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Distinguished Alumna Recognized for Role in Nurse Practitioner Program
AURORA, Colo. (Oct. 10, 2005) — A University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center graduate credited with promoting a pioneering nurse practitioner program founded at the university in 1965 is being recognized this year as the nursing school's distinguished alumna. The nod comes as the UCDHSC School of Nursing celebrates the 40th anniversary of its nurse practitioner program, the first of its kind in the nation.
The nursing school's alumni association has awarded its 2005 Distinguished Alumna Award to Denise Geolot, PhD, RN, FAAN.
Geolot, director of the nursing division at the Health Resources and Services Administration in Rockville, Md., played an early leadership role in the promotion of nurse practitioner and nurse midwife education programs at the national level. She also is credited with starting an early acute care emergency trauma nurse practitioner program at the University of Virginia. In 1971, Geolot obtained a master's degree from the UCDHSC School of Nursing.
"Dr. Geolot's nursing work has been exemplary. Throughout her distinguished career she has tirelessly advanced the concept of the nurse practitioner, and has set a gold standard for legions of young people who hope to follow in her footsteps," said Patricia Moritz, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the nursing school.
The award coincides with celebrations and events this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the nursing school's nurse practitioner program, founded as the nation's first in 1965. During a Nov. 14 reception, the UCDHSC schools of nursing and medicine will mark the anniversary.
"Nurse practitioner education programs as the country knows them today exist in large part because of the excellent standards set by the CU School of Nursing way back in 1965," Moritz said. "This year, we mark not only the program's anniversary, but the vision of early supporters who believed that great health care could not be delivered without the commitment and dedication of nurses."
Also being recognized this year for their contributions to the nursing profession and the UCDHSC School of Nursing are Ramey Johnson, RN, MS, and LaFawn Biddle.
Johnson, a former state legislator, received a master's degree from the nursing school in 1993. The school's alumni association has conferred upon her its Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her contributions as a lawmaker, and for 20 years of outstanding service as a health care professional.
Biddle is being recognized this year for her support of the school's baccalaureate and graduate nursing education programs. She is a member of Friends of Nursing, a group that raises funds for nursing scholarships. The alumni association said Biddle has always been at the heart of fund-raising efforts and has "graciously and effectively" guided efforts around the state, giving unsparingly of her time and energy.
The University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center is one of three campuses in the University of Colorado system. Located in Denver and Aurora, Colo., the center includes schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry, a graduate school and a teaching hospital. For more information, visit the Web site at www.uchsc.edu.