Susan Norris, Trysha Ahern Receive 2023 Perkins Award

Two Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine staff members were honored with a 2023 Perkins Award. Susan Norris, senior policy officer in the Student Affairs Office, and Patricia (Trysha) Ahern, associate director of pediatric infectious diseases and administrative director of research and finance for pediatric infectious diseases and neonatal medicine research, were honored with the award, which is presented annually by BU’s Faculty Council in recognition of distinguished services to the University. A total of three BU staff were named this year. It carries a prize of $500 and a plaque recognizing their service.

Norris joined the BU community in 1992. Among her responsibilities, she oversees the fourth-year medical students’ residency application process and manages the School’s Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee.

In a letter nominating Norris for the award, a colleague wrote that she is “the heart and soul of the Students Affairs Office and absolutely contributes to our medical student success in matching into their residency of choice.” According to a medical student, “she’s the glue that keeps us together during one of the most important times during medical school, and we’re all incredibly grateful to her for all her hard work behind the scenes. We wouldn’t know what we would do without her.”

Ahern has held numerous positions in her 40-plus years at the medical campus. She currently manages the day-to-day operations of Pediatric Infectious Diseases including organization, coordination and fiscal/personnel management and serves as division liaison for other hospital/university departments. Ahern provides support for pre-award submissions of grants at all levels: federal, industry and foundation, and manages all fiscal data awards.

“She embodies every attribute that this award is designed to recognize,” said a colleague in her nomination letter. “She is a problem-solver day and night and everyone’s go-to person, whether it is about finances, funding, operations or personnel issues.”

The Perkins Award was established in 1981 by the BU Faculty Council. Since 1984, the award has been sponsored by the estate of John S. Perkins, who served the University for more than 50 years in various capacities as faculty member, member of the administration, trustee and treasurer.