Awards and Honors

🌟 Legacy Award

The Legacy Award honors those who have made a profound and lasting impact on the field of respiratory care in Illinois.

Recipients of this award have devoted their careers to advancing the profession, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring high standards of education and patient care. Their contributions continue to shape and inspire the next generation of respiratory therapists.

James E Jensen, BA, RRT-NPS – 2025 ISRC Legacy Award Recipient

Jim received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He
continued his education and graduated from Northwestern University Medical School’s
Respiratory Therapy Program in 1984. Jim started his career in the Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital in1984 and has worked his
entire 41-year career there in the NICU first as a staff therapist, then as a Clinical Specialist, and
now as a Clinical Coordinator.

Jim has enjoyed his career as a respiratory therapist and has found many opportunities to work
with others, including orientating new employees, instructing resident physicians, fellows, and
respiratory students. He is an NRP instructor and is NIDCAP trained. He also sits on the NICU
Interdisciplinary Practice Committee in the NICU. Jim has coordinated and participated in
research. His name is included on abstracts and on a patent for a medical device.
On a personal note, Jim has been married for 41 years. He and his wife live in Wheeling and
are the parents of thirty-one-year-old triplets. His first granddaughter was also born this past
summer.

Jim is honored and humbled to have received the Legacy Award. He states that he is the
therapist he is today because of his colleagues, past and present. He is also grateful for the
outstanding education that he received from Augustana College and Northwestern University.

🗣️ Words from His Nominators

“For over 30 years, Jim Jensen has exemplified excellence as a Respiratory Therapist, dedicating his career to providing exceptional care to the most fragile and vulnerable patients at Prentice Women’s Hospital. His deep expertise, unwavering compassion, and steady presence have made a profound impact not only on the countless lives he has touched but also on the many Respiratory Therapists he has mentored along the way.

Jim’s commitment extends beyond the bedside; he has been actively involved in professional societies, advocating for the advancement of the field and sharing his knowledge to elevate the practice of respiratory care. His legacy is one of leadership, dedication, and genuine care, leaving an indelible mark on the profession and those fortunate enough to work alongside him.”

🏆 Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) of the Year

Each year, the Illinois Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) honors one outstanding professional with the RCP of the Year Award.

This recognition celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to patient care, professional excellence, and the advancement of the respiratory care profession. The recipient embodies the highest standards of clinical practice, leadership, and service to the respiratory care community.

Kathryne (Katie) Himes – 2025 ISRC Respiratory Care Practitioner of the Year

Kathryne (Katie) Himes is the Lead Respiratory Therapist at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital. She began her respiratory care career at Parkland College in Champaign and later earned her bachelor’s degree from San Joaquin Valley College in California.

Katie lives in Charleston, Illinois, with her husband and their children. She serves as the ISRC Chapter 4 Chair and is an active member of the ISRC Membership Committee. In addition, she has facilitated the Better Breathers Club for the American Lung Association for the past three years and serves on the Leadership Team at Woodlawn Chapel.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her family. She shares that the respiratory care profession has given her countless opportunities to grow, learn, and make a difference.

Katie is honored to be recognized as the 2025 ISRC Respiratory Care Practitioner of the Year.

🗣️ Words from Her Nominators

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Katie for many years and have worked both alongside her at the bedside and under her leadership. She brings professionalism, calm confidence, and heart to every role she takes on.”

“Katie has elevated every department she’s worked in by emphasizing advanced credentials, implementing RT-led protocols, and developing a clinical ladder to encourage continued education and performance.”

“She is a valuable resource in the Critical Access Hospital network — always willing to assist others, share trainings, or trade supplies in a pinch. Her collaboration makes a real difference for rural hospitals.”

“I am most proud of her for taking on the new role of Chapter 4 Chair. She hosted a very successful conference and is already planning for next year. It’s volunteers and leaders like Katie who will push our profession forward.”

🎓 Student of the Year

The future of respiratory care depends on bright, motivated students who bring curiosity, compassion, and skill to the profession.

The Student of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding respiratory therapy student in Illinois who demonstrates academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to lifelong learning. This award highlights the promise of tomorrow’s leaders in respiratory care.

Brandon Macak – 2025 ISRC Student of the Year

Brandon Macak discovered his passion for health care while working in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at MercyOne Genesis in Davenport, Iowa. Helping patients there — and witnessing his grandfather’s struggle with pulmonary disease — inspired him to pursue a career in Respiratory Therapy.

Since beginning his studies, Brandon’s passion for respiratory care has continued to grow. He is especially dedicated to advancing the profession, building excitement for the field, and supporting fellow students on their own educational journeys.

Brandon’s enthusiasm, leadership, and compassion have made him a standout student and a promising future respiratory therapist. He is honored to be recognized as the 2025 ISRC Student of the Year.

🗣️ Words from His Nominators

“Brandon’s professionalism, genuine interest in advancing our profession, and commitment to volunteering truly set him apart. His leadership within the ISRC Student Committee shows his drive to strengthen the future of respiratory care.”

