Coach

Well, well, well, hope everyone reading the newest issue of the Coach’s Alumni Corner has survived the winter. It has been a while since I have seen multiple days below 0, but spring is on the way, and NO FISH in West Virginia is safe from the Greatest Fisherman of All Time.

I thought I would begin by telling everyone of a program that your board has instituted at the school, ALUMNI DAY. The event was held on Thursday, February 5, and all dental and dental hygiene students got the opportunity to meet and greet the board members and hear them speak about the #1 Dental Alumni Association in the World. Gifts and great food (thanks to Cathy Boyce and Marilyn Powley) were also a BIG PART of the presentation, and the following shows pictures taken during this wonderful celebration. I wish I could show all the pictures, but space will not allow it.

Dr. Mike George standing at a podium giving a presentation in front of a screen — *President Dr. Mike George*

Gina Sharps standing at a podium giving a presentation in front of a screen — *Board Member Gina Sharps*

two people presenting a student with a gift — *Vice President Dr. Matt Stump, student Morgan Wills, President Dr. Mike George*

WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association members and students — *board members and all dental and hygiene students*

I thought I would also take this opportunity to remind everyone that we will be celebrating our 65th WVU School of Dentistry reunion. The activities will begin on

FRIDAY APRIL 24, 2026
Morgantown Marriott Waterfront Hotel

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Dr. Tarun Agarwal, "The Digital Practice Revolution: Leveraging Implants, AI, and Modern Workflows for growth"
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Awards Luncheon for Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients; Class recognition for the 25, 50, 55, 60, 65 year DDS and Dental Hygiene Classes
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Cocktail Hour
6:30-8:00 p.m.: Opening remarks/Dinner
8:00-11:00 p.m.: Dance

SATURDAY APRIL 25, 2026
WVU School of Dentistry

9:00 a.m.: Dean Stephen Pacuta’s tour of renovations

If you need additional information about any of these events, don’t hesitate to contact our Executive director Cathy Boyce or me.

Hope to see everyone in April, and as always,

GOD BLESS YOU ALL & LET'S GOOO MOUNTAINEERS

Dr. Robert "Coach" Wanker

Coach

Coach’s Corner: January 2026

Well, well, well, as I began writing the latest edition of the COACH’S ALUMNI CORNER, it was three days before Christmas, and I was thinking of things I should get for Rosemary and the grandkids. However, by the time you are reading this issue, Santa Claus will have come to the Wanker house, and the NEW YEAR has begun. Hopefully, Santa was good to the Coach and not put coal in his stocking.

Coach’s Corner: September 2025

Well, well, well, fall is here, football season has begun, and it now marks 59 years since I first came to West Virginia for my dental school interview. It is also now 54 years since I became a member of the #1 DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN THE WORLD, and although Morgantown and the University have grown, and the landscape may be different, it is just as beautiful as when I first traveled the COUNTRY ROADS to ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA in 1966. As you probably know by now, I love to reminisce, and it always gives me a deeper feeling for how blessed and lucky I have been these years.

Coach’s Corner: August 2025

Well, well, well, the Class of 2029 has arrived, and as of writing this newsletter, they have been indoctrinated with three days of orientation into the # 1 DENTAL SCHOOL IN THE WORLD. The highlight of orientation has been the PROFESSIONALISM ASSEMBLY, and your vice-president, Dr. Matt Stump, did a FANTASTIC job of welcoming them as young future alums.