DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Jerry and Mrs. Jacquelyn Booth

This has been in the back of my mind for a while, and with a greater appreciation for the University of Michigan and the School of Dentistry, my wife and I have decided to give away our entire estate to several worthy organizations that are important to both of us," said Dr. Jerry Booth (DDS 1961, MS oral surgery 1964).

Booth and his wife, Jacquelyn, who earned a bachelor's degree and a certificate in education from U-M in 1962, have made a "significant bequest to insure that our gift will sustain a number of programs at the School of Dentistry."

Included are gifts for the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and an unrestricted gift to the School of Dentistry Fund to support an array of needs.

"There are three or four entities that have been important to us, and Michigan is at the top of our list," Booth said. "I haven't found anything more gratifying than serving in a philanthropic role. It makes you feel good to be able to give back."

Among the other personal rewards that come from including U-M in their estate plan is the opportunity to build on their maize and blue legacy.

Their son, Michael, and his wife, Marla, are double U-M alumni. Michael earned a bachelor's degree in 1994 and an MBA in 1998; Marla earned a bachelor's in 1995 and an MBA in 2003.

Booth said one of the reasons for gifting to the dental school is because of the influence of Dr. James Hayward. "He was an outstanding educator and great role model for all of us when we were students."

Another excellent role model and instructor, Booth said, was Dr. Donald Kerr. "I hope that our gift will help to establish an endowed professorship that will have his name attached to it," he said.

The Booths' gift builds on the support they have given as annual donors and as reception hosts at the Michigan Difference seminars in Naples, Florida.

Booth said the School of Dentistry's development officer, Marty Bailey, has also played a role in developing their plans. "Marty deserves a lot of credit for his efforts and the help he gave Jackie and me as we were considering our options."

A resident of Jackson, Michigan with a full-service oral and maxillofacial practice in that community, Booth was chief of surgery at Foote Hospital in Jackson, chaired the hospital's finance committee, serves on the finance committee of the Jackson Community Foundation, and has been active in numerous professional organizations, including serving as president of the Michigan Society of Oral Surgeons and the Dental Society.

"This was an easy decision for us to make. I hope it will inspire others to reflect on their education, what it has meant to them personally and professionally, and give back so that others will benefit in the future," Booth said.