“He is bright, energetic, a great team player, and a strong communicator. It was incredibly brave for him to take part in The SHIFT — stepping into an entirely new experience with confidence and enthusiasm.”

“Brandon consistently demonstrates excellence in both academic and clinical settings. His curiosity, focus, and professionalism have earned the respect of his faculty, instructors, and peers alike.”

🦅 President’s Award

The President’s Award is a special honor given at the discretion of the ISRC President to recognize an individual who has provided extraordinary service, leadership, or support to the Society during the presidential term.

Unlike other awards, this recognition reflects the President’s personal appreciation for contributions that may not always be visible but are deeply impactful.

Recipients of the President’s Award embody the spirit of dedication, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the mission of the ISRC and the respiratory care profession in Illinois.

2025 President’s Award Recipient – Kathryn Dugan

Kathryn Dugan is recognized with the 2025 ISRC President’s Award for her exceptional leadership, ongoing commitment to professional growth, and her steadfast support of ISRC initiatives and members throughout Illinois.

Her contributions have strengthened the Society’s educational programs, student engagement, and collaboration across the state, reflecting the very qualities this award was created to honor.

AARC Appointments & Representation

The Illinois Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) is proud to have members serving in leadership roles within the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). These appointments ensure Illinois voices are represented on a national stage — helping shape policy, education, and the future of respiratory care. Our appointees exemplify professional excellence and strengthen the bridge between state and national advocacy for our patients and our profession.

🏆 AARC Awards & Recognition

What an incredible list of contributions Illinois made at the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Congress 2025 n December, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona!

– AARC President, Dana Evans MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP
– Newly elected AARC Director at Large, Anne Geistkemper MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC
– The Bill Bitzel Award was awarded to Illinois, which celebrates the work we do in the ISRC to lift up the next generation of respiratory therapists, Gina Hoots, MSEd, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, CCSH, AE-C, CHC & Molly Martin accepted the award (to include the work of Alyssa Sichrovsky, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RPFT and Lori Badgley)
– 2025 AARC Presidential Citation of Merit Award recipient Lexie Caraway
– 2025 Specialty Practitioner of the Year (SPOTY), Adult Acute Care Specialty Section awarded to Andy Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP, FAARC
– 2025 Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC) awarded to Anne Geistkemper MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC & Tyler Weiss, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FCCP
– Apex Award, Advocate Health Care Transport Team
– Rush University competed in the Sputum Bowl, Amber Khan, MSc, RRT, Hadeel Baazim, MSc, RRT Harley QIN, MMed, MBA, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, Sebastien J Conge
– The Sister Mary Yvonne Jenn, CRNA, RRT Lifetime Achievement Award from National Board for Respiratory Care – NBRC awarded to David Vines
– Parkland College had a sputum bowl team “The PEEP Protectors”
– Jason Ruiz (Malcolm X College) and Skylar Mackiewicz (Parkland College) attended the HOD
– Open Forum Abstract Presentations- Sara Murphy, Renee Bergtold, Aleksandra S., Fai Albuainain, Li Jie, Dana Evans, Alexandra Domoras, Andrew Miller MRC, RRT, RRT-NPS
– Panel Presentation: Making a List and Checking it Twice, Andy Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP, FAARC
– The Edge of VIability: Resuscitation Outcomes for Infants 22 to 27 Weeks Gestational Age, Debra Selip, MD, MBA
– Lecture panel for Theravance, Lexie Caraway
– Year in Review, High Flow Nasal Cannula in COPD, Li Jie Li
– Rolling, Rolling, Rolling – Pediatric ECMO Transport, Jenn Watts, MSc, RRT-NPS, C-NPT, FAARC (Critical Care Transport Section Chair)
– AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines 2025, Pulse Oximetry and Home Oxygen, J. Brady Scott, PhD, RRT
– Enhancing Hospital-Based Education, Beyond the Classroom: Mastering Skills in Educations Bootcamps, Andy Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP, FAARC
– The Baby Brain: Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Injury in the Full-Term Infant, Debra Selip, MD, MBA
– Pro/Con: Precision Ventilation in CPR: Essential Priority or Needless Distraction?, J. Brady Scott, PhD, RRT
– Personalizing Ventilation in Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients, J. Brady Scott, PhD, RRT
– University Hospital Respiratory Consortium 2025, Rush University Medical Center
– Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) Directors Forum, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Respiratory Care 🌟

The Illinois Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) is now preparing for the 2026 Respiratory Awards, honoring the outstanding therapists, students, educators, and advocates who make a difference every day — in the lives of their patients and in the advancement of our profession.

✨ Do you know a colleague who goes above and beyond?
✨ A mentor who has shaped your career?
✨ A student or new professional showing extraordinary promise?

Now is the time to recognize them!

📅 Nominations open May 1st 2026
🏆 Winners will be recognized during Respiratory Care Week and at the following ISRC Annual Conference

Help us shine a spotlight on those who inspire, lead, and elevate the practice of respiratory care across Illinois.

Award Ceremony 10/23/25