by Shane Burton

(April 4, 2014) — The University of Kentucky Appalachian Center is sponsoring a panel and book signing marking the 75th anniversary of the Frontier Nursing University, as part of year-long attention to the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty. 

The panel will be from 3:30-5 p.m. on Friday, April 11, in the Worsham Theater in the UK Student Center.

The panel will discuss service learning by young people volunteering in Appalachia as couriers with the Frontier Nursing Service. Anne Z. Cockerham, professor of history and associate dean for midwifery and women’s health at Frontier Nursing University, will read from her just-published book, "Unbridled Service: Growing Up and Giving Back as a Frontier Nursing Service Courier, 1928-2010." Michael Claussen and Nancy Reinhart of the Frontier Nursing University will tell stories from the 86 years of the courier program. Health practitioner Linda Ahrens and recent courier Bryanna McClure will share experiences of collaboration.

The panel will be moderated by Ann Kingsolver, director of the UK Appalachian Center and Appalachian Studies Program. The discussion will be followed by a book signing and reception, sponsored by the UK Appalachian Center, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Morris Book Shop, 882 E. High Street, in Lexington.