The UT Dental Branch family gathered Wednesday, Aug. 22 for a memorial service celebrating the life of Mina Rosenthal-Eames, a second-year dental student who died Monday, Aug. 20 after her estranged husband shot her as she walked to her car. He was later killed by police.

Students and UT Dental Branch personnel filled Room 207 for the service.
The Houston media were also present.

At the service, Rosenthal-Eames was remembered as a competent, compassionate woman who had a talent for dentistry and a reputation for excellence. Her classmates from the Class of 2010 shared their memories of her and lit candles in recognition of the many facets of her life – student, mother, family member, friend, professional woman, volunteer and caregiver.

Texas Poet Laureate for 2008 Larry D. Thomas wrote a poem, “The Flower,” in memory of Rosenthal-Eames, and his wife, UT Dental Branch faculty member Lisa Thomas, D.D.S., read it at the service. Members of the faculty who taught Rosenthal-Eames also spoke,

urging those present to remember her when they need inspiration to get through difficult times.

Class President Dwight Peccora and Holly Pavlick, vice president, led the ceremony and read submissions from classmates, as well as a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

In an earlier statement, Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., dean of the UT Dental Branch, said Rosenthal-Eames was a well-regarded student, and news of her death was shocking.

"The Dental Branch is a family, and we are all saddened by the tragic, unexpected loss of one of our own," Flaitz said.  "The loss is especially felt by the Class of 2010 and the faculty who taught this student. She was a lovely, talented young lady who felt it was her obligation to care for others, and that caring spirit was reflected in her volunteerism. She touched the hearts of many of her classmates and is best described as an amazing individual who had a gift for mentoring."

Dean Catherine Flaitz opened the memorial service.

Endowment fund to be in Rosenthal-Eames’ memory

At the request of UT Dental Branch students, faculty, staff and alumni, an endowment fund is being created in Rosenthal-Eames’ name to address oral health disparities in at-risk women and children. Details on how to contribute will be provided at a later date. For general questions, contact the UT Dental Branch Development Office at 713-500-4386.

Vice President Holly Pavlick and President Dwight Peccora of the Class of 2010 shared classmates’ comments about Rosenthal-Eames and read a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

A classmate writes condolences on
a poster outside the memorial
service.

Click here to view additional photos.

Crisis debriefing, grief counseling offered

A “Crisis Debriefing Counseling Session,” open to all people in the UT Health Science Center at Houston community, has been scheduled for noon Friday, Aug. 24, in Room 340 of the Dental Branch building.

Anyone on campus who feels a need to participate in an open-ended group setting about the tragic shooting of the Dental Branch student on Monday afternoon is welcome to attend. The session, coordinated by Angela Romero, Psy.D., will focus on how to deal with current and possible ongoing psychological effects of the violence.

If you are in need of one-on-one counseling in the aftermath of this tragedy, you may call 713-500-3327 or 713-500-2500 to schedule an appointment to talk to one of UT Counseling Services counselors.