AANA Awards

Purpose
The Agatha Hodgins Award for Outstanding Accomplishment was established in 1975 to recognize individuals whose foremost dedication to excellence has furthered the art and science of nurse anesthesia.
 
The award was established to honor Agatha Hodgins (1877-1945), founder and first president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. A notable pioneer in the field of anesthesiology, Miss Hodgins was one of the first to perfect the nitrous oxide-oxygen technique of anesthesia. In 1915 she founded the influential Lakeside School of Anesthesia in Cleveland and was the visionary force in the establishment of the profession of nurse anesthetists.
 

Award
The Agatha Hodgins Award is a crystal urn inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of the presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed next to an identical urn in the AANA Executive Office. The Award is presented during the AANA Annual Meeting.
 
Eligibility
The nominee may be a CRNA or a non-CRNA who has worked toward furthering the profession of nurse anesthesia. The nominee may be living or deceased.
 
Past Recipients

• 1975 - Ruth P. Satterfield, CRNA
• 1976 - Helen Lamb, CRNA
• 1977 - Hilda R. Salomon, CRNA
• 1978 - Gertrude L. Fife, CRNA
• 1979 - Helen P. Vos, CRNA
• 1980 - Olive L. Berger, CRNA
• 1981 - Florence A. McQuillen, CRNA
• 1982 - Sr. M. Yvonne Jenn, CRNA
• 1983 - Ira P. Gunn, CRNA, MLN, FAAN
• 1984 - Miriam G. Shupp, CRNA & Sophie J. Winton, CRNA
• 1985 - Del Portzer, CRNA, BSN
• 1986 - Jessie L. Compton, CRNA
• 1987 - Patricia R. Fleming, CRNA
• 1988 - Martha J. Lundgaard, CRNA, BA
• 1989 - Sr. Margaret E. Kollmer, CRNA, MEd
• 1990 - Timothy J. Wolf, CRNA
• 1991 - Margaret E. Ryan, CRNA, MA
• 1992 - Ronald F. Caulk, CRNA
• 1993 - Hazel P. Currier, CRNA
• 1994 - Jeffery M. Beutler, CRNA, MS
• 1995 - Goldie D. Brangman, CRNA, MEd
• 1996 - Mary Jeanette Mannino, CRNA, JD
• 1997 - John Scott McGlothlen, CRNA
• 1998 - Richard G. Ouellette, CRNA, MEd & Sandra Maree Ouellette, CRNA, MEd, FAAN
• 1999 - Patrick M. Downey, CRNA
• 2000 - John F. Garde, CRNA, MS, FAAN
• 2001 - Christine S. Zambricki, CRNA, MS
• 2002 - Joyce W. Kelly, CRNA, EdD
• 2003 - Sister Mary Arthur Schramm, CRNA, OBSN, PhD
• 2004 - Ruth Wright, CRNA
• 2005 - Julie Spores, CRNA, MAE
• 2006 - Susan Caulk, CRNA, MA
• 2007 - Diana Quinlan, CRNA, MA
• 2008 - Major General Gale Pollock, CRNA, MBA, FACHE, AN, USA
• 2009 - Jack M. Neary, CRNA, ARNP, MS (posthumously)
• 2010 - Frank T. Maziarski, CRNA, MS, CLNC
• 2011 - Peggy L. McFadden, CRNA, BS
• 2012 - Jackie S. Rowles, CRNA, MA, MBA, FAAPM
• 2013 - Larry G. Hornsby, CRNA, BSN
• 2014 - Betty J. Horton, CRNA, PhD
• 2015 - Linda Williams, CRNA, JD
• 2016 - Charles A. Reese, PhD, CRNA
• 2017 - Arthur Zwerling, MS, MSN, DNP, DAAPM, CRNA (Postumously)

Purpose
The Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award, established in 1980, is presented to a CRNA who has made a significant contribution to the education of nurse anesthetists. The award recognizes the individual’s commitment to the profession of nurse anesthesia and to the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high quality patient care.
 
