VIVIAN MILSTEIN

MILSTEIN--Vivian L. The President and Trustees of Columbia University mourn the passing of Vivian Leiner Milstein, cherished friend and benefactor of the University. A leading philanthropist, she and her late husband Seymour helped shape New York City, from health care to the arts. Among Columbia's most dedicated and longstanding friends, Vivian and Seymour began their relationship with the University in the 1950s, with a particular focus on medicine. Their family's interest in health care stems from Vivian's father, Joshua H. Leiner, a neurologist and the first practicing psychiatrist in Bronx County. Vivian's extraordinary commitment to serving patients and their families at Columbia University Irving Medical Center continued this family tradition. The couple's unparalleled generosity improved and saved countless lives through their support for the construction of the Milstein Hospital and the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Their family's dedication to cardiac care is reflected in the naming of the Seymour, Paul and Gloria Milstein Division of Cardiology at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Vivian and Seymour inspired the creation of the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Infant Cardiac Unit in the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, which has helped thousands of babies and families. They also funded a number of fellowships and clinical and educational programs at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, advancing clinical care as well as the training of generations of doctors. Beyond Columbia, Vivian served on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Opera and was active with the American Jewish Committee. We extend our deepest condolences to Vivian's daughter, Connie; son and Columbia Trustee Emeritus, Philip '71CC; and grandchildren, Columbia Trustee Abigail Black Elbaum '92CC, '94BUS, Joanna Lederman '04CC, Joshua Milstein '10CC, Larry Milstein, Meredith Milstein '09CC, '17BUS, and Toby Milstein. We offer our condolences as well to the extended Milstein family and to the many members of the medical center and University communities who will miss Vivian dearly.