Source: www.ncu.edu.jm The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Annual Alumni Service Awards – Male and Female, serve to recognise outstanding alumni who have demonstrated continued interest in and support for the institution through the contribution of their time, talent and/or resources.
Through this award, the University seeks to promote pride in the University and to stimulate desire within current students, and among inactive past students to become engaged in the growth and development of the University.
Educator, activist, trailblazer, counsellor, and visionary are just some of the words used to describe Mr. Russ Allan Ford, the male recipient of the Alumni Service Award for 2009.
Mr. Ford is described as one who lends his intellect, creative talents, and expertise to further the development of others. He advocates that, “a good Christian education doesn’t cost; it pays”.
Having received a B.Sc in Nursing from Northern Caribbean University (NCU), he leads by exemplary service in the field of nursing and public health and has been a registered nurse for 28 years.
Mr. Russ Allan Ford is known in Bermuda and abroad for his pioneering work with persons with HIV /AIDS and victims of substance abuse. Mr. Ford is a founding member of the Bermuda Government’s AID’S Task Force launched in 1985 and he has advised many influential persons on these matters inclusive of politicians and church leaders and individuals in both the private and public sectors.
In March 1986 he co-founded the AIDS Charity STAR which stands for Supportive Therapy for AIDS persons and their Relatives. It became the premier charity in Bermuda in the late 1980’s and at one time had over 500 volunteers fully organized and trained in bereavement counselling and management of persons with HIV/ AIDS. In April 2011 this organization will celebrate 25 years of continuous work in Bermuda.
In the 1980’s he began educating the public of Bermuda and various parts of the world about HIV/AIDS. Mr. Ford has given over 700 presentations on this very emotional and often feared and misunderstood subject. During his time at Addiction Services he went to almost every primary and high school in the island to educate students and teachers about the perils of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.
As a result of his courageous and pioneering work he has been bestowed with many awards and accolades from all sectors. Some of the awards include Minister’s Award by Bermuda Government for “Pioneering Efforts in the Field of Substance Abuse Treatment” in 2008; Nurse of the Year in 2005 which was presented by the Bermuda Nurses Association and the World AIDS Day Government Award in 2003 where he was recognized as a pioneer in HIV/AIDS Support, and as the founder of Bermuda’s only hospice “Agape House.” Additionally, Mr. Ford has received the Caribbean Nurse’s Organization (CNO)Mavis Harney Award for Outstanding Nursing Practice (1995) and The Queen’s Certificate and badge of Honour in 1988.
Russ Allan Ford’s life speaks to the core values of the University and is a man who truly understands the concept of being a servant leader. Northern Caribbean University recognises the efforts of Mr. Russ Allan Ford, an outstanding alumnus from our dear beacon on a hill, Northern Caribbean University- a place where learning never ends.
Identify at least ten persons in this photo including the person sitting in the front (holding the flowers) as well as the venue to enter into a chance to WIN one of five AMAZING PRIZES. Click Here to submit your entries before 30 October 2009. *Conference workers are not eligible to enter. [Archive]
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