Alumna Giving Back to Fight Cancer

Birthdays are typically occasions when one receives presents. But Linda Tenenbaum (nee Rodwin) ’61, a Florida resident, decided to celebrate her birthday by making a special gift to her alma mater.

In 2014, she made a generous contribution to establish The Linda Tenenbaum Oncology Award at Adelphi University, to be awarded annually to a graduating nursing major who intends to specialize in oncology nursing. Tenenbaum has always had an interest in cancer and chemotherapy. During her nursing career, she established oncology classes in the nursing and continuing education programs at Broward Community College and assisted a neighboring vocational licensed practical nursing program in integrating oncology classes into its curriculum as well. Tenenbaum is also author of Cancer Chemotherapy: A Reference Guide.

Throughout Tenenbaum’s career and in retirement, she has also been committed to cancer organizations. As a volunteer for the American Cancer Society (ACS), she taught classes for the public on cancer prevention and early detection. She also formed a team in her community for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and participated in the annual walk-athon since 1983. Since 1988, she has been a member of the ACS Relay for Life.

When Tenenbaum’s 75th birthday was approaching, she knew she wanted to do something that would make a significant impact in the lives of others by creating an award at Adelphi that would help current students who are interested in pursuing careers in the same area to which she has been so committed. “I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to give back to Adelphi—the place where I received the education that enabled me to accomplish everything I have throughout my career,” she said.

Since she established the award in 2014, she and her husband, Art, have traveled from Florida to Adelphi to congratulate each awardee in person.