Erik Allen, Clinical Perfusion class of 2025, was awarded the Nicholas B. Rappa Memorial Endowment
The scholarship recognizes an outstanding second year perfusion student who best represents excellence in academic, clinical, professionalism, and other intangibles (eg. integrity, service, work ethic, grit, and commitment).
Edward M. Darling, MS, LP, CCP, associate professor of Cardiovascular Perfusion stated, "Erik Allen is a superb recipient of this wonderful scholarship. I believe that Erik embodies the spirit of all the great qualities of Nick Rappa."
The Department of Cardiovascular Perfusion used objective metrics of academic (GPA), clinical (case evaluations), and professionalism (case evaluations) to determine the top four student nominations. These amazing individuals were: Erik Allen, Quinn Harkrider, Blake Tolbert and Kathleen Dorety. Each member of the CVP faculty independently ranked these students according to their own impressions. The collated results were analyzed and the final selection confirmed.
Erik Allen stated: "I am honored to be recognized for and receive the Nicholas Rappa scholarship. I have heard stories from his classmates, friends, and faculty recounting his aptitude for learning, dedication, and confidence though his perfusion education. He exemplified the perfusionist role and became an exceptional clinician. It is humbling as a current student to be acknowledged with much to still learn. I am therefore grateful for the opportunity to help preserve Nick’s legacy and work towards mastering what he so deeply loved––perfusion."
Nicholas B. Rappa Memorial Endowment
In remembrance of Nicholas B. Rappa
Nick Rappa was no ordinary man. Driven to seek perfection, he carried a humble confidence in his mastered skills. He was passionate, committed and a friend to many. These qualities made him a valued clinician in the field of Perfusion, a treasured friend and a deeply devoted father to his daughter Reese.
Although Nick’s life has been cut short, we as a community – his classmates from the SUNY Upstate CVP Class of 2009 – are determined to keep his dreams and legacy alive.
Our objective is to create a lasting fund that will be passed on to help train future Perfusion students and allow them to pick up where Nick left off. The grief that this tragedy has bestowed upon us is now the driving force to create something meritorious in his honor, the Nicholas B. Rappa Memorial Endowment.
As a classmate, Nick was a young, talented, confident perfectionist. He had a persistent drive to become the very best that he could be at whatever he set out to do. At first, Nick was shy, reserved and humble. As our classes and rotations progressed and we grew to know each other, Nick’s sense of humor and charisma took over, replacing his shyness. What did remain was his humility. Nick quickly developed the skills required to be an excellent clinician, but he never bragged about what he had accomplished or what he was capable of. Instead, it was his nature to help others; to make them better so that they could do great things as well. We would all come to learn that Nick would master anything that inspired him.
Upon graduation in 2009, Nick was honored with the Clinical Excellence Award, a reflection of his raw talent and persistent drive. He spent the next four years honing his skills in San Antonio, Texas. In 2014, he accepted the Pediatric Perfusion position at The Children’s Hospital at Oklahoma University, where he advanced to senior staff perfusionist. His light was burning bright.
Our worlds became darker on October 12, 2018, a day that will be remembered as a somber and heartbreaking day for the Cardiovascular Perfusion community, the SUNY Family and the SUNY Upstate CVP Class of 2009. On that fateful morning, Nicholas “Nick” B. Rappa was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver. In our search for meaning in this terrible event, we find solace in preserving Nick’s legacy and in giving others an opportunity to work toward mastering what Nick so loved – perfusion.
Nick’s true gift to us all was how gracious he was with sharing his talents and natural abilities. He will forever be remembered by his friends, family, classmates and colleagues as a man of great humble confidence. The Perfusion community, the SUNY Family and the Upstate Medical University CVP Class of 2009 have lost a truly special person.
~Zackary Beckman, Stefanie Cavanaugh, James Loftus and Ryan Price, Clinical Perfusion Class of 2009