The award was established to honor of Helen Lamb (1900-1979), founder and director of Barnes School of Anesthesia in St. Louis from 1929 to 1951. She chaired the AANA Education Committee from 1931 through 1939 and established the curriculum and minimum standards for schools of nurse anesthesia. She pioneered the endotracheal technique in lung surgery and performed the anesthetic for the world’s first successful pneumonectomy. Lamb served as president of the AANA from 1940 to 1942.
 
Award
The Helen Lamb Award is a crystal vase inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed next to a Tiffany sterling silver sculpture designed by Elsa Peretti. These are displayed in the AANA Executive Office. The sculpture was presented to the AANA by Helen Lamb’s husband, Jack Frost, in honor of her achievements. The Award is presented during the AANA Annual Meeting.
 
Eligibility
The nominee must be or have been a CRNA who has been active in the clinical or didactic education of student nurse anesthetists. The nominee may be living or deceased. 
  
Past Recipients

• 1980 - Joyce W. Kelly, CRNA, MA
• 1981 - John F. Garde, CRNA, MS
• 1982 - Virginia A. Gaffey, CRNA, BS
• 1983 - Goldie D. Brangman, CRNA, MEd
• 1984 - Leah Evans Katz, CRNA, EdD
• 1985 - Celestine Harrigan, CRNA, PhD
• 1986 - Hershel W. Bradshaw, CRNA, MEd (posthumously)
• 1987 - Mary Alice Costello, CRNA
• 1988 - Pauline C. Barbin, CRNA, MEd
• 1989 - Betty L. Johnson, CRNA, MSN, USAF, NC
• 1990 - Clarene A. Carmichael, CRNA, BS
• 1991 - Sr. Mary Arthur Schramm, CRNA, PhD
• 1992 - Michael J. Booth, CRNA, MA
• 1993 - Betty J. Horton, CRNA, MSN, MA
• 1994 - Shirley E. Bell, CRNA, MA
• 1995 - Sr. M. Yvonne Jenn, CRNA, BS
• 1996 - Helen P. Vos, CRNA, BSN
• 1997 - Wynne R. Waugaman, CRNA, PhD
• 1998 - Norman R. Wolford, CRNA, CNS, MA, MS, Edd
• 1999 - Carmen E. Siejo, CRNA, BSN
• 2000 - Agnes M. Hagan, CRNA, MS
• 2001 - George P. Haag, CRNA, PhD
• 2002 - Karen L. Zaglaniczny, CRNA, PhD, FAAN
• 2003 - Denise Martin-Sheridan, CRNA, PhD
• 2004 - Joseph Kanusky, CRNA, MS
• 2005 - Sandra Kilde, CRNA, EdD
• 2006 - Charles Reese, CRNA, PhD
• 2007 - Cecil Drain, CRNA, PhD, FAAN
• 2008 - Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, MS
• 2009 - Michael J. Kremer, CRNA, PhD, FAAN
• 2010 - Margaret Faut-Callahan, CRNA, PhD, FAAN
• 2011 - Kathleen M. O'Donnell, CRNA, PhD
• 2012 - Sandra Maree Ouellette, CRNA, MEd, FAAN
• 2013 - Herbert T. Watson, CRNA, MEd
• 2014 - James R. Walker, CRNA, DNP
• 2015 - Sassoon Elisha, CRNA, EdD
• 2016 - Edward S. Thompson, PhD, CRNA, FAAN
• 2017 - Margaret R. Meyers, MAE, CRNA

Purpose
The Clinical Anesthesia Practitioner Award was established in 1986 by the AANA Council for Public Interest in Anesthesia. This award recognizes the accomplishments of CRNAs involved in direct patient care, who have made an important contribution to the advancement of nurse anesthesia practice.
 
The Award became the Alice Magaw Outstanding Clinical Practitioner Award in 1998 to honor Alice Magaw (1860-1928), nurse anesthetist to the Mayo brothers (1893-1908). Dr. Charles H. Mayo bestowed the title "Mother of Anesthesia" on Magaw, a "peerless anesthetist" who combined open drop ether and talking soothingly to patients during the administration of the anesthetic. Magaw shared her expertise with the medical community by writing five articles, the first publication by a nurse anesthetist, with her observations on administering anesthetics and training nurses sent by leading surgeons.
 
Award
The Award is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed in the AANA Executive Office. The Award is presented during the AANA Annual Meeting.
 
