Fall is routinely the busiest time of year at Frontier Nursing University (FNU), but the university took it to new heights in the Fall of 2022. Annually FNU’s biggest day of the year, commencement 2022, was all the more special as it was held in person for the first time since 2019. Further, it was held in the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, for the first time. This massive event space offered ample room for our graduates, their families, and friends, as well as faculty and staff. In total, approximately 1,500 people attended the event, which was also live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person.
Also in September, the university held its ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Versailles, Ky., campus. “Congratulations to Frontier Nursing University on this incredible new campus that will serve their students, who in turn will serve our people throughout their careers,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in his address to the attendees. “With help from schools like Frontier Nursing University, I know we can help train the next generation of healthcare heroes, building a better Kentucky for all of our families.”
The ceremony also included remarks from Woodford County Judge Executive James Kay and Midway Mayor Grayson Vandegrift. Versailles City Clerk and Treasurer Elizabeth Reynolds delivered a proclamation from Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott, declaring September 9, 2022, as Frontier Nursing University Day.
Immediately following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a land acknowledgment ceremony was held, acknowledging the land as the original home of the Shawnee and Cherokee people. FNU Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMNHP-BC, APRN, introduced Native American elders Helen Danser and Venus Evans, who read the land acknowledgment statement: “Frontier Nursing University wants to acknowledge that Versailles, Kentucky is the traditional territory of the Shawnee and Cherokee people. Frontier Nursing University acknowledges this legacy and finds inspiration from this land. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations. Territory or land acknowledgment is our way of recognizing the Indigenous presence in our everyday life.” This statement engraved on the sign placed at the trailhead of FNU’s 5K walking path informs visitors of the land’s history.
Additional events in the fall included the first annual FNU Day of Giving and the celebration of the annual National Midwifery Week and National Nurse Practitioner Week. During the fall, FNU was also proud to receive the 2022 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for the fifth consecutive year. FNU was also named one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program.
This issue of the Quarterly Bulletin covers all of these amazing moments from a fantastic fall at FNU. It also features the many accomplishments of our alumni, students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and donors, who continue to do great things not only for the university but for their communities across the country.
All of this and more are included in this issue of the Quarterly Bulletin. Simply click here to view or download the Fall 2022 Quarterly Bulletin today!