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.

2018 Recipient

Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, MS

Past Recipients

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

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. 

2018 Recipient

 Beth Ann Clayton, DNP, MS, CRNA

Past Recipients

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

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.

2018 Recipient

Scott Rigdon, MSN, MPH, CRNA

Past Recipients

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

2018 Recipient

Kellie L. Deeter, APRN, CRNA

  
Past Recipients

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

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. 

2018 Recipient

Diane Hackman, CRNA

Past Recipients

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

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 

2018 Recipient
Sandra M. Ouellette, CRNA, MEd, FAAN

Past Recipients

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

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.

2018 Recipient
Kevin Buettner, PhD, CRNA

Past Recipients

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

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

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

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

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

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

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