growth.”

Class of 1992
Kaiser Permanente Riverfront Medical Center*

*Nominated alongside Chris Altman

A quote from Jim Ruster’s nomination “Chris Altman and Jim Ruster are both great preceptors! They take time out of their work schedule to converse with me about various topics regarding pharmacy and life in general. They always provide valuable feedback and ask clinical questions as they arise. I couldn’t recommend a better rotation site!”

Class of 2009
MultiCare Yakima Memorial, North Star Lodge

A quote from Scott Van Horn’s nomination: “Dr. Van Horn is the most optimistic, intelligent preceptor I have ever had. He encourages everyone to be the best version of themselves and professional. He pushes each student to get out of the rotation what they want, he appreciates each person for their strengths. He is a leader I look up to and strive to be one day.”