As part of the American Medical Student Association’s
Achieving Diversity in Dentistry and Medicine Leadership Training Program,
Jocelyn Elders, M.D., former Surgeon General of the United States, delivered
the keynote address.
Nationally renowned clinical researcher John
O. Burgess, D.D.S. M.S., Louisiana State University School of Dentistry,
gave a Restorative Dentistry Update Friday, July 15.
In honor of its 100-year anniversary, the Dental
Branch at Houston was recognized by the Texas Legislature with the passing
of two independent resolutions.
Judith Buchanan, D.M.D.,
Ph.D., from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, presents
“Preparing Dental Providers for the 21st Century: Focus on Improving
Learning,” during the Centennial Speakers Series.
Speeches had been written and a program was planned, but as soon as alumni of The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston arrived at The Centennial Bash, it was hard to get a word in edge-wise. Once the reuniting started, there as no stopping it. It definitely turned out to be The Reunion of the Century.
The gathering drew more than 500 alumni, faculty, staff and students, to the George R. Brown Convention Center Feb. 18. The bash was an event held as part of the Greater Houston Dental Society’s Star of the South meeting.
Opening statements by Dental Branch Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., summed it up best. “I had much more of a speech planned,” she said, over the excited crowded of reuniters. “But I see that this is not the place for a speech. This crowd is in a partying mood and that is just as important.”
Applause was followed by Flaitz’s rallying-like words of encouragement for the future of the Dental Branch. “I am going to need the help of each and every one of you in our efforts to bring this dental school to be number one in the country.”
“We are in a tremendous city, in the largest medical center in the world, where we have the best dental alumni of any out there,” she said.
Jerry Long, D.D.S., president-elect of the UTDB Alumni Association, echoed Flaitz’ challenge of raising the school to the number one position and asked the alumni to stay actively involved in the institution’s progress.
An oversized star adorned with removal photos that could be taken as party favors,
Jerry Long, D.D.S., (left) president-elect of the UTDB Alumni Association encourages the crowd along with Dental Branch Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S.
created quite a buzz throughout the celebration. The star, constructed by Instructional Media team members John O’Black and Brian Schnupp, kept guests searching for familiar faces of their dental school days.
The event, influenced by the ideas and energy of Centennial Advisory Committee members, fostered a good time for all over food, drinks and music. For most the real party was in finding long lost classmates, teachers and administrators with whom the good old days could be relived.
Bash attendees admire photos of the places and faces of their Dental Branch past.
Mac Bennett, D.D.S., class of 1966, who works in private practice in Madisonville, said he remembers dental school as “one of the most enjoyable, but challenging times” of his life. “I think what made it the most memorable is that we were such a close knit family,” he said.
Kenneth Curl, D.D.S., class of 1980, who practices in The Woodlands, said he most enjoyed reuniting with former faculty members such as Jack Levine, D.D.S., and Zeb Poindexter, Jr. D.D.S. “Dr. Poindexter was my family dentist. I remember when I was six years old and he gave me a tour of his dental office and explained what he did. From that day forward I wanted to be a dentist,” Curl said.
Members of the Instructional Media Team, (left to right) Brian Schnupp, John E. O'Black, and Darrell Gonzales, shown with Executive Director of the UTDB Alumni Association Tricia Fullerton (center) .
Kenneth Curl, D.D.S., of the The Woodlands, reunites with one of his favorite former professors, Jack Levine, D.D.S.
Bill Birdwell, D.D.S., class of 1973, a practicing dentist in Bryan-College Station, said he enjoyed his days in dental school and most appreciated the camaraderie that was present from his freshman to senior year. “Some of the friends I made my freshman year are friends that I still have to this day,” he said. “And I have enjoyed the opportunity to see so many familiar faces here tonight.”
Greg Condrey, D.D.S., class of 1996, who practices dentistry in the Texas Medical Center, said although he has done a good job of staying in touch with his classmates, he still enjoyed the chance to see everyone at the bash. “In dental school you truly do meet friends that you will have for the rest of your life.”
The School of Dental Hygiene, which celebrates its 50 th anniversary this year, was also represented well with alumni. Lano Rogers, class of 1995, said her fondest memories revolve around special moments outside of the classroom, such as a class trip taken to Sixth Street in Austin. She added that she will never forget the positive impressions that teachers like Donna Warren, associate professor of Periodontics, and classmates like Harold Henson, assistant professor of Dental Hygiene, had on her.
Attendees of the bash paused for a moment to recognize former staff member Ethel Hermosillo, who was employed at the Dental Branch for 50 years. The crowd applauded Hermosillo for her recent establishment of two endowments—one to the Dean’s Excellence Fund and the other to the Employee Relations Committee (ERC).
Members of the ERC played a large role in the success of The Centennial Bash by helping with the set-up of the event and distribution of special coasters embossed with the Centennial mark.
Ethel Hermosillo, who retired from the Dental Branch after 50 years, is honored at the Centennial Bash.
And it was comforting for most to know that the purpose of the party—the historical milestone of the school—was not overlooked. A large walk-through exhibit was on display throughout the Star of the South meeting to showcase the school’s historical highlights and special people.
Additional events for alumni and others are scheduled
throughout the year. Watch the Centennial Web site
for details.
For more Centennial celebration photos,
click here.
