The Passing of Columbia University Professor and Trustee Dr. Kenneth A. Forde

“We mourn the loss of University Trustee Kenneth A. Forde, who for the past six decades provided exemplary leadership at the University’s medical center, first as a trailblazing student and then as a teacher, distinguished surgeon and innovative researcher. In each of these capacities, Ken displayed a keen loyalty to Columbia alongside his notable brilliance and uncommon grace, always challenging us to be better and do better. He successfully developed new diagnostic and surgical approaches that transformed the treatment of  colorectal disorders, guided the careers of generations of young doctors, and worked tirelessly to promote the inclusion of underrepresented minorities and women in the medical profession. Fittingly, both a professorship in surgery and a diversity scholarship at CUIMC bear Ken's name. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Lee C. Bollinger