Ann Arbor, MI - November 18, 2008 - The ambitious goal was surpassed. During a campaign finale celebration at the School of Dentistry on November 14, the School's Michigan Difference Campaign Fundraising Committee announced that $37,225,000 had been raised since the University-wide fundraising campaign began in July 2000.

The funds raised by the School of Dentistry are more than 106 percent of the School's goal of $35 million. That amount, however, will go higher in the next few weeks since campaign counting officially ends December 31. Funds will be used for student scholarships, endowed professorships, facility improvements, and program support.

At the campaign closing ceremony held in the Sindecuse Atrium attended by major benefactors and many members of the fundraising committee and their spouses, Dean Peter Polverini praised the School’s alumni and friends for their generosity and complimented the development staff for their hard work.

When planning began about nine years ago, Richard Fetchiet, director of external relations said the School set what he described as "an extremely ambitious goal." He noted that a feasibility study conducted by an independent fundraising-consulting firm suggested a goal of approximately $25 million. "However, the enthusiasm of the School's fundraising committee, combined with the commitment demonstrated by our fundraising team, led us to the stretch goal of $35 million," he said.

"I am truly blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by such a great team in our Alumni Relations and Development Office that includes Jeff Freshcorn, Marty Bailey, Thalia Jaimez, and Carrie Towns," Fetchiet said. "Their tireless efforts made this campaign an overwhelming success."

The School's campaign chairman, Dr. Jay Werschky, spoke about both amounts in his remarks wrapping up the School’s celebration of the campaign. "Remember how it took our breath away when a goal of $25 million was suggested?," he said. "But after spirited discussions and thoughtful deliberations, and undaunted by the size of the proposed goal, we decided to shoot for $35 million. Who said dentists aren't goal oriented?"

Werschky praised the School's campaign committee (see list) and thanked Dean Peter Polverini, the professional development staff, and donors for their support and efforts. "I hope you depart with a sense of pride for our School, personal satisfaction for your level of participation, and wonderment for the future of the profession," Werschky said.

Following the celebration at the School of Dentistry, alumni from all U-M schools and colleges participated in the University-wide campaign finale ceremony at Hill Auditorium. Leading the School of Dentistry was Dean Peter Polverini. Each school and college, as well as the Flint and Dearborn campuses, was represented by a unique flag. The flag bearer for the School of Dentistry was Dr. William Lawler. At this campaign convocation, the U-M announced their final campaign total of $3.1 billion. Read the full story.

Appearing in a seven-minute video at the beginning of the convocation was second-year dental student Patrick McGrath who briefly described some of his experiences in the predoctoral education program. This video, shown at the campaign finale celebration at Hill Auditorium, includes comments from McGrath and scenes from the Dr. Roy Roberts Preclinical Laboratory.

The School of Dentistry's Campaign Committee

    * Jay Werschky, chair
    * Eli Berger
    * Michael Cerminaro
    * Gary Dwight
    * Bruce Foote
    * Timothy Gietzen
    * Sondra Moore Gunn
    * Allan Jacobs
    * Darnell Kaigler, St.
    * Charles Kelly
    * G. Peter Kelly
    * Mary Dolores Kelly
    * William Lawler, Jr.
    * Arnold Morawa
    * Karl Schettenhelm, Jr.
    * Richard Shick
    * Stanley Smith
    * Reggie VanderVeen
    * Connie Verhagen