Colleen Zenk Pinter, Oral Cancer Survivor, Beloved Actor, to Accept Strusser Memorial Award
New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) is pleased to announce that Colleen Zenk Pinter will address graduates at the College’s 2009 Graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 1 p.m..
Two-time Emmy Award nominee Colleen Zenk Pinter has played Barbara Ryan on CBS’ As The World Turns since 1978. Working professionally since the age of nine, she has a background in dance and musical theatre. Her credits include Gus Giordano Dance Chicago, Broadway: “Bring Back Birdie”, Film: Annie, Regional: “Follies”, “Hello, Dolly!”, “Can-Can”, “Applause”, “Music Man”, “My Fair Lady”, “Portraits.”
Zenk Pinter will accept NYUCD’s Strusser Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to improved public health.
Zent Pinter is a national spokesperson for heightened public awareness of oral cancer, and a longtime public health activist on behalf of a wide range of health issues. Zent Pinter was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2007, and went public with her private battle by partnering with the Oral Cancer Foundation. She convinced As The World Turns to write her cancer into her character’s storyline. Hollywood, Health and Society honored her story in 2008. Since her recovery she has lectured on behalf of Yale New Haven Hospital and the Smilow Cancer Hospital. Her cancer returned in the fall of ‘08. She is now cancer-free.
“Zenk Pinter’s willingness to share the story of her personal struggle with the disease and her determination to have oral cancer incorporated into the “As The World Turns” storyline, gives her acceptance of the Strusser Memorial Award special resonance,” says NYUCD’s Dean Charles N. Bertolami.
Reporters interested in covering the Ceremony, please contact Christopher James at 212.998.6876 or christopher.james@nyu.edu
About New York University College of Dentistry Founded in 1865, New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) is the third oldest and the largest dental school in the US, educating more than 8 percent of all dentists. NYUCD has a significant global reach and provides a level of national and international diversity among its students that is unmatched by any other dental school.