Citations presented at May 2006 Commencement
Charles
S. HoustonUniversity of Colorado Honorary Doctorate
Internationally renowned physician, scientist, and mountaineer Charles Houston was honored with a University of Colorado Honorary Doctorate primarily for his historic research in high-altitude medicine and physiology. His legendary adventures and scientific contributions framed a whole body of specialized medicine and inspired generations of young physician-researchers.
A graduate of Columbia University Medical School, Houston was a pioneer
of American mountaineering exploration who in the1930s climbed some of the
highest and most remote mountains in North America and South Asia. These experiences,
including leading the first American expedition to the world’s second
highest peak, fostered Houston’s insatiable curiosity about high-altitude
human physiological adaptation and performance. His return to K-2 in 1953
and the dramatic expedition-ending medical emergency and heroic rescue are
chronicled in The Savage Mountain, his classic narrative co-authored with
Robert Bates.While serving as a Navy flight surgeon during and after World War II, Houston conducted groundbreaking research about high-altitude flying without supplemental oxygen, and the advantages of acclimatizing pilots to gradually increasing altitude. This line of inquiry led to Houston’s famous 1946 and 1986 “Operation Everest” projects; they conclusively demonstrated that humans who were gradually acclimatized to a simulated altitude equivalent to the summit of Mount Everest could survive that high without supplemental oxygen. For a decade beginning in 1967, he directed a physiology study based in a Quonset hut at 17,000 feet on Mount Logan in the Canadian arctic and introduced many young scientists to the rewards and challenges of field research at high elevations.
When practicing as an internist in Aspen in 1959, Houston identified and analyzed the first North American case of high altitude pulmonary edema, a potentially fatal condition experienced by some climbers. In the same decade he was extensively involved in the development of the artificial heart. He has authored several books, more than 125 scientific publications and developed an award-winning documentary film. He has founded or been instrumental in developing several educational and research organizations, including the Yosemite Institute, the International Hypoxia Symposia, the Colorado Altitude Research Institute in Keystone, and the University of Colorado Altitude Research Center, (UCARC), previously known as Colorado Center for Altitude Medicine and Physiology (CCAMP).
In the 1960s, Houston directed the first Peace Corps program in India and introduced projects in nursing, farming, construction, and language instruction. He also designed a plan for eradicating smallpox. In this, as in all his endeavors, his enthusiasm and empathy attracted talented and devoted colleagues. His accomplishments have been widely celebrated, and his many honors include the King Albert Medal of Merit, received in 1996 from the King Albert I Memorial Foundation for his contributions to mountain medicine.
In summary, Charles Houston is an uncommon man who has significantly impacted medicine and many people over many decades through inspired, humanitarian and creative leadership in research, practice and teaching. The Board of Regents is proud to confer the Doctor of Science, honoris causa, upon Charles S. Houston.
Douglas L. PolsonUniversity of Colorado Distinguished Service Award
Douglas Polson’s many years of business experience in the private sector and his acute knowledge of sophisticated financial matters have served the University of Colorado Denver Center well during his tenure on the University of Colorado Hospital board of directors. Since 1995 he has contributed his time and expertise to a variety of important board activities while serving on the executive and executive compensation committees. Most importantly, he has chaired the audit and finance committee and has overseen the hospital’s multi-million dollar bond transactions, debt swaps, and investment decisions.
