Honoring a Difference-Maker

On May 7, TUSM honored Vivian W. Pinn, M.D. for her commitment to TUSM and its students by dedicating the Office of Student Affairs, on the 4th floor of the Sackler building, in her honor and by launching a scholarship fund in her name.

Pinn also received the prestigious Dean's Medal of honor, TUSM's highest honor, from Dean Harris Berman at the Saturday dinner event. The medal, rarely conferred, is given to people whose service to the school and medical careers have enhanced TUSM's national standing.

People came from across the country, some as far as Alaska, to attend the Pinn celebration. The dinner honoring Pinn on Saturday, May 7th was jubilant. The endless stream of speakers at the open-mike attests to the impact of her legacy and the great affection people hold for her. She built lasting relationships with students, who remember her as a gifted and caring educator.

Vivian Pinn had an outsize impact on her students. Many felt their entire careers were made possible or had been shaped by her. She was known to be willing to help anyone, both with their academic and personal lives. Her door was always open.

Former Students to Name Scholarship for Their Mentor
Over the past two years, many alumni and colleagues who graduated from Tufts Medical School between 1970 and 1985 have organized to honor the service and support they received from Pinn. If you wish to support the Vivian W. Pinn, M .D., Scholarship Initiative, please contact Richard Morse, senior associate director of development at the School of Medicine, at 617.636.4068 or richard.morse@tufts.edu.

Vivian Pinn, MD, is director of the Office of Research on Women's Health at the National institutes of Health, served as TUSM Associate Professor of Pathology, as well as assistant Dean for Student Affairs, in the 1970s and early 1980s. During her 12-year tenure at TUSM she was a role model of mentorship, routinely going above and beyond for her students. Read more >>