Donors making a difference

Individual Giving:

Quiet donors of BUSM’s largest-ever gift step forward

4-0_DonorStories0In August 2008, a Boston University School of Medicine alumna pledged $10.5 million to her School—the largest gift in the history of BUSM. At that time, she chose to remain anonymous.

Now, a year and a half later, University Overseer Shamim Dahod (CGS’76, CAS’78, MED’87) and her husband, Ashraf, have put a face—or more accurately, two faces—on their contribution, which will establish the Shamim and Ashraf Dahod Breast Cancer Research Center at the School of Medicine. The gift will also endow assistant professor and international scholar positions at the center and support MED’s new residence hall. Read more »

Foundation giving:

BUSM and the Karin Grunebaum Cancer Research Foundation, a growing partnership

4-2_DonorStories1 For more than 30 years, the Karin Grunebaum Cancer Research Foundation has generously supported the training of physician-scientists in cancer biology and research at BUSM. “The continued commitment of the Karin Grunebaum Cancer Research Foundation in supporting fellows and junior faculty not only provides support for cancer research but also develops the next generation of faculty committed to preventing and treating cancer,” says Dean Karen Antman. Read more »

Reunion giving:

Thinking back, looking forward: The Class of 1958 celebrate their reunion with a gift for BUSM’s future

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It’s a tradition at BUSM for alumni to make a special gift to the School in recognition of their 50th year anniversary—and the generous Class of 1958 proved to be no exception. In the months leading up to this milestone, Barry Manuel led his classmates in their efforts to make a significant gift to BUSM to commemorate the education and lifelong friendships formed more than 50 years ago. Read more »

Sponsored Research:

$2.8 million NIH grant enables BUSM researchers to delve deeper into motivational counseling for mentally ill at risk for HIV

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Armed with a five-year, $2.8 million federal grant, School of Medicine researchers are hoping to stem HIV infection and transmission among mentally ill people engaged in risky behaviors such as needle sharing and unprotected sex.

Applying a technique called motivational interviewing, the BU team from the Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine Program will recruit and counsel severely mentally ill adults who want to protect themselves from HIV, or who are already infected but don’t want to pass the disease to others. Read more »

Anonymous giving:

Anonymously funded professorship honors renowned scientist

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Nancy Bucher’s slight frame and gentle demeanor belie her powerful mind. At 95 years of age, she continues her lifelong pursuit of answers to the important questions of cell regeneration. Bucher is recognized internationally for her pioneering research on liver regeneration and the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Read more »

Sponsored research:

Center for Neuroscience at BU gets $1.5 million boost from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute

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Neuroscience undergraduates will get broader laboratory experience, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute that bolsters BU’s increasingly popular brain research program.

The program will use the funds to revamp its introductory neuroscience course from a lecture-based model to one that embraces hands-on research. The new lab space and course will debut in the 2011-2012 academic year. Read more »