| ALSO - The President’s Excellence in Teaching Awards went to Daniel E. Wilson, DDS, CU School of Dentistry; Brian G. Dwinnell, MD, CU School of Medicine; Tammy Spencer, RN, MS, CU School of Nursing; and Joseph J. Saseen, PharmD, CU School of Pharmacy; The Chancellor’s Teaching Recognition Awards went to Craig Passon, DDS, CU School of Dentistry; Robin L. Michaels, PhD, CU School of Medicine; James G. Sampson, ND, CU School of Nursing; David C. Thompson, PhD, CU School of Pharmacy; and Cathy J. Thompson, PhD, UCD Graduate School. |
The hospital’s Fitzsimons initiative has required extensive financial modeling and interaction with investment bankers, bond insurers, and prospective investors and donors. Mr. Polson has aptly guided the hospital through this complex financial environment, and
the hospital’s board of directors has relied on his financial acumen in weighing the risks and rewards associated with state-of-the-art financial products and structures. One colleague writes, “No stronger statement can be made about his commitment to the mission of University of Colorado Hospital than the extent to which he has been willing to serve as a conduit to prospective donors.” He was instrumental in bringing the hospital’s vision of a new campus to the attention of Phillip Anschutz, whose Anschutz Foundation then supported the creation of the Anschutz Centers for Advanced Medicine.
Polson has been central to the success of University of Colorado Hospital in its transformation into a pace-setting care center with world-class programs and facilities that benefit patients and all citizens of Colorado through improved clinical care, a better teaching environment, and additional research opportunities.
For his wisdom and profound commitment to the financial development and health of this institution, the Board of Regents present Douglas L. Polson with the University of Colorado Distinguished Service Award.
Joyce CashmanUniversity of Colorado Medal
Joyce Cashman’s distinguished service to the University of Colorado Hospital spans 16 years in a variety of increasingly important roles. Most recently, she served as interim president and CEO while continuing as full-time executive vice president – an impressive achievement that exemplifies her abiding commitment to the hospital and the mission of UCD.
Cashman earned master’s degrees in nursing and health administration
at the University of Colorado, and in 1989 she joined the hospital
as vice president of patient services. She was extensively involved
in two major reorganizations that transitioned the hospital from
a state facility to its current public authority status. She played
an essential role in building and maintaining the nurses’ confidence
in the new organization and helped them transition twice into new
personnel and retirement systems. Cashman has been the prime mover of unique programs of disease management models and effective utilization of allied health professionals in inpatient and ambulatory settings. These initiatives include an “Integrative Medicine Program,” combining well-proven methods of alternative care and mainstream medical practice, the development of a strong palliative care program to assist terminally ill patients and their families, and the innovative use of telemedicine to assist patients with severe chronic lung diseases in their home settings.
As executive vice president, Cashman has been instrumental in changing the hospital’s culture on how services are provided to patients and has instilled outstanding customer service as the norm for all employees. Under her guidance, University of Colorado Hospital has achieved “Magnet Hospital” status (one of only two in Colorado), an award that recognizes excellence in nursing care and is limited to180 hospitals nationwide.
A most influential member of the hospital’s senior management team and board of directors, Cashman has been highly successful in creating and nurturing collaborative relationships across hospital departments and between the hospital and the schools of medicine and nursing. In her role as primary liaison to UCD faculty care providers, she has exhibited a unique mix of patience, perseverance, foresight, and interactive skills that have earned widespread admiration for her. She continues to play an integral role in the transition to Fitzsimons, and she daily addresses the challenges of providing nursing, faculty, and resident coverage at two hospitals.
For her achievements as an outstanding leader who understands the complex dynamics of a teaching hospital and has worked tirelessly for the highest standards of patient care and employee working conditions, the Board of Regents recognize Joyce Cashman with the University of Colorado Medal.
Rick B. ForsmanJoseph Addison Sewall Award
In his 20-year career at UCD, Rick Forsman has epitomized the values embodied in the Sewall Award. Since he became director of Denison Memorial Library in 1992, he has transformed a traditional collection of medical information into a highly valued resource that sets the standard in the world of academic health sciences libraries.
Denison Library is by all accounts one of the finest libraries of its kind. With great skill and insight, Forsman carried out significant renovations in response to the rapidly growing needs of faculty and students for advanced information access, management, and support. Along the way, he has created a forward-thinking organization that values strategic planning, team work, thoughtful use of limited resources, and a culture of excellence in customer service and technological innovation.
