Student Awards

1. Completed application form.
2. Must provide verification of enrollment in an accredited respiratory care training program.
3. Must provide official transcript verifying a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.
4. An original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper. The paper should be devoid of any information such as the applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation.
5. Must provide letters of recommendation from the program director or other senior faculty member and from the medical director or other physician instructor attesting to: a) approval of candidate’s paper, b) candidate’s worthiness for the award, and c) candidate’s potential for a career in the profession of respiratory care.

Please note that the application deadline is June 1.

Paper Submission Guidelines
Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

In addition to submitting some basic personal information, you will also be required to:

1. Attach an original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care to the online form if applying for an undergraduate award. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper, and should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Paper Submission Guidelines
2. Attach a personal essay of at least 1,200 words describing how this award will assist the applicant in reaching the objective of a degree and the candidate’s ultimate goals of leadership in health care if applying for the William W. Burgin/Robert Lawrence award. The paper should include a cover page with the author’s name, address, and phone number. The body of the paper should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

Applications are accepted Jan. 1–June 1. Applications will not be considered unless all supporting documents have been sent.

Previous undergraduate award recipients are eligible to reapply. Previous postgraduate award recipients may apply for, and receive, an award a second and third year if the applicant is maintaining good standing in an advanced degree program and is the most deserving candidate in the judgment of the Board of Trustees or its designated selection committee.

Past Award Recipients

• 2025—Lena Lalka
• 2024—Michael T. Roberts
• 2023—Shannon H. Smith
• 2022—Sarah E. Hill
• 2021—Dakotta Bloomer
• 2020—Lauren A. Keller
• 2019—Sonya S. Park
• 2018—Kimberly Stokes, RRT
• 2017—Nkiruka M. Achionye
• 2016—Kelli E. Sloan
• 2015—HaleyCheshier
• 2014—Amelia Andrews
• 2013—Stewart Morrison
• 2013—Stewart Morrison
• 2012—Claudia Ramos
• 2011—Not Awarded
• 2010—Meredith Wood
• 2009—Jessica Edgerton
• 2008—Daniel R. Martini
• 2007—Caitlin Fincher
• 2006—Jessica Davelaar
• 2005—Leslie Gordon
• 2004—Trang Huynk
• 2003—Ginger Maddox
• 2002—Carol L. Hickok
• 2001—Alyssa Paetau
• 2000—Aeiza Shaikh
• 1999—Deirdre D. Walusis
• 1998—Natasha L. Hawthorne
• 1997—Christina L. McGee
• 1996—Walter E. Pugh
• 1995—David T. Bland
• 1994—Tina Marie Hodgin
• 1993—Susan L. Overstreet
• 1992—Mark A. Willing
• 1991—John Cunningham
• 1990—David W. Garrard

1. Completed application form.
2. Must provide verification of enrollment in an accredited respiratory care training program.
3. Must provide official transcript verifying a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.
4. An original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper. The paper should be devoid of any information such as the applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation.
5. Must provide letters of recommendation from the program director or other senior faculty member and from the medical director or other physician instructor attesting to: a) approval of candidate’s paper, b) candidate’s worthiness for the award, and c) candidate’s potential for a career in the profession of respiratory care.

Please note that the application deadline is June 1.

Paper Submission Guidelines
Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

In addition to submitting some basic personal information, you will also be required to:

1. Attach an original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care to the online form if applying for an undergraduate award. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper, and should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Paper Submission Guidelines
2. Attach a personal essay of at least 1,200 words describing how this award will assist the applicant in reaching the objective of a degree and the candidate’s ultimate goals of leadership in health care if applying for the William W. Burgin/Robert Lawrence award. The paper should include a cover page with the author’s name, address, and phone number. The body of the paper should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay.

Applications are accepted Jan. 1–June 1. Applications will not be considered unless all supporting documents have been sent.

Previous undergraduate award recipients are eligible to reapply. Previous postgraduate award recipients may apply for, and receive, an award a second and third year if the applicant is maintaining good standing in an advanced degree program and is the most deserving candidate in the judgment of the Board of Trustees or its designated selection committee.

