CPS Awards

Pharmacist of the Year Award

Presented to a licensed pharmacist practicing in Colorado who has demonstrated dedication to the profession of pharmacy, contributed time and effort to Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS), furthered the profession of pharmacy through community service and embodied those qualities of attitude and leadership which exemplify the profession. It should be noted that this is the highest award of the Association and should be only given to someone who has outstanding and lasting contributions to the profession that will endure for a long period. The nominee must be a current member of CPS. 

Student Pharmacist of the Year Award

This award recognizes an outstanding student who has shown dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy, especially as it is practiced in Colorado. This dedication may be demonstrated through activities related to Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS), but may also include involvement in other pharmacy organizations, volunteer activities, and legislative advocacy. The award recipient will have taken on leadership roles and encouraged fellow students to advocate for the pharmacy profession. Must be a current active P1 to P4 student at a Colorado school of pharmacy and in good academic standing. The nominee must be a current member of CPS.

Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award

This award recognizes an outstanding pharmacy technician who has shown dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy, especially as it is practiced in Colorado. This dedication may be demonstrated through activities related to Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS), but may also include involvement in other pharmacy organizations, volunteer activities, and legislative advocacy. The award recipient will have taken on leadership roles and encouraged fellow technicians to advocate for the pharmacy profession. The nominee must be a current member of CPS. 

Excellence in Innovation Award (new in 2025!)

This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exemplary innovation related to the practice of pharmacy and/or in healthcare. Nominees can be pharmacists or non-pharmacists and must be active members of the Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS). Their innovative contributions should reflect a forward-thinking approach that directly or indirectly improves health outcomes, public health, pharmacy practice, or professional development. Contributions may include the development or implementation of novel services, care models, technologies, collaborative practices, educational initiatives, or operational improvements that advance the profession and enhance patient care. This award celebrates the creativity and commitment of members who are reimagining the future of pharmacy to better meet the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system. 

Friend of Pharmacy Legislator Award

Presented in recognition of a legislative champion who promotes, develops and advances the profession of pharmacy.

CPS Guardian Angel Award 

Presented in recognition and admiration of continuous support of CPS and its volunteers. 

Champion of Pharmacy Lifetime Achievement Award

A CPS award, given only at the discretion of the Board of Directors, to individuals who have shown a substantial and sustained commitment and contribution to both the profession of pharmacy and the Colorado Pharmacists Society. 

Appreciation Award

A CPS award, given only at the discretion of the Board of Directors, to individuals who have gone above and beyond in some capacity to further the Mission of the Colorado Pharmacists Society. 

Externally Sponsored Awards

Bowl of Hygeia Community Service Award
Sponsored by the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)

This award is given in recognition of an individual association member who has made considerable contributions in terms of community service which may include involvement in governmental activities separate from, or in addition to, his or her job. The recipient must be a licensed pharmacist practicing in Colorado and a member of the Association. The recipient must be living. Awards are not presented posthumously. The recipient has not been a previous recipient of the award. The recipient is not currently serving nor has he/she served within the immediate past two years as an officer of the Association in other than an ex-officio capacity. The recipient has compiled an outstanding record of community service, which, apart from his/her specific identification as a pharmacist, reflects well on the profession. 

Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award

Sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual

This award honors an early-career pharmacist who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and/or service to the profession. The recipient will have made a measurable impact on pharmacy practice and shown a clear commitment to advancing the profession. At the time of nomination, the recipient must have received their pharmacy degree within the past 10 years, hold an active pharmacist license in Colorado, and be an active member of the Colorado Pharmacists Society. Nominees will be evaluated based on their involvement in CPS, leadership, advocacy for the profession, and community service. 

ASHP Leadership Award

Sponsored by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

This award is presented annually to the Chair of the CPS Academy of Health-System Pharmacists for exceptional leadership and service during their term.

McKesson Leadership Award

Sponsored by McKesson

This award is presented annually to the incoming President of state pharmacy associations in recognition of their commitment to leadership and service.

NCPA Leadership Award

Sponsored by the National Community Pharmacists Association

This is a historic award that the National Community Pharmacy Association gives each year to the incoming President of state associations. It is meant to help raise the awareness of independent pharmacy practice and help support the issues of independent pharmacy.