Well, well, well, it’s almost hard for me to believe but the Dental and Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 just graduated this past Friday. It seems like only yesterday they arrived at the # 1 DENTAL SCHOOL IN THE WORLD, but in a few months the Class of 2030 will arrive for orientation.
I have included a few pictures that were taken at graduation so everyone can see the STARS of the FUTURE in West Virginia Dentistry.
There have been many functions that have happened this past month that I would like to share with everyone, but I thought I would start with Spring Alumni Weekend, which this year happened to be our 65th. Certainly, one of the highlights is the recognition of the DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS and the recipients this year were Dr. Ron Richardson and Dr. Michael Richardson. Although it would be impossible to list all their accomplishments, I thought I could at least give you a short bio, to reinforce why they were selected.
Dr. Ron Richardson is a 1981 graduate of the WVU School of Dentistry and completed his General Practice Residency at WVU before establishing his practice in Melbourne, Florida.
Ron has served as President of the WVU SOD Alumni Association and remains deeply engaged with the University community. His professional affiliations include the ADA, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
A passionate lifelong learner, Ron completed advanced training though several of the most respected postgraduate dental programs including the Pankey Institute, LSU Cosmetic Continuum and many others. Ron has been a national speaker on dental materials, cosmetic procedures, and smile design programs.
Dr. Michael Richardson is a native West Virginian and received both his Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene and his DDS from WVU.
Mike became involved in leadership positions almost from day one of dental school. He was President of the American Student Dental Association from 1990-1991 and held other leadership positions in his class.
Mike served as Vice-President and President of the Kanawha Valley Dental Society, and as delegate from the Kanawha Valley Dental Society on the Executive Council of the WV Dental Association. On a national level he has served on the Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention, and the National Commission on Fluoridation of the ADA. He is also Sixth District Caucus Chair.
Mike has given back to his alma mater in many ways. He has served as a freshman dental student mentor, sponsor for the Clinic Induction Ceremony, and presently is on the Admissions Committee at the school.
Among the many awards that he has received over his illustrious career are Fellow in the American and International College of Dentists, and the Distinguished Dentist Award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Another great program that happens during Spring Alumni Weekend is honoring the dental and dental hygiene reunion classes.
The senior alumni member in attendance was Dr. Lee Courtney who received a Mountaineer Statue from President Mike George. Lee was a member of the Class of 1966 and that week, also celebrated his 92nd birthday. I have known him for almost 60 years and had the privilege of introducing him.
One of the other classes that was honored was the 50-year Class of 1976. They had a huge contingent at the celebration, and they wore their WVU jackets, which was a gift from our Alumni Association.
I wish I had the time and space to show pictures and tell stories about all the alumni that were in attendance, but thanks to our Communications and Marketing Director, Jessica Wilmoth, you can go online at wvudental.smugmug.com and see all the pictures of this event and many others.
On Saturday of Alumni Weekend, Dean Stephen Pachuta gave a fabulous tour of the renovations that are being completed at the school. By the time you read this issue PHASE 1 of the renovations will be near completion. The residency programs of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry will be in their new home, and the faculty practice and innovation center will be almost done.
Although in no way will one picture tell the story, but sometimes one picture is better than none. Again, if you would like to see additional pictures you can go to SmugMug and it will further whet your appetite for all the exciting changes at the school.
As I conclude this latest issue of Coach’s Alumni Corner one of my many dreams would be that everyone reading this article would not only become a member but would get involved with our great Alumni Association. One of the comments I had to our new alums during graduation week was MAKE THINGS BETTER. We all know we graduated from the NUMBER 1 DENTAL SCHOOL in the WORLD but even # 1 can get better.
If you would like to become a member you can go to the WVU School of Dentistry website and click on ALUMNI or contact our Executive Director Cathy Boyce at 304-293-4915 or caboyce@hsc.wvu.edu.
Hope to see everyone at many school and alumni events.
Have a great summer and as always, GOD BLESS YOU ALL and LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS
Coach