• 2025—Courtney Capener
• 2024—Jane M. Oliver, RRT
• 2023—Kristin K. Streed
• 2022—Charles Townshend Satterfield III
• 2021—Ayesha Waseem
• 2020—Madison Baez
• 2019—Gustavo Lopez
• 2018—Alex Lopez
• 2017—Melanie C. Walker
• 2016—Bethany S. Kosary
• 2015—Hannah R. Tkach
• 2014—Victoria Theobalt
• 2013—Kanokon Raksriksorn
• 2012—Janet J. Vadakkan
• 2011—Not Awarded
• 2010—Sade Adepoju
• 2009—Not Awarded
• 2008—Robert P. Arguello
• 2007—Tsai-ying Wang
• 2006—Adam Whittemore
• 2005—Camille Chin
• 2004—Shalini Singh
• 2003—Clement Chee Kin Yan
• 2002—Emi D. Taylor
• 2001—Nadia Chapman
• 2000—Stephen R. Reynolds
• 1999—Gelicia C. Jackson
• 1998—Edgar F. Mahinay
• 1997—Enes Harper
• 1996—Not awarded
• 1995—Brandi Kaiulani Wilson
• 1994—Jana J. Tyler
• 1993—Poutrise Peters
• 1992—Rupnarain P. Roopnarine
• 1991—Christopher Olson
• 1990—Raquel M. Gonzalez

1. Completed application form.
2. Must provide official transcript verifying a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.
3. Letter from director of admissions verifying enrollment in an accredited Baccalaureate degree respiratory care educational program.
4. An original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper. The paper should be devoid of any information such as the applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation.
5. An original essay of at least 1,200 words describing how this award will assist the applicant in reaching the objective of a degree and the candidate’s ultimate goals of leadership in health care. The paper should include a cover page with the author’s name, address and phone number. The body of the paper should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation.
6. Letters of recommendation from the program director or other senior faculty member and from the medical director or other physician instructor attesting to: a) approval of candidate’s paper, b) candidate’s worthiness for the award, and c) candidate’s potential for a career in the profession of respiratory care.

Please note that the application deadline is June 1.

Paper Submission Guidelines
Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

In addition to submitting some basic personal information, you will also be required to:

1. Attach an original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care to the online form if applying for an undergraduate award. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper, and should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Paper Submission Guidelines
2. Attach a personal essay of at least 1,200 words describing how this award will assist the applicant in reaching the objective of a degree and the candidate’s ultimate goals of leadership in health care if applying for the William W. Burgin/Robert Lawrence award. The paper should include a cover page with the author’s name, address, and phone number. The body of the paper should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

Applications are accepted Jan. 1–June 1. Applications will not be considered unless all supporting documents have been sent.

Previous undergraduate award recipients are eligible to reapply. Previous postgraduate award recipients may apply for, and receive, an award a second and third year if the applicant is maintaining good standing in an advanced degree program and is the most deserving candidate in the judgment of the Board of Trustees or its designated selection committee.

Past Award Recipients

• 2025—Madison H Frisbie
• 2024—Chloe G. Murillos
• 2023—Gerald S. Zavorsky
• 2022—Sarah B. Ali, RRT
• 2021—Ariana Sanchez, RRT
• 2020—Kayley M. McDowell
• 2019—Mohaimeed Hamad Alshamrani
• 2018—Joshua Lyons
• 2017—Nkiruka M. Achionye
• 2016—Nkiruka M. Achionye
• 2015—Karissa L. Kuneli
• 2014—Christina Rocks
• 2013—Katherine Meza (Lawrence), Charity Clark (Burgin)
• 2012—Not Awarded (Lawrence)
• 2011—Donovan Peace (Lawrence), Christin Nott (Burgin)
• 2010—Amber Galer (Lawrence), Josh Oye (Burgin)
• 2009—Garrick B. Spoon (Lawrence), Jason D. Ramsey (Burgin)
• 2008—Cierra L. Fortson (Lawrence), Maran M. Avery (Burgin)
• 2007—Rhonda Baumberger (Lawrence), Melissa Hrinya (Burgin)
• 2006—Rachel Blake (Lawrence), Michael Hess (Burgin)
• 2005—Karen Ahlsten (Lawrence)
• 2004—Latrell S. Hays (Lawrence), Irina Fetissoua (Burgin)
• 2003—Dee A. Ely (Lawrence)
• 2002—Patti Ann Sawyer (Lawrence)
• 2001—Morgan Elliott (Lawrence)
• 2000—Edith D. Martin (Lawrence)
• 1999—Steven G. Sheils (Lawrence)
• 1998—Laura L. Ziegler (Lawrence)
• 1997—Johanna Gilstrap (Lawrence)
• 1996—Urmi A. Masher (Lawrence)
• 1995—April Lynn Pedersen (Lawrence)