Eligibility
The nominee must be or have been a CRNA who has been actively involved in improving the quality of patient care. The nominee may be living or deceased.
 
Past Recipients

• 1986 - Carolyn J. Nicholson, CRNA
• 1987 - Julie Spores, CRNA, MAE
• 1988 - Betty C. Petree, CRNA
• 1989 - Janice James Arrott, CRNA
• 1990 - Narda Dorman Croughwell, CRNA
• 1991 - Laura Esther Park, CRNA
• 1992 - Leon G. Helton, CRNA
• 1993 - John Scott McGlothlen, CRNA
• 1994 - Elaine M. Klein, CRNA, PhD
• 1995 - Kishwaukee Anesthesiology Associates, Sycamore, Illinois: James Dionisopoulos, CRNA, BS, Joseph Earl, CRNA, BA, Ben F. Harrison, MD, Jerry L. Loch, CRNA, PhD, Louis Pierce, CRNA, BS, Kenneth Potts, CRNA, BA
• 1996 - LaRayne Oltz, CRNA & Tafford Oltz, CRNA
• 1997 - Jeanne Mazzoni Coffey, CRNA, BSN
• 1998 - Michael A. Geisler, CRNA, BSN
• 1999 - Jack M. Neary, CRNA, MSNA
• 2000 - Charles A. Reese, CRNA, PhD
• 2001 - Steven R. Wooden, CRNA, MS
• 2002 - Sarah T. Johnson, CRNA
• 2003 - David C. Pederson, CRNA
• 2004 - James Bodoh, CRNA
• 2005 - Jackie S. Rowles, CRNA, MBA, MA, FAAPM
• 2006 - Louise Hershkowitz, CRNA, MSHA
• 2007 - Ferenc Szasz, CRNA
• 2008 - Virginia Scherler, CRNA
• 2009 - Adrienne C. Montesanti, CRNA
• 2010 - Suzanne T. Brown, CRNA, BSN
• 2011 - James M. Temo, CRNA, MSN, MBA
• 2012 - Bonnie T. Winters, CRNA, ANP
• 2013 - Mark E. Vandolah, CRNA, MAE
• 2014 - Brian M. Bradley, CRNA, MS
• 2015 - James Furstein, CRNA, DNAP, MSN
• 2016 - Randy Harvey, BS, RRT, CRNA
• 2017 - Christopher Smith, MS, CRNA

Purpose
The Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy was established in 2000 by the AANA membership. It is presented to an individual who, through leadership and/or personal effort, has
made a highly significant contribution to the preservation and advancement of the nurse anesthesia profession through legislative, legal and/or regulatory efforts.
 
The Award was established to honor Ira P. Gunn, CRNA, MLN, FAAN, who had a 21 year Army career, where she excelled as a practitioner, educator, researcher, consultant, and prolific writer. She untiringly devoted her time, knowledge, expertise and energies to the AANA, various State ANAs and individual CRNAs confronted with challenges of a legal, legislative or regulatory nature. Her contributions to this profession and its members, through these and other efforts have significantly contributed to the preservation and advancement of the nurse anesthesia profession.
 
Award
The Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the name of previous recipients, which is displayed in the AANA Executive Office. The Award is presented during the AANA Annual Meeting.
 
Eligibility
The nominee may be a CRNA or a non-CRNA who has demonstrated a significant contribution to preserving the continued existence of the profession of nurse anesthesia. The nominee shall have assisted the AANA in overcoming legislative, legal and regulatory challenges to nurse anesthesia practice rights.
  
Past Recipients

• 2001 - Ira P. Gunn, CRNA, MLN, FAAN
• 2002 - Lola Gayle McKay, CRNA, MS
• 2003 - William M. Miller, CRNA, MS, CFNP
• 2004 - Mitchell Tobin, JD
• 2005 - Paul Kilmartin, CRNA, MSNA
• 2006 - Lisa Citak, CRNA
• 2007 - Patrick Downey, CRNA
• 2008 - John Buonora, CRNA
• 2009 - Steven R. Wooden, CRNA, MS
• 2010 - Patty Cornwell, CRNA
• 2011 - Mary K. O'Brien, CRNA, EJD, MSN, ARNP
• 2012 - LaRayne L. Oltz, CRNA & Tafford E. Oltz, CRNA
• 2013 - Mindy Holst Miller, CRNA, MSN
• 2014 - Keith E. Macksoud, CRNA, MA
• 2015 - Keith Barnhill, CRNA, PhD, ARNP
• 2016 - Gary L. Jenkins, CRNA
• 2017 - Brian D. Thorson, MA, CRNA, APN

