Celebrating the life and legacy of Loretta Ford
From where it began, the College of Nursing wishes Lee a Happy 100th Birthday!
We celebrate the life and legacy of one of CU Nursing’s great innovators and educators – Loretta Ford, BS, MS, EdD, FAAN, FAANP. Co-founder of the Nurse Practitioner movement with Henry Silver, MD, FAANP, in 1965, Ford has shaped the nursing profession. Today, at 100 years young, Ford remains active. This year, she even Zoomed into CU Nursing classes providing our students with her unique perspective and insight.
Happy birthday Lee Ford. We are so proud of you and grateful that you are part of our GREAT College of Nursing. Your legacy inspires our future!!!
Elias Provencio-Vasquez
RN, PhD, Dean/ProfessorProud to be a CU alum (DNP ‘12) at the place where you blazed a trail for my career as an NP. Your determination and focus on nursing within the advanced practice role is something I hold to dearly. I share your words with my NP students and want to celebrate your birthday wishing you joy and continued good health.
Midge Bowers
DNP, FNP-BC, AACC, FAANP, FAAN, Associate Professor Duke University School of Nursing and NP Duke CardiologyAnother milestone in your glorious life! Happiest of birthdays, Dr. Ford, at least until next year! Your super-hero efforts to secure academic preparation for the NP role elevated advanced practice nursing and started drawing NPs out of the briar patch! I am thrilled to have produced your authentic story through the documentary, The Wisdom of the Willow: The History of the Nurse Practitioner. Here's one of my favorite quotations: "I think if you care deeply, you're willing to stick your neck out" (Loretta C. Ford, EdD, RN, FAAN). Spoken like a true hero! All blessings!
Linda Campbell
PhD, RN, CNS, CNE, Dean and Professor, Department of Nursing, Warner Pacific UniversityDr. Ford – Thank you, from all of us at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, for the trails you blazed in the field of nursing. Your vision in creating the first nurse practitioner program transformed healthcare delivery in vital ways, and we all benefit from what you put into place. Now, more than perhaps ever before, skilled nurse leaders are what our world needs. You helped make CU Nursing the innovator in education, research and care that it is today, and for that we are forever grateful. Here’s to a happy, healthy 100th birthday. Don Elliman
Don Elliman
BA, Chancellor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusDear Loretta, My Navy friends Ken Walgren and Joe Cappiello and I have often talked about our days with you as a teacher and then your amazing career and major impact on Nursing and Medicine. You have been an inspiration to us all and I wish you a very Happy Birthday. The world became a better place on the day you were born! Your friend and colleague, Mike Monahan
Mike Monahan
MEd, BSN, RN BSN, CU '71YOU ARE AMAZING AND THANK YOU. I HAVE BEEN TO MANY NP SYMPOSIUMS IN KEYSTONE & YOU STILL LOOK GREAT. HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY.
Linda Typer
MSN but started with CU program WHCNP in 1983, FNP in rural Colorado! Challenge especially in 1996You have been such an inspiration! Best wishes on your 100th Birthday!
Louise Spugnardi
NP, C.Family N.P.You have been such an inspiration! Best wishes on your 100th Birthday!
Louise Spugnardi
NP, C.Family N.P.You have been such an inspiration! Best wishes on your 100th Birthday!
Louise Spugnardi
NP, C.Family N.P. | We were members of the University of Colorado's Class of 1956 - Bachelor of Science Degree (Nursing).
When we were student nurses, in what was then called the University's School of Nursing, Loretta Ford was our Public Health Instructor. As she celebrates her 100th birthday, we are delighted to join the celebration by sending her our very best wishes. Top row L-R Janis Kessel Saferstein, Mary Jo Barnhart Powell Row 2 L-R. Meredith Schlater Blundell, Mary Faith Racen Brown Row 3 L-R. Marilyn Biehl Brown, Nancy Mc Philimy Riebe |
Happy Birthday! Thanks for inspiring us all to advocate for our patients and our profession. - Sharon Barefoot, MSN, FNP-BC
Happy 100th Birthday Dr. Ford...thank you for your continued inspiration. Kathleen - Kathleen Bertone-Kellogg, MA, MS, FNP-BC
Happy Birthday Loretta! You are an inspiration & role model for us all. - Susan Minello Cell, ANP-BC, APRN MSN
Happy Birthday Dr Ford and thank you for being such a visionary in your day. May you have a wonderful and relaxing birthday with many wishes from those who love and admire you. - Ann Glasheen, WHNP, WHNP
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ford. What a milestone to reach. When I precepted students, I made them look up the history of the NP role if they could not tell me. Thank you for being the Florence Nightingale of the NP profession, and one woman that I admire immensely. I met you at a conference when you were dressed in your Superwoman outfit, and that is how I continue to see you – a real Superwoman. - Jan Disantostefano, BS, MS, FNP, WHNP - Retired
All the best to you Loretta. So happy to have you as my mentor. I also remember playing golf with you years back up at Keystone Colorado......You have made it Loretta not only to #100 but for your nurses now and forever...God Speed ! - Valerie Novak, BSN, MSN, ANCC, Nurse Practitioner
You have been such an inspiration! Best wishes on your 100th Birthday!
Louise Spugnardi
NP, C.Family N.P.You have been such an inspiration! Best wishes on your 100th Birthday!
Louise Spugnardi
NP, C.Family N.P. | Phyllis Zimmer MN, FNP, FAANP, FAAN President, Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation; Faculty, University of Washington - Lee, you are my hero! Phyl |
You have been such an inspiration! Best wishes on your 100th Birthday!
Louise Spugnardi
NP, C.Family N.P.