Well, well, well, it looks like winter is on its way. It was in the thirties when I left for work this morning, but at least it was not snowing. As I mentioned in the last Coach’s Corner, I had the pleasure of going to the WVU/Virginia football game in Charlotte with my son, Charles, and grandson, Travis, and as PROMISSED, we WON. Things, however, have not been going as well since then, but I am optimistic the rest of the season will be GREAT (at least I sure HOPE SO!)
I thought I would do something a little bit different from the usual Coach’s Corner (as you all know, I like being different). One of the questions that I am asked all the time is WHAT DOES OUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DO and WHY SHOULD I JOIN? Well, you are about to find out. Hopefully this will encourage everyone to become a member of the #1 DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION in the WORLD. However, if you are not a member, (remember who comes in December) Santa is making a list and checking it twice to see who is a member. PLEASE, PLEASE, BECOME A MEMBER! Put a smile on Santa and Coach’s face.
I will begin by introducing everyone to the current board. It consists of 13 members, 10 dental and three dental hygiene, plus an executive director and secretary/treasurer. Remember that except for a small stipend for the executive director and secretary/treasurer, everything done is because of the hard work and generosity of the board members.
During the year there are usually three in-person meetings, spring, fall, and winter, and virtual meetings as needed. Below you will see pictures of the current board (what a great looking group).
If you do not see your face below and would like to become a BOARD MEMBER, please let Cathy Boyce, a board member, or yours truly know if you so desire.
I will continue this newsletter with the current major functions put on by the board. Most of you have been to the SPRING ALUMNI WEEKEND, which has changed many times over the years, but most recently includes the following activities.
Spring Alumni Weekend
- CE course with exhibitors
- Awards Luncheon - Recognizing the 25-, 50-, 55-, and 60-year alums. Presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award & Alumni Achievement Award
- Dinner/dance
The WVU SOD Alumni Association also presents many awards during the year. They have an awards committee consisting of four members who begin the selection process, but the final decisions are made by the board. I thought I would mention all the awards given by your Association and if you would like to nominate someone, Cathy Boyce would be glad to forward this information to the Awards Committee.
Awards
- Distinguished Alumni Award
- Alumni Achievement Award
- Instrument Award
- Dr. David Puderbaugh Award for Clinical Competency and Professionalism: Dental and Dental Hygiene
- Dr. Robert E. Sausen Distinguished Service Award: Dental and Dental Hygiene
The Alumni Association sponsors or co-sponsors many activities at the school, and the following are these special functions and events.
Functions and Gifts
- Professionalism Assembly
- Clinic Induction Ceremony: Dental and Dental Hygiene
- Senior Banquet: Dental and Dental Hygiene
- Scholarship Recognition Program: Dental and Dental Hygiene
- Exhibitor at Semi-Annual Meetings of the WV Dental Association
- Mentorship Program
- Football Tailgate
- Special gift to the school for renovation of the patient reception area in 2021
I thought this would also be a great time to show pictures of the School’s complete Phase I renovation. The following shows a small part of the PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY and ORTHODONTIC CLINICS but if you would like to see more you can go to SMUGMUG at wvudental.smugmug.com or visit the School and the Coach and our development officer, Dee O’Palko, would love to give you a GRAND TOUR.
The last but certainly not the least of the programs provided by our Alumni Association at the school is
- Food provided to Dental and Dental Hygiene students during exam week and clinical board exams.
This is the program that is probably most appreciated by the students.
I thought I would conclude by showing some of the ways that you can keep in touch with us.
Correspondence
- Mail from the Executive Director and President
- WVU School of Dentistry website
- Coach’s Alumni Corner
- Book on the History of the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association
If you have not already received a copy of the book and would like to receive a copy you can either call me at 304-293-4301 or email me at rwanker@hsc.wvu.edu and give your name and address, and I will mail a copy almost immediately.
We are also looking for a way to put the book online but that has not been figured out currently.
I hope you have enjoyed this synopsis of all that our DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCATION does for the alums, school, and students.
If you would like to become a member you can scan the Pay Pal QR code below, and call or email Cathy Boyce.
Hope to see you at school and alumni events and as always
GOD BLESS YOU ALL & LET’S GOOOO MOUNTAINEERS
Coach