Perhaps Forsman’s most impressive contribution is his design for a state-of- the-art biomedical library facility at the Fitzsimons campus. Scheduled to “go live” in early 2008, this 113,000-square-foot facility is a model bioscience informatics library for the nation. It will feature an “Information Commons,” combining the latest in research and learning technology, including video streaming, wireless computing, and instant access to specialized information databases.
Forsman has been instrumental in fostering creative cooperation and resource development among the five library directors in the CU system. They have obtained large grants and negotiated successfully for shared journal acquisitions. His vision and leadership also led to the construction of the Preservation and Access Service Center for Colorado Academic Libraries (PASCAL), a model facility at Fitzsimons for the preservation of health professions materials.
Forsman earned master’s degrees in public administration at CU and in library science at Case Western Reserve. He has authored numerous papers and presentations, and he is a highly-respected leader in his profession nationally and internationally. He has served as president of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries, and in 2004 he was honored by the Medical Library Association as the recipient of the Janet Doe Award and Lectureship, one of the highest accolades presented by the library community to noted members. For his many accomplishments, he was selected as a fellow in both the Academy of Health Information Professionals and the Medical Library Association.
To his considerable talents in information management, Forsman adds wisdom, a keen wit, and generosity of spirit. His contributions to the UCD campuses, the University of Colorado, and the community at large will stand as a testament to his vision, energy, and commitment for years to come. For this and more he is a most deserving recipient of the Joseph Addison Sewall Award.
Donald W. HoaglandFlorence Rena Sabin Award
In the spirit of Dr. Florence Sabin, Donald Hoagland exemplifies the best of those outside UCD who have contributed substantially to our state’s public health mission. The "Sabin Health Laws" modernized Colorado’s public health system and led to the 1946 recommendation of the American Public Health Association to form a school of public health here. Sixty years later such a school is close to reality because of the leadership and sustained efforts of champions such as Donald Hoagland.
Hoagland received his law degree from Columbia University in 1948 and served as managing partner for many years in the Denver law firm of Davis, Graham, and Stubbs until his retirement in 1987. For more than 20 years, he has tirelessly devoted himself to advocacy for public health and welfare. He served as co-chair of Gov. Roy Romer’s panel of health advisors, and was project director for the book, Reconstructing the Nation's Health Care System. He was a key member of the Blue Ribbon Panel on the Future of Public Health, which in 1989 again advanced the idea of a state school of public health. Since then, Hoagland has been an active force in its realization, and he currently serves on the steering and development committees of the initiative to establish a collaborative school to meet the public health training, research, and community needs of the Rocky Mountain region.
Hoagland’s concerns and volunteer activities are legion, including providing free legal aid to needy citizens over many years. He was the founding board chairman of the Caring for Colorado Foundation and directed its philanthropy toward improving the health of Colorado’s citizens. He created The Colorado Foundation for Public Health and the Environment and served as board chairman of the Metropolitan Denver Providers Network and of Metronet – both dedicated to meeting the health and social needs of Denver’s medically indigent. He devoted time and leadership to many organizations, including the Legal Aid Society, Legal Aid Foundation, the Urban League, the Denver Art Museum, and Denver Red Cross.
Hoagland was for 13 years a member of National Jewish Hospital’s bioethics committee. At the University of Colorado Denver he was the first executive director of the Center for Health Ethics and Policy in the Graduate School of Public Affairs. While there, he helped organize the Colorado Commission on Life and the Law, the Health Policy Council, and the Heart Consortium.
Hoagland’s constant effectiveness and gentle authority command deep respect, as do his many compelling ideas about public health policy. For his abiding passion, strong sense of community, leadership, and vision of a better health system, Donald Hoagland is an ideal recipient of the Florence Rena Sabin Award.
Nancy ToddHealth Sciences Campuses Alumni Legislative Recognition Award
Defending educational issues comes naturally to Colorado Rep. Nancy Todd, D-Arapahoe and Denver counties (State House District 41). This ardent supporter of the Fitzsimons campus project dedicated 24 years of her career in the classrooms of the Cherry Creek School District before her election to the state legislature in 2004.
