West-Ford, 47, dies of cancer
Nancy Lan
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: News
Lockett said: "She was definitely a woman of integrity and honesty. Everywhere she went, I'm sure she left a mark on students that she came in contact with. It's a shame that she couldn't mentor every student … at Drexel University, but those who did come in contact with her, I'm sure gained a lot, and through her contact, it bridged unity between different students."
West-Ford's true passion was mentoring students, Ruth said. With her guidance, Syreeta Collier, who graduated in 2005, founded the Drexel Minority Achievement Program (DMAP) in 2002.
Collier said that West-Ford was always encouraging, and helped shape the vision of DMAP. She was very supportive once DMAP was formed, always showing up at events and award ceremonies.
"She was powerful, vibrant, just full of life. She did things for student body and the minority community in general that took Drexel leaps and bounds above where they were before she started," Collier said.
West-Ford's own education began in West Philadelphia, where she graduated from West Philadelphia High School.
She then earned a bachelor's degree from Beaver College, now Arcadia University, and a master's degree in human-service management as well as a doctorate in educational leadership and learning technology from Drexel, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
West-Ford was born on January 23, 1960 in Philadelphia. She was divorced, and resided in Phoenixville, Pa. She enjoyed singing in the choir at the Grimes African Methodist Episcopal Church in Phoenixville, and was very devoted to her Christian faith, her son, Craig, 19, said. He said his mother was always there to help others, and that her uniqueness laid in the fact that she cared deeply for everyone and "lived her life through others."
West-Ford is survived by her two sons, Craig., and Steven, 17, She is also survived by her mother, Gladys, 80, brothers Chris, 49, and Alex, 44, and her sister, Joy, 45, all of Philadelphia.
There will be a memorial service for West-Ford on Sept. 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Mandell Theater, located at 33rd and Chestnut Streets, with a reception immediately following in the Living Arts Lounge.
West-Ford's true passion was mentoring students, Ruth said. With her guidance, Syreeta Collier, who graduated in 2005, founded the Drexel Minority Achievement Program (DMAP) in 2002.
Collier said that West-Ford was always encouraging, and helped shape the vision of DMAP. She was very supportive once DMAP was formed, always showing up at events and award ceremonies.
"She was powerful, vibrant, just full of life. She did things for student body and the minority community in general that took Drexel leaps and bounds above where they were before she started," Collier said.
West-Ford's own education began in West Philadelphia, where she graduated from West Philadelphia High School.
She then earned a bachelor's degree from Beaver College, now Arcadia University, and a master's degree in human-service management as well as a doctorate in educational leadership and learning technology from Drexel, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
West-Ford was born on January 23, 1960 in Philadelphia. She was divorced, and resided in Phoenixville, Pa. She enjoyed singing in the choir at the Grimes African Methodist Episcopal Church in Phoenixville, and was very devoted to her Christian faith, her son, Craig, 19, said. He said his mother was always there to help others, and that her uniqueness laid in the fact that she cared deeply for everyone and "lived her life through others."
West-Ford is survived by her two sons, Craig., and Steven, 17, She is also survived by her mother, Gladys, 80, brothers Chris, 49, and Alex, 44, and her sister, Joy, 45, all of Philadelphia.
There will be a memorial service for West-Ford on Sept. 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Mandell Theater, located at 33rd and Chestnut Streets, with a reception immediately following in the Living Arts Lounge.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Akosua Nyame-Kusi
posted 9/20/07 @ 12:27 PM EST
Jacky was a wonderful woman and I feel so blessed to have known her. May she rest in perfect peace and my condolences to her family and friends!
Marcella Anthony
posted 1/25/08 @ 8:27 PM EST
I am disappointed to see that "Dr. J"'s title, in nearly every Drexel publication referencing her untimely death, was not capitalized. Dr. Jackie West-Ford held many titles during her tenure at Drexel University, but lastly, she was the Senior Associate Dean of Students. (Continued…)
Tiffany Gallagher Mathews
posted 3/06/08 @ 4:48 PM EST
I just learned about Jackie's passing. As a former colleague of hers in Student Life, I remember her hard work and effort, especially in the coordination of Orientation. (Continued…)
George
posted 3/06/08 @ 5:35 PM EST
To Marcella:
You may not ever see this, but for anyone else who reads this, Marcella is displaying a moment where she should have done her research, a situation known as "foot in mouth" syndrome. (Continued…)
Kelechi Ekejiuba
posted 3/16/08 @ 10:28 AM EST
Dr. Jackie was a very wonderful and hardworking woman. I am glad I got to work under her during the 2007 New Student Orientation. May her gentle soul rest in peace. (Continued…)
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