In 2025, Frontier Nursing University celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the inception of the Frontier Nursing Service. We are grateful for the students, alumni, couriers, donors, volunteers, friends, and employees who have made an incredible impact on FNU’s century-long journey. We are celebrating this milestone year by capturing and sharing some of the countless stories that make up our history. Whatever your connection to FNU, we hope you enjoy these stories and are inspired to share your own story with us.
When Patricia “Patsy” Lawrence joined Frontier’s Courier program in 1946, little did she know it would be the start of a life-long relationship with Frontier. Her Courier experience was so impactful that, according to Patsy, her father said she “went away for six weeks and matured six years.”
Patsy has been an instrumental figure in the Frontier Nursing Service and Frontier Nursing University through her efforts to share the mission and work of Frontier with colleagues and friends in Philadelphia and Boston. Patsy served as Chair of the Boston Committee for many years and is still actively involved with the Boston Committee events. The Boston Committee is made up of many Frontier alumni, former Couriers, and their friends who are passionate in their efforts to raise funds and awareness about Frontier. As part of her work leading the Boston Committee, Patsy also organized annual Boston events to bring together Frontier supporters and invite new supporters to join the work.
In 2015, she hosted a showing of “Forgotten Frontier,” and in 2024, she hosted a viewing of “Nurse-Midwives: Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis.” Through these events, Patsy shared her Frontier story and encouraged others to join her in support of the university.
Patsy and her husband Robert (Bob) committed $25,000 to establish the Patricia Perrin Lawrence Endowed Scholarship in support of FNU students. The first scholarship was awarded during the 2015 Commencement ceremony. That same year, FNU presented Patsy with the Courier Program Unbridled Spirit Award, which is given annually to a former Courier who has perpetuated the mission and spirit of Frontier in their own lives. The criteria for this award include dedication to serving others; ongoing, longstanding stewardship of Frontier; and demonstration of personal conviction, courage, and a zest for adventure.
Then, just two years later, Bob and Patsy made another donation after Frontier’s purchase of the Versailles property was finalized in October 2017. Their donation funded the construction of the Labor and Delivery Room (LDR) Birthing Simulation Room in the Academic Center on Frontier’s new campus.
In 2023, Patsy donated $50,000 to support the university, noting that she is very impressed with FNU and its students. FNU personnel visit Patsy and her daughter Fran in Boston every year to thank them for their support and to keep them up to date on the university’s latest happenings. The support Patsy and Robert have given to Frontier has played a significant role in helping the university continue to grow and evolve in service to its students and mission.
We want to celebrate our anniversary by capturing and sharing the countless stories that make up our history. Whatever your connection to FNU, we are incredibly grateful to you and want to hear your Frontier story.
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