In 2012, the Michigan Perfusion Society, along with the entire perfusion community, endured a tremendous loss. Daniel Thomas Zwada, mentor, instructor, and friend to most Perfusionists in the state of Michigan, passed away unexpectedly.   Dan spent his career as Director of Perfusion in the Detroit Metropolitan area.   From 2009 through 2012, Daniel served as president and founding father of the Michigan Perfusion Society.   In 2011, he was recognized, honored, and awarded the first-ever Dick & Norma Sarns Award.   This award recognized his commitment to the profession, to the society, and life.

Dan was a wealth of knowledge and a dear friend to all.   Later in his career, he was fondly referred to as The Godfather or Father Time.   An icon within the perfusion community, Dan was highly respected.    His legacy will carry on through the Daniel T Zwada Scholarship Award, established in 2013 by the Michigan Perfusion Society.   The Scholarship will consist of a $3000.00 award to be utilized toward the Perfusion education of the student.  This will be the Societies’ 12th scholarship award year.

As a perfusion student, obtaining knowledge and continuing on a path of lifelong learning is critical.  Daniel exemplified this during his entire career by being a lifelong student to the profession.  The Michigan Perfusion Society encourages perfusion students to reflect on their goals and submit this scholarship application.   The form must be returned to the Michigan Perfusion Society no later than July 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the Society’s selection by the end of July 2025.  The award will be presented at the Annual Michigan Perfusion Society Summer meeting.

NOTE:  Upon completion of the application, respondents must submit all items via the website MiPerfusion.org.  It will be the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application is complete.

If there are any questions or concerns, please get in touch with either of the individuals below.  Thank you very much, and we look forward to your application for this scholarship.

– Michigan Perfusion Society