Celebrating College Excellence 2026

Drexler Yesiki, Seaonna Piper, Gillian Freeby, and Matthew Hohenwalter pose with their Health Sciences Excellence Awards
Doctor of Pharmacy student awardees pose with their WSU Health Sciences Excellence Awards

Across Washington State University (WSU) spring is a time to recognize those who go above and beyond, making an impact in their programs, the university, and their communities. Along with the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) awards, students, faculty and staff are also recognized by the WSU Spokane campus. It is with great pride the college announces the following CPPS faculty, staff, and student student awards as well as WSU Health Sciences Excellence Awards received by CPPS students, faculty, and staff.

CPPS Student Awards

CPPS student awards are selected by faculty and staff, recognizing students who have shown a commitment to academic performance, leadership, scholarship, service and professionalism. This year’s recipients received their awards during our recent Celebrating Excellence and Generosity events in Yakima and Spokane. Graduating Doctor of Pharmacy students will receive their awards separately during commencement week celebrations in May.

M. Ridge Call with Graduate Student Excellence Award

Graduate Student of the Year

M. Ridge Call, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Medicine Graduate Student
Brendan Wayuono with Rising Star Award

Rising Star

Brendan Wayuono, class of 2029 Doctor of Pharmacy student
Payton Bouwhuis with Excellence in Patient Care and Outreach Award

Excellence in Patient Care and Outreach

Payton Bouwhuis, class of 2028 Doctor of Pharmacy student
Ashley Scott receiving Excellence in Research and Scholarship award from Interim Dean Julie Akers

Excellence in Research and Scholarship

Ashley Scott, class of 2027 Doctor of Pharmacy student
Gillian Freeby with Excellence in Leadership Award

Excellence in Leadership

Gillian Freeby, class of 2028 Doctor of Pharmacy student

United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy

The United States Public Health Service received nominations from across the country of students who demonstrate a strong commitment to public health.

Karina Jimenez receiving U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy award from Interim Dean Julie Akers
Karina Jimenez, class of 2027 Doctor of Pharmacy student

CPPS Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards

The Faculty Excellence Award recognizes two faculty members each year who has exhibited excellence in teaching, scholarship/research, or service, contributions to the community, and has been exemplary in their achievements and performance.

Nicole Rodin with Faculty Excellence Award

Faculty Excellence Award

Nicole Rodin, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacotherapy
Damianne Brand receiving Faculty Excellence Award from Interim Dean Julie Akers

Faculty Excellence Award

Damianne Brand, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacotherapy

CPPS Staff Excellence Award

The Staff Excellence Award recognizes staff who exhibit exceptional work, foster an atmosphere of trust and respect, and serve as effective ambassadors for the college.

Courtney Bilodeaux with Staff Excellence Award

Operations Staff Excellence

Courtney Bilodeaux, Graduate Program Coordinator
Chelsey Loudon receiving staff excellence award from Interim Dean Julie Akers

Operations Staff Excellence

Chelsey Loudon, Office Assistant
Portrait of Anjie Bertramson

Supervisor/Director Staff Excellence

Anjie Bertramson, Director of Experiential Services

Health Sciences Excellence Awards

The WSU Health Sciences Excellence Awards honor and celebrate students, faculty, and staff who contribute to the betterment of their disciplines, their community, and WSU.

The awards were presented by WSU Provost Chris Riley-Tillman during an in-person ceremony in April. The college is pleased to celebrate the following CPPS awardees.

Student Awards

Gillian Freeby holding her Health Sciences Student Leadership Award alongside Interim Dean Julie Akers, Professor Jennifer Robison, Academic and Student Success Advisor Hannah Green, and Provost Chris Riley-Tillman

Student Leadership Award

Gillian Freeby, Doctor of Pharmacy student
Drexler Yesiki holding Health Sciences Student Leadership Award alongside Provost Chris Riley-Tillman, Academic and Student Success Advisor Hannah Green, and Interim Dean Julie Akers

Student Leadership Award

Drexler Yesiki, Doctor of Pharmacy student
Seaonna Piper holding Health Sciences Student Leadership Award alongside Provost Chris Riley-Tillman, Academic and Student Success Advisor Hannah Green, and Interim Dean Julie Akers

Student Leadership Award

Seaonna Piper, Doctor of Pharmacy student
Matthew Hohenwalter holding Health Sciences Student Legacy Award alongside Interim Dean Julie Akers, Academic and Student Success Advisor Hannah Green, and Provost Chris Riley-Tillman

Student Legacy Award

Matthew Hohenwalter, Doctor of Pharmacy student