AWARDS

It would be difficult to list all the awards Jean received throughout her career. Some that typify her community involvement follow.

In 1977 the American Society for Public Administration recognized Jean's dedication to bettering her community by honoring her with their Community Public Service Award.

In 1979 she received the Outstanding Service Award from the Nevada Library Association in recognition of her help in creating the Clark County Library District. A Valley Times editorial in 1981 named Jean the most powerful woman in Nevada. In 1982, the Nevada Women's Political Caucus selected her as Outstanding Woman of the Year in recognition of her continuous effort to improve the role of women in politics and for her service to the citizens of Nevada. Also in 1982, the Reno Commission on the Status of Women recognized her as an outstanding woman. In 1986 Soroptomists International of Carson City gave her their Woman of Distinction Award; Soroptomists of Truckee Meadows followed suit in 1995.

Her environmental work was recognized by the Friends of Nevada Wilderness who, in 1990, presented her with their Distinguished Service Award and later planted a tree in her honor at the entrance to Red Rock Canyon.

Jean's political achievements were noted by the Nevada Women's Political Caucus, who honored her with their Woman of Power Award in 1994. By proclamation of the Governor, Jean Ford Day was observed on March 12, 1994 in recognition of her numerous contributions to the citizens of Nevada.

In 1995, the Nevada Humanities Committee honored her as a Distinguished Educator and Public Humanist. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Nevada Women's Initiative gave her a "See History in a New Way" award in 1996.

In 1997, after her terminal illness was diagnosed, many organizations and agencies took the opportunity to express the importance of Jean's contributions to Nevada. She was named a Woman of Achievement by the Nevada Women's Fund; the University of Nevada, Reno Women's Studies Advisory Board established an endowed scholarship fund in her honor.

That same year, Jean received the Governor's Lifetime Achievement award for extraordinary accomplishments as a legislator, community advocate, educator, writer, and business leader. The University of Nevada Board of Regents gave her the Distinguished Nevadan Award and the University of Nevada, Reno, presented her with the President's Medal.

The State Legislature recognized her with a Special Legislative Commendation. The Clark County Board of County Commissioners gave her a proclamation recognizing her role in founding the Clark County Library District and other contributions to libraries in Nevada.

Senator Richard Bryan gave her a U.S. Senatorial Recognition in the form of a special commendation for exemplary performance and outstanding achievement. He also entered remarks in the Congressional Record recognizing her as a role model and inspiration for generations to come.

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District established Jean Ford Special Collections in her honor and established the annual Jean Ford Award to recognize contributions to libraries in Nevada.