1. Completed application form.
2. Must provide verification of enrollment in an accredited respiratory care training program.
3. Must provide official transcript verifying a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.
4. An original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper. The paper should be devoid of any information such as the applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation.
5. Must provide letters of recommendation from the program director or other senior faculty member and from the medical director or other physician instructor attesting to: a) approval of candidate’s paper, b) candidate’s worthiness for the award, and c) candidate’s potential for a career in the profession of respiratory care.

Please note that the application deadline is June 1.

Paper Submission Guidelines
Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

In addition to submitting some basic personal information, you will also be required to:

1. Attach an original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care to the online form if applying for an undergraduate award. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper, and should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Paper Submission Guidelines
2. Attach a personal essay of at least 1,200 words describing how this award will assist the applicant in reaching the objective of a degree and the candidate’s ultimate goals of leadership in health care if applying for the William W. Burgin/Robert Lawrence award. The paper should include a cover page with the author’s name, address, and phone number. The body of the paper should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

Applications are accepted Jan. 1–June 1. Applications will not be considered unless all supporting documents have been sent.

Previous undergraduate award recipients are eligible to reapply. Previous postgraduate award recipients may apply for, and receive, an award a second and third year if the applicant is maintaining good standing in an advanced degree program and is the most deserving candidate in the judgment of the Board of Trustees or its designated selection committee.

Past Award Recipients

• 2025—Nickey Dem Kuhn
• 2024—Mariah Bennett
• 2023—Not Awarded

1. Completed application form
2. Letter from the director of admissions verifying that applicant is enrolled in an accredited baccalaureate or master’s degree program in respiratory care
3. Letter from the AARC verifying that the applicant is currently a student or active member of the AARC.
4. Letter from an officer of an AARC chartered affiliate in the state the applicant is enrolled noting active participation in affiliate activities. Alternatively, a letter from a chairperson of an AARC Specialty Section noting applicant is an active participant in that section.
5. An original essay of at least 1200 words describing how the award will assist the applicant in achieving a baccalaureate or master’s degree in respiratory care and the applicant’s ultimate goal of a leadership position within this profession.
6. Two letters of recommendation – one from the respiratory care program director and one from a senior faculty member attesting to:
   1. The candidate’s worthiness for the award, and
   2. The candidate’s potential for a leadership role in respiratory care.

Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

In addition to submitting some basic personal information, the candidate will also be required to attach a personal essay of at least 1,200 words describing how this award will assist the applicant in reaching the objective of a baccalaureate or master’s degree and the candidate’s ultimate goals of leadership in respiratory care health care.  The essay should include a cover page with the author’s name, address, and phone number. The body of the essay should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could bias an evaluation. See Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay.

Applications are accepted Jan 1–June 1. Applications will not be considered unless all supporting documents have been received.

Previous award recipients are eligible to reapply if the applicant is maintaining good standing in the baccalaureate or master’s degree program, maintains AARC membership and active role in AARC related leadership activities and is the most deserving candidate in the judgment of the Board of Trustees or its designated selection committee. Should the Board of Trustees receive multiple qualified applicants, preference will be given to a candidate enrolled in a respiratory care program in Illinois.

• 2025—Denise C. Marasigan, BSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS
• 2024—Desiree’ J. Poach, RRT, RRT-NPS

All applications for scholarship awards must be accompanied by the following:

1. A professional written paper including the following:
   1. Describe a problem or struggle you have overcome and how that experience will make you a better respiratory therapist in the future.
   2. Think of a patient experience or a specific patient that was special to you. How has the experience with that patient made you a better respiratory therapist?
   3. How can we as a profession reduce the number of COPD patients in the United States and work towards achieving an earlier diagnosis for patients?
2. A short description (250 words or less) outlining your academic, professional, and/or volunteer respiratory care experience that may include career goals and/or an explanation of your reason(s) for choosing respiratory care as a profession.
3. A letter from the Program Director or Clinical Faculty Member attesting to the applicants (a) enrollment in an accredited respiratory program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, (b) expected graduation date, and (c) potential for a career in the respiratory care profession.
4. Two personal references. One reference must be from an instructor or respiratory care practitioner who has worked with you in a patient care setting.
5. A current copy of your college transcripts.
6. A copy of your AARC membership card.

