At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, Couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community that are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality health care to underserved and rural populations.

In 1928, Mary Breckinridge, founder of Frontier Nursing University established the Courier Program, recruiting young people to come work in the Kentucky Mountains and learn about service to humanity. Couriers escorted guests safely through remote terrain, delivered medical supplies to remote outpost clinics, and helped nurse-midwives during home visits and births. Frontier has benefited tremendously from the 1,600 Couriers who have served since 1928.

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to announce that Marian Liebold received the 2016 Courier Program Unbridled Service Award at this year’s Homecoming ceremony. This award is given annually to a former Courier who has carried the torch of Mary Breckinridge beyond the mountains, perpetuating the mission and spirit of Frontier in their own lives. The criteria for this award includes dedication to serving others; ongoing, longstanding stewardship of Frontier; and demonstration of personal conviction, courage and a zest for adventure.  

Marian served as a Courier in 1977 and has continued to volunteer in various capacities since that time. She has most recently served on the Courier Program Advisory Council and as Chair of the FNU Cincinnati Committee. As Chair, Marian hosts an annual dinner in Cincinnati for Frontier Couriers, alumni, donors and others interested in learning about FNU.  

Through her annual events and the passionate story of how her experience as a Courier affected her own life, Marian has helped to drive new support for Frontier in addition to her own leadership support  - all of which helps to sustain and grow the Courier program.

Marian is an active philanthropist and volunteer. She has served on numerous boards in addition to her role with FNU including the Bethesda Foundation, Hospice of Cincinnati, The Summit Country Day School, the Barrett Cancer Fund, Convalescent Hospital for Children, and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. A Master Gardener, Marian serves as the Zone X (Ohio, Michigan and Indiana) Conservation Representative of the Garden Club of America. Marian was among the first to complete the inaugural Docent Training Program with the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and leads tours of the riverfront parks.