Purpose
The Clinical Instructor of the Year Award, established in 1991, is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the teaching of nurse anesthesia students in the clinical area. This Award recognizes the commitment of individuals to the profession of nurse anesthesia and to the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high quality patient care.
 
Award
The Award is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed in the AANA Executive Office. The Award is presented during the AANA Annual Meeting.
 
Eligibility
The nominee may be a CRNA or non-CRNA, who has been active in the clinical education process of student nurse anesthetists during the most recent year ending August 31. The nominee may be living or deceased. The individual must have:

• Demonstrated dedication toward achieving excellence in the education of nurse anesthetists.
• Contributed to the overall curriculum of a nurse anesthesia program.
  Shown evidence of outstanding clinical teaching.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current practice issues.
• Served as a mentor and clinical role model.
• Participated in professional development activities, such as school committees and continuing education programs. 

Past Recipients

• 1992 - Raymond J. Jung, CRNA, MA
• 1993 - Beverly A. Krause, CRNA, BS
• 1994 - Rex M. Henderson, CRNA, MS
• 1995 - Lynne M. Van Wormer, CRNA, BS
• 1996 - Caroline E. Howell, CRNA, EdD
• 1997 - John G. Weisbrod, CRNA, MAE
• 1998 - Linda S. Dancy, CRNA
• 1999 - Kathleen A. Cook, CRNA, MS
• 2000 - No award presented
• 2001 - Elaine C. Kasha, CRNA, BSEd
• 2002 - Kathleen A. Anderson, CRNA
• 2003 - Leslie P. Golden, CRNA
• 2004 - Paula Goodman, CRNA, MSN
• 2005 - Randy Calicott, MD
• 2006 - Cindy Peiffer, CRNA
• 2007 - Steve Clarke, CRNA, MA
• 2008 - Donald "Tom" Albee, CRNA, MHS
• 2009 - Judith C. Wiley, CRNA, DNP
• 2010 - Michael Wolf, CRNA
• 2011 - Brian P. Radesic, CRNA, MSN
• 2012 - Performance Anesthesia: Ray Brezinski, CRNA, John White, CRNA, BSN, Rick Hand, CRNA, DNSc, Michael I. Kapp, CRNA
• 2013 - Michael J. Burns, CRNA, MS
• 2014 - Barry A. Cranfill, CRNA, MHS, MBA
• 2015 - Charles Fisher, CRNA, BS
• 2016 - Howard L. Burtnett, MHS, CRNA
• 2017 - Grace Simpson, MSN, CRNA

Purpose
The Didactic Instructor of the Year Award, established in 1991, is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the education of student nurse anesthetists in the classroom. This Award recognizes the commitment of individuals to the profession of nurse anesthesia and to the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high quality patient care.
 
Award
The Award is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed in the AANA Executive Office. The Award is presented during the AANA Annual Meeting.
 
Eligibility
The nominee may be a CRNA or non-CRNA, who has been active in the educational process of student nurse anesthetists in the classroom during the most recent year ending August 31. The nominee may be living or deceased. The individual must:

• Have made significant contributions to the profession of nurse anesthesia.
• Be recognized as an outstanding educator.
• Have served as a mentor for faculty and nurse anesthesia students.
• Be recognized as a professional role model.
• Have participated in professional activities related to a nurse anesthesia program (e.g., committees)
• Have actively supported CRNAs 