Deadline for Application: March 31, annually.

All documents should be submitted to SDSRC or MSRC, which will then be forwarded to the American Respiratory Care Foundation and directed to Crystal Leighton.

Email: [email protected]

Crystal Leighton
Executive Assistant for ARCF
American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF)
PO Box 630007
Irving, TX 75063
Direct: (972) 406-4682
Main: (972) 243-2272

Past Award Recipients

• 2025—Katelyn Sternhagen and Mariah L. Bennett

1. Completed application form.
2. Must be a respiratory therapist who has at least a Baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent. If no Baccalaureate degree, then a letter of matriculation from a graduate program and an undergraduate transcript will suffice.
3. Must provide official transcript verifying a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.
4. Must provide proof of acceptance into an advanced degree program of a fully accredited school and proof applicant is a candidate for a degree and a letter from the program chair or committee chair indication applicant is a candidate for a degree.
5. Must provide letters of recommendation from the program director or other senior faculty member and from the medical director or other physician instructor attesting to: a) approval of candidate’s paper, b) candidate’s worthiness for the award, and c) candidate’s potential for a career in the profession of respiratory care.
6. Must submit an essay consisting of at least 1,200 words describing how the award will assist the applicant in reaching his/her goal of an advanced degree and the candidate’s statement of how achievement of this advanced degree will advance the profession of respiratory care.

As long as the minimum criteria are met, repeat awards may be considered by the ARCF Board of Trustees.

Please note that the application deadline is June 1.

Paper Submission Guidelines
Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

In addition to submitting some basic personal information, you will also be required to:

1. Attach an original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care to the online form if applying for an undergraduate award. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper, and should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Paper Submission Guidelines
2. Attach a personal essay of at least 1,200 words describing how this award will assist the applicant in reaching the objective of a degree and the candidate’s ultimate goals of leadership in health care if applying for the William W. Burgin/Robert Lawrence award. The paper should include a cover page with the author’s name, address, and phone number. The body of the paper should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

Applications are accepted Jan. 1–June 1. Applications will not be considered unless all supporting documents have been sent.

Previous undergraduate award recipients are eligible to reapply. Previous postgraduate award recipients may apply for, and receive, an award a second and third year if the applicant is maintaining good standing in an advanced degree program and is the most deserving candidate in the judgment of the Board of Trustees or its designated selection committee.

Past Award Recipients

• 2025—Jonathan Gustafson, BSRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS
• 2024—Rachel A. Jenkins, BSRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS
• 2023—David L. Kemper, BHS, RRT, RRT-NPS, C-NPT
• 2022—Nkiruka Mary Achionye, BS, RRT, RRT-NPS
• 2021—Amanda L. Roby, MHHS, RRT, RRT-SDS, RPSGT, RST, CCSH
• 2020—Sherry M. Whiteman, MS, RRT
• 2019—Marby R. McKinney, Med, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C
• 2018—Kevin P. Collins, MS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C
• 2017—Marby McKinney, MEd, RRT-NPS, CPFT, AE-C
• 2016—Tabatha M. Dragonberry, MEd, RRT-NPS, AE-C, ACCS, CPFT, C-NPT
• 2015—Kevin Collins, MS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C
• 2014—Sherry Whiteman, BS, RRT
• 2013—Charity Clark, BS, RRT
• 2012—Matthew Trojanowski, BA, RRT
• 2011—Daniel D. Rowley
• 2010—Cynthia White, BA, RRT-NPS, AE-C
• 2009—Ashley F. Dulle, BS, RRT, AE-C
• 2008—Rena Barker, BS, RRT, AE-C
• 2007—John Salazar, BS, RRT
• 2006—Christy Kane, Med, RRT-NPS
• 2005—Mary Ann Couture, MEd, RRT-NPS
• 2004—Linda Birnbaum, MS, RRT
• 2003—Linda Birnbaum, MS, RRT
• 2002—Linda Stone, RRT, CPFT
• 2001—Mary Jane Johnson, RRT
• 2000—Arzu Ari, MS, CRT, CPFT
• 1999—Margaret A. Swanson, MS, RRT

