Well, well, well, I thought it might be a GREAT time to introduce all WVU School of Dentistry alums to something new from your Alumni Association. For approximately 20 years, I wrote a newsletter called Coach’s Corner, which was an update on news happening at the #1 DENTAL SCHOOL IN THE WORLD. I thought I might carry on that tradition with an update on what’s happening at the #1 DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN THE WORLD. As you probably know, I like to talk in superlatives, and at my age, that’s not going to change.
I thought I would begin by introducing you to all the members of your alumni board. Your president is Dr. Moe Momen, a pediatric dentist in Bridgeport, West Virginia. His lovely daughter, Sarah, is a fourth-year dental student at the school, and this summer she will be entering the Orthodontics residency program at the WVU School of Dentistry. Our vice-president is Dr. Valerie Perrine, and she comes from a very big West Virginia dental family. Her dad, Chip, her brother, Paul, and her sister-in-law, Ashton, are all dental graduates of WVU. She is currently the executive dean for education and student affairs and chief academic officer at the school.
Moe, Valerie and all members of the board have been incredible supporters of the school and Alumni Association, and I will tell you more about them in future issues.
Dentist Members of the Board
Dental Hygiene Members of the Board
Staff
As you probably know by now, I LOVE PICTURES, so in any article that I write, I HOPE TO HAVE MANY PICTURES.
Spring Alumni Weekend: April, 25 2025
In about six weeks we will be celebrating our 64th reunion. The festivities will be held at the MORGANTOWN MARRIOTT WATERFRONT PLACE HOTEL and will begin with a CE course by Dr. Daniel Poppa entitled “ACTIONS AND ALGORITHMS FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 2025: HOW TO SAVE A LIFE (Including your own).” This course is sponsored by the DR. CLARENCE C.& MAXINE DAVIS ENDOWED LECTURESHIP.
During lunch we will be honoring the reunion classes and five VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE, who will be receiving the DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD and the ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RECIPIENTS
- Dr. Bruce Cassis, Dental Class of 1980
- Dr. Lorena Surber, Dental Class of 1990
- Dr. Craig Wilcox, Dental Cass of 1975
- Ms. Tiffany Summerlin, Dental Hygiene Class of 2008
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT
- Ms. Susan Jones, Administrative Assistant, WVDA
I will show you pictures and tell you more about these outstanding people in the next issue.
That evening we will have a WONDERFUL reception followed by the DINNER and DANCE, so please join us (Coach’s orders, if you listen to me).
If you have any questions about any of these events, please contact our Executive Director Cathy Boyce at 304-293-4393 or caboyce@hsc.wvu.edu.
Also, if you need to get in touch with me, you can reach me at (school) 304-293-4301, (cell) 304-669-9536 or rwanker@hsc.wvu.edu.
Look forward to seeing everyone at the Marriott, and future school and alumni events, and as always, GOD BLESS YOU ALL & LET’S GOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!
Coach