Past Recipients

• 1992 - Frank J. Tornetta, PhD, MD
• 1993 - Sandra L. Lovell, CRNA, MA, MS
• 1994 - Roy Ashton, PhD
• 1995 - John J. Nagelhout, CRNA, PhD
• 1996 - George G. DeVane, CRNA, MHS
• 1997 - Roderick Reinke, PhD
• 1998 - David J. DeNuccio, PhD
• 1999 - Valdor L. Haglund, Jr., CRNA, MS
• 2000 - No award presented
• 2001 - James Kerns, PhD
• 2002 - Celeste G. Villanueva, CRNA, MS
• 2003 - Emmett L. Foulds, Jr., MS
• 2004 - Dolores Gibbs, CRNA, PhD
• 2005 - Clayton Littell, RPh
• 2006 - Michael O'Donnell, PhD
• 2007 - Janet A. Dewan, CRNA, MS
• 2008 - Douglas A. Christie III, RN, PhD
• 2009 - Glenn Brice, PhD
• 2010 - James Norton, PhD
• 2011 - Albert Swafford, Jr., PhD
• 2012 -  Lisa Carney Anderson, PhD
• 2013 - Lemont Kier, PhD
• 2014 - Larry L. Dahlen, CRNA, PhD
• 2015 - Tomas E. Ceremuga, COL (Ret), CRNA, PhD
• 2016 - Don Johnson, PhD
• 2017 - (Larry) Patrick Moss, DNAP, CRNA, APN

Purpose
The Program Director of the Year Award, established in 1991, is presented to a CRNA who has made a significant contribution to the educational process of student nurse anesthetists. The award
recognizes the commitment of individuals to the profession of nurse anesthesia and the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high quality patient care. 
 
Award
The Award is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed in the AANA Executive Office. The Award is presented during the AANA Annual Meeting.
 
Eligibility
The nominee must be a CRNA who has been active as a program director during the most recent year ending August 31. The nominee may be living or deceased. The individual must:

• Have made innovative contributions to nurse anesthesia programs.
  Be recognized as a role model to students and other program directors.
• Be recognized as a mentor for students and CRNAs.
  Be a member of AANA.
• Be recognized as a leader in nurse anesthesia education.

• Have promoted the development of faculty members.

• Have served as a liaison to promote the profession to the public.

Past Recipients

• 1992 - Sandra J. Kilde, CRNA, EdD
• 1993 - Joyce W. Kelly, CRNA, EdD
• 1994 - Kathleen M. Fuller, CRNA, MS
• 1995 - Vera D. Griner, CRNA, MEd
• 1996 - Margaret Faut-Callahan, CRNA, DNSc, FAAN
• 1997 - Sandra Maree Ouellette, CRNA, MEd, FAAN
• 1998 - Margaret M. Meyers, CRNA, MAE
• 1999 - Michael D. Fallacaro, CRNA, DNS
• 2000 - No award presented
• 2001 - Prudentia J. Worth, CRNA, PhD
• 2002 - John J. Nagelhout, CRNA, PhD
• 2003 - Edward S. Thompson, CRNA, PhD
• 2004 - James Walker, CRNA, MS
• 2005 - Jack Kless, CRNA, MA, MSN
• 2006 - John O'Donnell, CRNA, MSN
• 2007 - Rebecca Gombkoto, CRNA, MS
• 2008 - Kay Sanders, CRNA, MHS
• 2009 - John J. McFadden, CRNA, PhD, MSN, MS
• 2010 - Kathleen Fagerlund, CRNA, PhD
• 2011 - Denise Martin-Sheridan, CRNA, PhD
• 2012 - Bette M. Wildgust, CRNA, MS, MSN
• 2013 - Alfred E. Lupien, CRNA, PhD, FAAN
• 2014 - Judy Thompson, CRNA, DNAP, APRN 
• 2015 - Steve Alves, CRNA, PhD
• 2016 - Michael Rieker, DNP, CRNA, FAAN
• 2017 - Bernadette Henrichs, PhD, CRNA, CCRN

Purpose
The Federal Political Director of the Year Award, established in 2001, was renamed the Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award in 2013 in tribute and memory of its first winner, Dan Vigness.  Dan was an active member of the South Dakota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (SDANA) and in his memory, SDANA is funding the crystal award for ten years.
 
It is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the national healthcare agenda of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) by coordinating grassroots CRNA involvement at the state level or through special contributions to the federal political process.
 
Award
The Award is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of the presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed in the AANA Federal Government Affairs Office in Washington, DC. The award is presented during the AANA Mid-Year Assembly and acknowledged at the AANA Annual Meeting.
 
