Alumni Andrew Russell and Kristel Geyer are recognized for their outstanding contributions to patient care, innovation and the profession of pharmacy.
From community pharmacies in small-town Minnesota to the world-class medical facilities of Cleveland, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy alumni are making their mark. This fall, two graduates were recognized by major pharmacy organizations for their leadership, innovation and commitment to patient-centered care.
Andrew Russell (’14), PharmD, received the Excellence in Innovation Award from the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, and Kristel Geyer (’14), PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, will be honored nationally with the Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Innovating for small-town care
At this year’s annual meeting of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, alumnus Andrew Russell received the organization’s Excellence in Innovation Award, a statewide honor recognizing “excellence in innovative pharmacy practice resulting in improved patient care.”
Russell, co-owner of Elko New Market Family Pharmacy, was celebrated for his forward-thinking approach to community pharmacy and his dedication to improving access to care in small towns. His work exemplifies Concordia’s mission—combining professional excellence with compassionate service to others.
Reflecting on his time at CUW, Russell credits his interest in advocacy to Curt Gielow, then executive dean of CUW’s School of Pharmacy, and his elective class, Practical Politics in Pharmacy Practice. He also found his Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) at the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin to be highly beneficial.
This recognition adds to Russell’s growing legacy as a leader in independent pharmacy. When he first opened Elko New Market Family Pharmacy in 2020, his goal was to bring personal, community-centered care to rural Minnesota. Just a few years later, his innovative practice model is being recognized across the state.
He currently serves on the boards of directors for both MN Independent Pharmacies (MNIndys) at the state level and Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT) at the national level.
Leading and mentoring in health-system pharmacy
At the 2025 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition in December, Dr. Kristel Geyer will be named the Distinguished Service Award winner, a national recognition honoring pharmacists who have made significant contributions to the profession through leadership, mentorship and service.
Geyer currently serves as specialty pharmacy manager and program director for the PGY1 community-based pharmacy residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland. In her role, she oversees clinical and operational initiatives in specialty pharmacy services, supports systemwide committees, and mentors emerging pharmacists through residency training. Recognizing a growing need for specialty-focused postgraduate education, she helped establish the Cleveland Clinic Specialty Pharmacy Residency Program and continues to guide it as residency program coordinator.
A proud CUW alumna, Geyer earned both her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees before completing her PGY1 residency at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Community Memorial Hospital. Her passion for servant leadership and professional development has made her a respected voice within ASHP, where she has served for more than a decade in various volunteer and leadership roles, including chairing the Advisory Group for Workforce Development, contributing to the Educational Steering Committee and, most recently, being elected director-at-large Elect for the Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners.
Reflecting on her time at Concordia, she said, “The emphasis on servant leadership at Concordia University—woven throughout my undergraduate journey and continuing into my pharmacy studies—has profoundly shaped the values that drive me each day in my career. One of the most enduring memories from pharmacy school was the opportunity to travel to Guatemala on a mission trip. The patient impact we witnessed there was deeply moving and transformative. That experience not only solidified my commitment to serving others but also reinforced my dedication to giving back to the community in meaningful and lasting ways.”
Through her work, Geyer continues to embody Concordia’s mission by integrating faith, service and leadership into a career dedicated to improving patient care and advancing the pharmacy profession nationwide.
Preparing pharmacists who lead with purpose
The achievements of Russell and Geyer highlight the transformative impact of a Concordia pharmacy education, which develops servant leaders who use their skills to improve the lives of others. Whether serving in local communities or leading national initiatives, CUW graduates are equipped to innovate, advocate and care with excellence.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. Learn more about how CUW’s School of Pharmacy prepares graduates to lead with faith and purpose in every setting.