Once in office and as a member of the education committee, Rep. Todd quickly became a strong and enthusiastic supporter of the University of Colorado, University of Colorado Hospital, and the UCD campuses’ health professions. This year, she sponsored and successfully shepherded through the Colorado General Assembly several key pieces of legislation and budget initiatives for UCD. She introduced the bill that allows matriculating out-of-state medical students to average their tuition payments over all years of their attendance instead of having to apply for high-interest loans to pay for high, non-resident tuition in their first year.
As a dedicated educator, Todd pursued advanced training, working for and receiving a master’s degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado in1991. Her dedication to education did not stop there. Her community volunteer service is extensive and includes membership in Families First, serving as literacy chairman for the National Board of American Mothers, and advocacy on behalf of I-Safe, a federal program devoted to protecting children on the Internet. She coordinated the speakers for the Veterans Day Assembly and Holocaust Speakers event, and she embraced community service projects sponsored by the International Foundation of Hope to Afghanistan and Operation Christmas Child in Mexico. She also assisted in the development of CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), an important family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large, non-English-speaking populations.
In 2003, Todd was honored as Colorado Patriot Educator of the Year by American Legion Post No. 1 and as Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. Along with her dedication to the legislature’s education committee she brings the same commitment to service on the body’s state, veterans, and military affairs committee.
In recognition of her service to the community, her resolve in finding solutions to tough problems affecting Colorado and higher education, and especially for her tireless advocacy on behalf of UCD and its programs, The Honorable Nancy Todd is presented with the HSC Alumni Legislative Recognition Award.
Edward J. TauerChancellor’s Special Recognition Award
Aurora Mayor Edward Tauer is a great friend and strong supporter of the University of Colorado Denver. His significant contributions to furthering the mission of the university at the new Fitzsimons campus are especially appreciated and greatly valued.
Prior to his election as mayor and as a member of the Aurora City Council and mayor pro tem, Mayor Tauer was a leader in advocating for the $202 million in certificates of participation (COPs) passed by the Colorado Legislature and signed by the governor. These COPs are providing the capital funds needed for constructing the education and faculty office facilities and biomedical library at the Fitzsimons campus. As mayor, he has played a vital role in creating modernized transportation infrastructure for the Fitzsimons campus, including the newly opened Sand Creek Parkway and plans for widening Interstate 225 and the Colfax Avenue interchange at I-225.
In his role as chair of the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority, Tauer has been the energizing force in negotiations with the Veterans Administration to facilitate its possible relocation to Fitzsimons. His leadership also is reflected in a new vision for the Colorado Bioscience Park Aurora at Fitzsimons – one that includes acceleration and privatization of the land development and the creation of an environment that will assist the commercialization of intellectual property created by UCD faculty. Mayor Tauer has urged the Colorado Legislature to pass a measure to provide needed funds for CU faculty proof-of-concept projects so that bioscience company growth can be accelerated.
Through his board position on the Aurora Economic Development Council, Tauer has mobilized the regional business community to support UCD. He is working to obtain needed general fund support so that the appropriate investments can be made to enhance the economic welfare of Colorado and the health of the state’s residents.
Tauer earned his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Colorado and worked for 15 years as a marketing and product development professional in the software and telecommunications industry before his election in 2003. As mayor he has made it a priority to seek out opportunities to serve as a leader in regional cooperative ventures and partnerships. His enthusiastic support of the university and bioscience at Fitzsimons is a notable example of that commitment to productive growth is recognized with the Chancellor’s Special Recognition Award.
Mark A. EarnestThomas Jefferson Award
Mark Earnest, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at the CU School of Medicine, is recognized for his advocacy on behalf of the medically underserved and of Amendment 35, a tax on tobacco to fund health care expansion; for his efforts to broaden the medical school curriculum to include attention to the intersection between health care, humanities and society; and moreover for his undying faith that positive change can be brought about through an ethically grounded, socially responsible, civically engaged medical profession.
This award will be presented during an upcoming CU Board of Regents meeting.
