Honoring a Legacy: Loretta Ford Lifetime Achievement Award Presented at NNPS Keystone

The University of Colorado’s pioneering role in advancing the nurse practitioner profession will be front and center at this year’s National Nurse Practitioner Symposium (NNPS) Keystone, where the Loretta Ford Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented in honor of the legendary nurse leader whose groundbreaking work reshaped modern healthcare.

Dr. Loretta C. Ford, co-founder of the nation’s first nurse practitioner program at the University of Colorado, passed away earlier this year. Her enduring legacy as a visionary, educator, and advocate for advanced practice nursing continues to inspire generations of healthcare providers. In recognition of her transformative contributions, NNPS Keystone will host a special Awards Ceremony and Keystone Summit on July 17, featuring the presentation of the Loretta C. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside NNPS Scholarship recognitions.

The University of Colorado, one of the proud sponsors of NNPS Keystone, is deeply woven into the symposium’s origins and mission. Originally established at the University of Colorado, NNPS has become a premier national gathering for nurse practitioners, offering world-class education, networking, and professional development opportunities.

Summit Spotlight: The Future of Advanced Practice

Immediately following the awards, NNPS Keystone attendees will participate in The Summit—a 1.5 CE hour session titled "Celebrating the Longevity, Impact, and Future of Advanced Practice Providers." The panel will explore the vital role of APPs in the evolving healthcare landscape, reflect on the profession’s origins, and discuss how APPs are poised to lead in addressing tomorrow’s challenges.

Hosted by Eileen T. O’Grady, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, executive coach and faculty at UCSF’s Leadership Institute, the Summit features thought leaders including:

• Tener Veenema, RN, PhD, MPH, MS, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

• Garrett Chan, PhD, APRN, FCNS, FAANP, FAAN, President and CEO, HealthImpact; UCSF School of Nursing

  
  

Join the Celebration

NNPS Keystone takes place July 15-19 at the Keystone Resort in Keyston, CO. University of Colorado faculty, students, and alumni are invited to join in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Ford, engaging with today’s leading voices in healthcare, and celebrating the profound impact of nurse practitioners on patient care nationwide.

Ready to honor the past and celebrate the future? Register here!