Eligibility
The nominee shall be a CRNA who has served as Federal Political Director and has been active in the federal political process by their:

• Visible involvement in political campaigns
• Development of a close working relationship with federal officials
• Leading successful grassroots efforts in response to AANA requests
  CRNA-PAC fundraising efforts
• Recruitment of CRNAs to participate in political campaigns. 

Award Nomination Form 
Deadline: January 15

Past Recipients

• 2002 - Daniel D. Vigness, CRNA, MS
• 2003 - Janice Izlar, CRNA
• 2004 - Yuri Chavez, CRNA, MSN
• 2005 - Keith Macksoud, CRNA, MA
• 2006 - Garalynn Tomas, CRNA, MEd
• 2007 - Jackie Fortenberry, CRNA, BA
• 2008 - Nancy Gondringer, CRNA, MA
• 2009 - Werner Beckerhoff, CRNA, MHS, MSBA
• 2010 - Joseph "Mike" Morel, CRNA, MSNA, APN
• 2011 - Marvin Colyer, CRNA
• 2012 - Shirley Sopko, CRNA, MSN
• 2013 - Christine Allen-Sanders, CRNA, BSEd
• 2014 - Andrew T. Griffin, CRNA
• 2015 - Amy Pfeil Neimkin, CRNA, DNP, MBA
• 2016 - G. Dwayne Self, BS, CRNA
• 2017 - Donald Roesler, MS, CRNA

Purpose
The AANA National Health Leadership Award, established in 1992, is presented to an individual working at the federal government level who had made a significant contribution to the formation of national health policy. The Award recognizes the individual’s support in this process for the vital role that CRNAs play in providing access to cost-effective, quality anesthesia services.
 
Award
The Award crystal is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of the presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed in the AANA Washington, D.C. Office. The Award is presented during the AANA Mid-Year Assembly.
 
Eligibility
The nominee must be an individual who serves or has served as a federal legislator, federal legislative staff, or federal regulatory agency staff. In this position, the nominee must:

• Have shown significant support for the profession of nurse anesthesia in the federal legislative or regulatory arena.
• Be recognized as an outstanding contributor to the formation of national health policy. 

Please send all nomination letters to 

AANA Federal Government Affairs Office
25 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 320
Washington, DC 20001-8400

For more information call 202-484-8400 or Email: info@aanadc.com
 
Past Recipients

• 1992 - Senator Thomas A. Daschle (D-SD)
• 1993 - Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI)
• 1994 - Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND)
• 1995 - Senator John H. Chaffee (R-RI)
• 1996 - Congressman Dan Schaefer (R-CO)
• 1997 - Congressman Sharrod Brown (D-OH)
• 1998 - Congressman Charlie Norwood (R-GA)
• 1999 - Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA)
• 2000 - Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI)
• 2001 - Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA)
• 2002 - Congressman Dave Hobson (R-OH)
• 2003 - Congressman Roy Blunt (R-MO)
• 2004 - Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-CT)
• 2005 - Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
• 2006 - Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA)
• 2007 - Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)
• 2008 - Senator Max Baucus (D-MT)
• 2009 - Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
• 2010 - Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)
• 2011 - Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
• 2012 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
• 2013 - Marilyn Tavenner, RN, MHA, FACHE
• 2014 - Rep. David P. Joyce (R-OH)
• 2015 - Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
• 2016 - Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
  Senator Mike Rounds (R-OR)
• 2017
  Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)

Prior to 1975, AANA members could be recognized with honorary membership, which would exempt them from paying dues. Honorary membership is now conferred upon non-members.
 
Past Recipients

• 1933 - Agatha Hodgins (Honorary President)
• 1946 - Gertrude L. Fife
• 1956 - Helen Lamb & Lucy E. Richards
• 1958 - Hilda Salomon, CRNA
• 1959 - Verna Rice, CRNA
• 1960 - Cameron W. Meredith, PhD
• 1984 - Betty A. Colitti, BS
• 1990 - Chal Maree, RN
• 2001 - Norman Paradise, PhD
• 2005 - Rita M. Rupp, RN, MA
• 2011 - Gene A. Blumenreich, JD & Mitchell H. Tobin, JD