JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 12, 2013 — 51社区 nurse anesthesia faculty recently voted to rename a nursing award in memory of alumnus William Janovich.
The award鈥檚 first recipient was Jason Hooper, a 2013 Master of Science in Nursing graduate.
Janovich earned a master鈥檚 degree in nurse anesthesia in 2010 at Union鈥檚 Germantown campus. He then served as a nurse anesthetist in Memphis as well as in Haiti. Janovich died in an accident in March, leaving behind his wife, Ashley, and their three children. He was 36.
The award was created in 2008 as the Horizon Award but has been changed to the William Janovich Award in his memory.
鈥淲illiam鈥檚 co-workers said everyone wanted William to do their anesthesia,鈥� said Molly Wright, professor of nursing and chair of the nurse anesthesia track at Union鈥檚 School of Nursing. 鈥淚t was said that he never forgot he was a nurse first of all and took great care of those entrusted to him. His classmates from here at Union spoke so highly of William and his compassion for others.鈥�
Several clinical sites where Union nursing students train select one graduate each year to receive the award, which honors a student who has shown outstanding knowledge and skills in a clinical setting.
Hooper received the award at a special ceremony July 26 for nurse anesthesia track graduates prior to Union鈥檚 summer commencement service July 27. Hooper, of Brownsville, Tenn., now works at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
Ashley Janovich presented this year鈥檚 award. She encouraged graduates to use their talents for God鈥檚 glory like her husband did.
鈥淎shley read some words from co-workers of William鈥檚 that spoke of the great care he gave to his patients and how he would show Christ to all those with whom he had contact,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淲illiam definitely demonstrated clinical skills and knowledge and served as a leader. How fitting that this award would be named after him.鈥