August 26, 2020
La Roche Student Receives Student Excellence Award From American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 26, 2020 — Ryan Wade, a student at La Roche University and Allegheny School of Anesthesia, is the recipient of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Student Excellence Award.
The national award is an annual honor presented to a student in good academic standing who demonstrates outstanding leadership and professionalism, participates in activities that help foster a positive public image of nursing, and engages in activities that support health care.
“I am very grateful to my director for nominating me and for selecting me for this program. Without those decisions, I would not be here today,” Mr. Wade said. “I also am grateful for everyone along the way who has motivated me to strive for excellence. It is nice to be recognized, and to represent the community of students who work hard every day to become CRNAs. I hope my receipt of this award helps to inspire others.”
In addition to maintaining academic excellence, Mr. Wade has been an advocate for CRNAs in Pennsylvania by serving on the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) Government Relations Committee. He was an active member of the committee for two terms, having participated in numerous events. Mr. Wade met with state legislators and committees, including legislative leaders such as former Speaker of the House Mike Turzai and the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee. His efforts also extended to the federal level, having met with Vice President Mike Pence.
“Ryan is a leader among his peers and consistently has exceeded our expectations these past two years,” said PANA Director of State Government Affairs Jessica Poole, DNAP, CRNA. “His drive and enthusiasm are contagious, and his wisdom and insight exceed well beyond his level of training. He represents our profession with tact and professionalism.”
Locally Mr. Wade displayed his professional promise and capabilities of serving the community by serving as a PANA spokesperson to WTAE, a Pittsburgh news channel. During the broadcast he demonstrated proper use of PPE and informed the public of PANA’s purchase of 3D N-95 masks, intended to support Pennsylvania CRNAs working with COVID-19 patients.
“I envision Ryan will continue in his efforts to privately and publicly represent our profession as a knowledgeable, competent and pre-eminently invested CRNA after graduation,” said Allegheny School of Anesthesia Program Director Deborah Davison, DNAP, MS, CRNA. “I am very proud of his accomplishments and feel confident that he is deserving of this award as recognition for his hard work.”
Mr. Wade, who resides in Dallas, Texas, accepted his award at the Virtual Annual Congress in August.
“Nurse anesthesia combines my passion for helping people with a love of science and critical thinking. Becoming a nurse was a continuation of my calling to serve others,” he said
La Roche’s Master of Science in Health Science (Nurse Anesthesia) program is offered in partnership with Allegheny School of Anesthesia. Students complete core science courses at La Roche, and clinically-based classes, student presentations, and rotations at Allegheny School of Anesthesia and affiliates.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
###