CUSON Memorial Honors Kristine Kulage’s Legacy

Members of the Columbia Nursing community gathered on March 13, 2025, to remember Director of Research and Scholarly Development Kristine Kulage, MA, who passed away after a long battle with ovarian cancer. 

Kulage, who joined the school two decades ago, helped shape Columbia Nursing into a research powerhouse.   

In addition to recognizing Kristine and honoring her work, Dean Lorraine Frazier, PhD, noted in her opening remarks, the occasion “was another reminder to us of what’s important, how we treat each other, how we support each other, how we value each other, and how we value what’s really important.”  

Professor Suzanne Bakken, PhD, presented the first Kristine M. Kulage Reviewer of the Year Award to Professor Elizabeth Corwin, PhD.  

Kulage launched the reviewer awards and created and decorated each trophy with materials she discovered while scouring junk shops with her father, noted Bakken, who attended Kulage’s funeral and shared memories and messages from her friends and family.  

Her father wanted everyone to know that Kristine was “crazy fun,” Bakken added, and her mother “how much she loved her work and how proud she was of what she did at Columbia.”  

Bakken also read remarks from Dean Emerita Elaine Larson, who hired Kristine as an administrative assistant. “She was caring, empathetic, absolutely honest, full of integrity, eager to find ways to consistently improve her work and the work of the office. She died as she had lived, serving as a wonderful role model for how to do it right,” Larson wrote.  

PhD student Jiaojiao Wright also read a poem she wrote in honor of Kristine.

Passing away like a graceful dancing leaf

Passing away like a graceful dancing leaf, no hesitation, no regret.

You have enjoyed all the seasons, it is time to have a rest.

You have seen the sunrise and sunset, it is time to make your life complete.

You have grown from a little bud to a mature leaf, 

You have experienced storm, rain, wind, and sun,

You have fought, protected, laughed, and cried.

Now you are tired and called by nature.

Falling off from the tree, dancing with the wind, peacefully and gracefully.

Embrace the circle of life and nature, 

Your contribution is remembered by the growth of the tree, the birds flying by you, the kids playing under you and the people who love you.

It is time to go back to mother earth and rest in peace.