Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1433414
1 6 T F S F O U N D AT I O N ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION Brian Shoichet '81 Pharmaceutical chemist and serial entrepre- neur | 2021 recipient of Le prix de distinction des anciens élèves Over 4,000 kilometres separate TFS and Brian Shoichet, but there are no geographical limits to his impact on his alma mater and the entire world. Since graduating from TFS, Brian has established himself as a leading scientist, a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of California (San Francisco), and a serial entrepreneur with multiple ground- breaking discoveries leading to the launch of three companies. While still a PhD candidate, Brian pioneered a technology that allows researchers around the world to explore the interactions between two molecules that are essential to drug discovery. He later invented a new drug candidate to treat pain without the addictive side effec s of opioids. Today, he continues to partner with global pharmaceutical companies to speed the discovery of innovative drugs. Early in the pandemic, he harnessed his global network in drug discovery to eliminate the use of certain ineffecti e drugs as treatments for COVID-19. He also published one of the first esearch papers on antivirals to treat the coronavirus. TFS has always been a school that indulged a 'giddy goofiness,' a delight in taking educated risks and well-meaning creative transgressions towards achieving something of lasting value for others." Our Alumni of Distinction are nominated and chosen through a rigorous process, governed by the Selection Committee. All candidates must be multilingual critical thinkers who celebrate difference, transcend borders, and strive for the betterment of humankind. They must also demonstrate our values of integrity, discernment, respect, and engagement across their personal and professional endeavours. Congratulations to our wonderful alumni!" The greatest measure of success for TFS is its students and what they pursue, achieve, and become as TFS alumni. Each year TFS proudly presents the Alumni of Distinction awards, honouring a young alumnus with Le prix de distinction des jeunes diplômés, and a more senior alum with Le prix de distinction des anciens élèves. This year, prizes were awarded to both the 2020 and 2021 recipients during a virtual Réception des anciens élèves, which had been cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic. Laura Deliakis '06 TFSAA President Chair, Alumni of Distinction Selection Committee The 2020 and 2021 Alumni of Distinction award winners