The Academy recognizes a small group of Fellows as Living Legends in honor of their extraordinary contributions to the nursing profession, sustained over the course of their careers. Although these Fellows have typically stepped down from the positions through which they made their legendary contributions, their work continues to have a positive, ongoing impact on the profession. 
 

Criteria:

1. A Living Legend must have been a Fellow for at least 15 years and currently be a Fellow in good standing. 
2. S/he must be sponsored by three (3) Regular or Emeritus Fellows in good standing. 
3. Nominations should address the following:
   a. Describe the extraordinary and sustained contribution of the nominee; and,
   b. Provide evidence of the positive and ongoing impact of the work.  

 

Evaluation: 

1. Demonstrated extraordinary and sustained contributions to nursing and health care throughout their career;
2. Clear evidence of the positive impact of their previously described work in influencing nursing and health care. 

Nomination/Sponsorship Process: 

Any Fellow in good standing may sponsor by submitting a completed nomination form (click to access) to the Board of Directors, accompanied by THREE compelling support letters from Academy Fellows in good standing addressing the criteria for the Living Legend honor. Additional letters will not be accepted. A $300 Nomination Fee is required, the payment form is available on the Academy's website. No CV or bio is required.

Sponsor Responsibilities: 

• Sponsors of chosen honorees agree to attend the Academy's Annual Conference and recognition events for those Living Legends able to attend and act as their escorts/hosts.
• Sponsors agree to provide a biographical statement (500 words) and electronic photo of honoree to serve as a summary of the honorees' contributions to nursing and health care for inclusion in the November Annual Conference Program (see example here).
• Living Legends will be introduced at the Living Legends Ceremony, traditionally held the first night of the conference.
• A special event will be held for Fellows to co-mingle with attending honorees and their sponsors. 
• Each Honoree's picture and narrative will be presented in a poster fashion and displayed at the reception and other related events.
• Honorees will be presented with a recognition gift from the Academy.
• Registration fees for the annual meeting at which the honoree is being recognized will be complimentary for the Honoree.
• Honorees will no longer be required to pay annual dues and will be moved to "Living Legend" status in the AAN database. The honoree will have lifetime benefits of fellowship in the Academy.

Attendance at the Annual Meeting is not required to be honored as a Living Legend.