
Connie’s first baby, “David” born in 1972, and a 16-year-old mother.
August is National “Make-a-Will” Month, a perfect opportunity to update your current will or to create one if you haven’t done so already. As a crucial estate-planning tool, a will simplifies the process of transferring assets to not only loved ones, but also charitable causes and institutions that matter to you.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a will can help you:
- Appoint the guardian of your minor children.
- Avoid a lengthy probate process.
- Minimize estate taxes through gifts to family members and/or charitable organizations.
- Decide who will be the executor of your estate to ensure your affairs are in order.
- Make gifts or donations that reflect your personal values and interests.

Connie in her red jeep “Devon” on her way to a home visit.
For Connie Becker, CNM, FNU is one of those cherished institutions. A Frontier graduate, Becker was with the Frontier Nursing Service from 1971 to 1973. Her experience included four months in the second class of the Family Nurse Practitioner program and eight months in the Certified Nurse-Midwife course.
Becker then went on to become a part-time instructor for nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwifery students, while also working part-time as a nurse in FNU’s original home of Hyden, Kentucky. Following her time at Frontier, Becker continued her career in various nurse-midwifery roles, retiring at 55 after over 30 years of service and the remarkable achievement of delivering 3,765 babies.
Even in retirement, Becker remains vibrant and active. She enjoys hiking, pickleball and traveling, with trips to South Africa and Scotland on the calendar.

Connie during a home visit with George and Elmira.
Appreciative of the education and experience she gained at Frontier, Becker has chosen to include FNU in her estate planning, ensuring that future generations will benefit from the institution that played such a significant role in her life. Connie’s estate gift will support a student from Kentucky who attends Frontier via a scholarship.
“I started with a financial planner, helping to make a lifelong plan,” she said. “As age crept up, I needed to get my affairs in order. I hired a lawyer and now have an estate and trust plan.”
Becker is among countless individuals from diverse backgrounds who have included FNU in their planned giving. Those who make a planned gift provide enduring support for future generations of healthcare professionals who will continue the legacy of caring for thousands of mothers, babies, and families, just as FNU and FNS alumni have done for a century.

Connie and her first baby “David” born in 1972.
There are various options to support FNU through planned giving, such as naming FNU in your will; designating FNU as a beneficiary of a retirement asset, life insurance policy, or gift annuity; or donating appreciated assets. You can direct your gift to particular funds or areas of greatest need, and our Advancement staff is available to assist you in creating a legacy that aligns with your values while supporting FNU students in achieving their goals.
For more information, please contact our Chief Advancement Officer Bobbi Silver at bobbi.silver@frontier.edu or at 859-251-4739. To learn more about ways to give to FNU, visit frontier.edu/give-to-fnu.