Remembering alumna, DNP student Hannah Price
According to her friends, Hannah Price (CWR ’21) could best be described with a fond comparison: She was a real-life Hermione Granger.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Price shared qualities of Granger, the beloved character from the Harry Potter series: extraordinary intellect, curiosity, quirky sense of humor and commitment to helping others. Now, members of the Case Western Reserve University community are mourning Price, who died last week at the age of 27.
“Hannah had an amazing heart,” said DNP classmate Geoff Stepnick. “She was endlessly curious and selfless—she always wanted to help and know more about others, rather than talk about herself. She was so adventurous, especially if someone would go on the adventure with her.”
Though born in rural China, Price grew up in Westerville, Ohio, after being adopted as a toddler. She came to Cleveland to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Case Western Reserve, before working as a nurse in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at Cleveland Clinic—a role she landed while still an undergraduate. She returned to her alma mater in 2023 to pursue her DNP through Case Western Reserve and Cleveland Clinic’s joint nurse anesthesia program.
The move was indicative of Price’s passion for learning—one that her friends deeply appreciated.
“She could make even the most overwhelming intensive weeks into a fun experience because she was so upbeat and supportive,” said classmate Ivan Ramos, who bonded with Price over a mutual love of the Harry Potter series. “She was selfless, sweet and incredibly smart—100% Hermione.”
Price’s inquisitive nature positioned her as a leader in her courses starting early in her college education.
“Hannah was a leader guiding group work, but she didn’t have to be recognized as the lead,” said Beverly Capper, DNP (GRS ’20, nursing), former director of the BSN nursing program. “Her focus was to make the project a meaningful learning experience for her group members. She was committed to her education and an exceptional student.”
Price maintained her outstanding academic record throughout her DNP studies and recently reached a major milestone. In February, she successfully defended her doctoral project, which explored how anesthesia providers could better capture recyclable materials in the operating room to reduce environmental impact.
Outside of academics, Price was deeply engaged in service, a commitment that dated back to her high-school senior project, which brought vision correction, diagnosis and hundreds of pairs of glasses to a remote Ethiopian population that had previously never had access.
She continued that service work as an undergraduate, where she was a Civic Engagement Scholar through the university’s Center for Civic Engagement and Learning, earning a Certificate of Distinguished Service for her contributions. Last fall, she went on a DNP trip to Guatemala, where she connected with the local community, especially the children.
“She constantly thought of others before herself,” said DNP student Zach Motter, who got to know Price on the trip. “Her free spirit and selflessness showed everyone to live life to the fullest and not be afraid of being your true self.”
According to friend and fellow DNP student Tyler Blake, standing up for others had always been central to Price’s life.
“She advocated for animals, human rights and immigrants, and for the respectful treatment of every person,” he said. “Patients clearly felt respected in her care. While she was not the loudest voice in the room, when she spoke, people listened.”
Outside of school, Price embraced life with enthusiasm and creativity. As a devoted Harry Potter fan, she loved weaving the wizarding world into everyday life—from themed decor and wardrobe color choices to inside jokes shared among friends. When she adopted her beloved dog, Neville—a pup of unknown descent named after character Neville Longbottom—she hosted an elaborate Harry Potter-themed “dog breed reveal” party, complete with a PowerPoint presentation, costumes and decorations.
Friends also remember Price for the simple joys she shared with them: roller skating, making couch forts to study in, road trips to Renaissance fairs (in costume) and traveling together to decompress.
“Hannah could make anything fun,” Ramos remembered. “Whether we were traveling, having a movie night, doing group study sessions or even just carpooling, she always made it the best.”
To those who knew her, the measure of Price’s life is not simply in the degrees she earned or the career she was building, but in the people she uplifted along the way. In true Hermione fashion, Price leaves behind something powerful: the reminder that brilliance matters most when it is used in the service of others—and that friendship and compassion are among the greatest magic a person can offer the world.
“Hannah was the kindest, most brilliant, generous person,” Ramos said. “She always gave support without missing a beat. She just truly cared. And she was loved so hard in return.”
A memorial service for Price will be held at a later date; information will be provided in The Daily as it becomes available.
Students who would like support during this time are encouraged to contact University Health and Counseling Services at 216.368.5872 or schedule an appointment online through MyHealthConnect, or access 24/7 online support through TimelyCare. Faculty and staff counseling services are available through AllOne Health, the university’s Employee Assistance Provider, at 800.227.6007 or online.
