Columbine Health Systems Coordinator Receives Colorado State’s Applied Human Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award

The health systems coordinator for Columbine Health Systems, which encompasses 14 businesses in Northern Colorado, has been selected as the 2005 Honor Alumna for Colorado State University’s College of Applied Human Sciences. Yvonne Myers will receive the award at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner on April 29.

Myers, who earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Colorado State in 1982, also received a certificate in gerontology. Myers has devoted her career to the field of aging, moving up through the ranks to her position as health systems coordinator for Columbine Health Systems, which offers skilled nursing facilities, independent living, assisted living, home care, pharmacy services, medical equipment and supplies, and rehabilitation and therapy services. Myers also has been an active supporter of human development and family studies and social work programs at Colorado State.

"Yvonne Myers has been an exemplary Colorado State University and College of Applied Human Sciences alumna, bringing honor to herself and the university through her professional successes and personal commitments," said April Mason, dean of the College of Applied Human Sciences at Colorado State University.

Myers began her career in 1983 as an activities director for skilled nursing facilities in Colorado and later in California. After returning to Fort Collins, Myers became director of Elderhaus Adult Day Program. She joined Columbine Health Systems as a discharge planner/social services designee at Columbine Care Center West and later obtained a nursing home administrator’s license and became an administrator at New Mercer Commons. She took on her current job in 1998.

Despite her busy career, Myers has taken time to provide her expertise to Colorado State students as an instructor for undergraduate courses on aging. She also has been instrumental in securing a yearly $10,000 contribution from Columbine Health Systems to support graduate and undergraduate scholarships in the College of Applied Human Sciences for students interested in studying gerontology and aging. Gifts from Columbine Health Systems total $40,000 to date. Myers also serves on the Department of Human Development and Family Studies’ External Advisory Board and the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Studies Program External Advisory Board.

Myers also has played a strong role in the community, volunteering with multiple organizations and playing string bass with the Fort Collins Symphony. Her commitments include serving on the Front Range Healthcare Leadership Consortium of the Front Range Community College Foundation, the Community Relations Committee of the Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation and the External Advisory Board of the University of Northern Colorado Nursing School. She also is vice chair of the board for the Education and Life Training Center.

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