Concise Encyclopedia of Tufts History
Sauer, Anne
Branco, Jessica
Bennett, John
Crowley, Zachary
2000
Laminan, Toivo,
Toivo Laminan, A1931, G1934, was born of a poor and humble Finnish family. He grew up as a ward of the state in the Perkins School for the Blind, where his industriousness and high qualities of mind were recognized, and admission to Tufts was arranged. At the time, life at Tufts was not easy. Nevertheless he managed to pay his fees through scholarships and part-time work. Students volunteered to read for him and guide him, when needed. His love for and knowledge of the campus were legendary. Without a white cane he navigated it infallibly by counting his paces. His deep interest in music eventually turned to romance languages and literature, and Dante became his favorite poet. Among the many people who came to read to him was a Wellesley student, Margaret Chamberlain, and their common affinities drew them together into marriage. While she collected fine prints, he accumulated a great collection of musical recordings, and they eagerly shared their interests and possessions with the young generation in many ways, including many donations to Tufts. | |
The Laminan Lounge, now in the Olin Building, is named in his memory. It was originally located in , but moved with the Department of Romance Languages to Olin in 1991. | |
Source: 100H | |
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