1. Completed application form.
2. Must be a respiratory therapist who has at least a Baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent. If no Baccalaureate degree, then a letter of matriculation from a graduate program and an undergraduate transcript will suffice.
3. Must provide proof of acceptance into an advanced degree program of a fully accredited school and proof applicant is a candidate for a degree.
4. Must provide letter of recommendation from the program director or other senior faculty member and two letters of recommendation from the medical director or other physician instructor attesting to: a) approval of candidate’s paper, b) candidate’s worthiness for the award, and c) candidate’s potential for a career in the profession of respiratory care.
5. Must submit an essay consisting of at least 1,200 words describing how the award will assist the applicant in reaching his/her goal of an advanced degree and the candidate’s statement of how achievement of this advanced degree will advance the profession of respiratory care.

As long as the minimum criteria are met, repeat awards may be considered by the ARCF Board of Trustees.

Please note that the application deadline is June 1.

Paper Submission Guidelines
Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

In addition to submitting some basic personal information, you will also be required to:

1. Attach an original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory care to the online form if applying for an undergraduate award. The paper should include a cover page giving only the title of the paper, and should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Paper Submission Guidelines
2. Attach a personal essay of at least 1,200 words describing how this award will assist the applicant in reaching the objective of a degree and the candidate’s ultimate goals of leadership in health care if applying for the William W. Burgin/Robert Lawrence award. The paper should include a cover page with the author’s name, address, and phone number. The body of the paper should be devoid of any information such as applicant’s name, address, or school that could provide a bias in the evaluation. See Points to Consider in Submitting an Essay

Applications are accepted Jan. 1–June 1. Applications will not be considered unless all supporting documents have been sent.

Previous undergraduate award recipients are eligible to reapply. Previous postgraduate award recipients may apply for, and receive, an award a second and third year if the applicant is maintaining good standing in an advanced degree program and is the most deserving candidate in the judgment of the Board of Trustees or its designated selection committee.

Past Award Recipients

• 2025—Nathan L. Pounds MSRC, RRT, RPFT, AE-C
• 2024—Ashley E. Kamien, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS
• 2023—Grant D. Gerwit, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RCP
• 2022—Jamie M. Kelly, BS, RRT
• 2021—Nicholas R. Henry, MS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C
• 2020—Craig R. Wheeler, MSc, RRT-NPS
• 2019—Daniel U. Gochenour, MSc, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE- C, CPPS
• 2018—Craig R. Wheeler, MS, RRT-NPS
• 2017—Kevin P. Collins, MS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C
• 2016—Kevin P. Collins, MS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C
• 2015—Kelly L. Colwell, MRC, RRT, NPS, CPFT, AE-C
• 2014—Janelle Gardiner, MS, RRT, AE-C
• 2013—Jared Rice, BSRT, RRT-NPS, RPFT, AE-C
• 2012—Bryan A. Wattier, BA, RRT
• 2011—Carl Hinkson
• 2010—Mary Martinasek, MPH, RRT-NPS, RPFT, AE-C, CHES
• 2009—Leah Carlson
• 2008—Janelle Gardiner, BS, RRT
• 2007—Saumy Joseph, BS
• 2006—Not Awarded
• 2005—Nancy Colletti, MS, RRT, CPFT
• 2004—Christy Kane, MEd, RRT-NPS
• 2003—Richard Branson, MS, RRT
• 2002—Joel P. Harris, BA, RRT
• 2001—Lisa Rapple, Med, RRT
• 2000—Anna W. Parkman, MBA, RRT
• 1999—Charles R. Hall, Sr., RRT, RPFT
• 1998—Jeffrey D. Standridge, MEd, RRT
• 1997—Thomas V. Hill, MS, RRT
• 1996—Kathleen F. Lee, MS, RRT
• 1995—Lynda Thomas-Goodfellow, MBA, RRT
• 1994—Robert L. Joyner, Jr.
• 1993—Patricia Branson
• 1992—Robert Shaw, RCP