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40th Anniversary Celebrated in 2021

Founded on July 15, 1981, the AANA Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021.

40 for the 40th

A message from Ron Castaldo, PhD, MBA, MS, CRNA, APRN, CCRN
2020-2021 AANA Foundation Chair:

“Ruby is the 40th anniversary gemstone and represents an eternal flame which is still alive and strong after many years. The Foundation's gem level recognition for Ruby is an annual donation of $2,500 - $4,999. I've been a CRNA for 18 years, and I still have a deep passion for my work and career. In celebration of the Foundation's 40th Anniversary, I made a Ruby donation of $2,500. I'm looking for 39 others to join me, 40 Ruby donors for our 40th year. You can make a one-time donation or be a GEM (Give Every Month) at $210 per month to join me as a Ruby donor. Another generous option would be to donate $40 per month this year for a $480 annual donation. I know that everyone is in a different place in their life and career. Every donation, no matter the size, is greatly needed and will advance our profession. Thank you very much for your consideration and continued support!"

FY21 40th Anniversary Ruby Donors

  • Michael Anderson

  • Paul Beninga

  • Heather Borbely

  • Terri Cahoon

  • Ronald Castaldo

  • Ai-Kyung Chung

  • Debra Diaz

  • Mary Dudley

  • Cynthia Epplin

  • Marjorie Everson

  • Linda Ferro

  • Frances Emig Fister

  • Daniel Frasca

  • Robert Gauvin

  • Michelle Gonzalez

  • Charles Griffis

  • Leslie Jeter

  • Lorraine Jordan

  • Karyn Karp

  • Yana Krmic

  • Harold LaRock

  • Leo Le Bel

  • Jacqueline Mainwaring

  • Mary Miller

  • Jeffrey Molter

  • Angela Mund

  • Steven Mund

  • Bonnie Peterson

  • Karen Plaus

  • Jean Roche

  • Donald Roesler

  • Sheryl Roesler

  • Walter Schiff

  • Mary Schneider

  • Stephen Smith

  • Jeremy Stanley

  • Sherry Swearngin

  • Kathleen Thibeault

  • Debra Varela

  • Bryan Wilbanks

  • John Woods

1981 Fun Facts

  • The AANA Foundation was created and originally called "The AANA Education and Research Foundation"

  • The Public Relations Recognition Award was first presented to the Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

  • The 50th Anniversary of the AANA was celebrated.

  • The first AANA Journal Course was "Preoperative evaluation and physical assessment of the patient.  Part 1 - The respiratory system."

  • The AANA Board of Directors voted to ban smoking at the AANA Annual Meeting educational sessions.

  • Ira Gunn was the first CRNA to be named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

    *All of the above 1981 facts were obtained from the AANA 75th Anniversary book, "Advancing the Art and Science of Anesthesia for 75 Years: A Pictorial History of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists."