Nominations for the annual Lula Owl Gloyne – Person of Excellence Award are officially open.
Following the standard of excellence first set by Beloved Woman Lula Owl Gloyne, who worked as the first registered nurse of the EBCI, this annual award serves to honor a deserving individual whose actions and contributions have improved the healthcare of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The inaugural Lula Owl Gloyne Award was presented in memoriam to Lula’s daughter, the late Mary Wachacha in June 2022. Dr. Henrietta Victoria Harlan was announced as the 2023 award recipient in recognition of her leadership within the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority’s Emergency Department. Dr. Harlan served as the Nurse Manager of CIHA’s ER for 13 years. In addition to her genuine intuition, empathy, compassion, and leadership within the ER, Dr. Harlan advocated for self-care during the COVID19 pandemic and set an example by being the first tribal member to receive the COVI19 vaccine.
“The Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation is proud to be entrusted with the honor of extending the legacy and standard set by Lula Owl Gloyne through the annual award named in her honor,” said Foundation Chairman Dj Robinson. “We believe that in order for us to continue advancing health care for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, we must show our gratitude to the individuals who have worked to pave the path forward.”
Nominees are expected to reflect the following core values:
Contributions to Healthcare: Nominee has made significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Selflessness: Nominee acts in the best interests of others and promotes their health & wellness.
Accomplished: Nominee has risen above and beyond the call of duty to achieve results. This includes educational and professional achievements and serving as role model and mentor to others.
Resilient: Nominee is an advocate on behalf of others to ensure the prosperity of the next seven generations of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Visionary: Nominee demonstrated forward thinking and a vision for the future of healthcare for the EBCI – regardless of barriers.
Nomination must be submitted to the Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation by March 30th, 2024. The CIH Foundation Board will review all nominations and will announce this year’s recipient on May 1, 2024. The 2024 recipient of the Lula Owl Gloyne – Person of Excellence Award will also be recognized at the 13th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala scheduled for June 15 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Nomination forms are available through the CHIA Administrative Office or by clicking HERE.