Emeritus Alumni Honored

Ann Arbor, MI — Oct 14-16, 2010 —Twenty-two members of the dental and dental hygiene classes of 1960 came to the School of Dentistry in October to receive an emeritus medallion and pin marking the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation. Nineteen were dental graduates; three were dental hygiene graduates.

Alumni and their spouses also visited the Dr. Roy Roberts Preclinical Laboratory to see how technology is being used to teach dentistry at Michigan. The give-and-take between alumni and dental students was mutually enjoyable.

“They were fascinated with how we are using computers and technology in our dental education and how technology enhances our learning,” said second-year dental student Bryan Greenwood. “I described and demonstrated, with the technology we’re using here, how we can retrieve notes, re-listen to podcasts of lectures, and do so much more to advance our dental education.”

Emeritus alums were impressed.

“It’s changed a lot since we were students,” said Dr. David Winograd with a laugh. “I remember we had to furiously write when taking notes, and even then we didn’t get everything down that we should have. But with podcasting and the other technology being used here, this is a superb way to teach dentistry.”

Dr. Ray Gist Receives Distinguished Service Award

He assumed the presidency of the American Dental Association in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, October 13. After only a few hours of sleep, he traveled to Ann Arbor to receive the School of Dentistry’s Distinguished Service Award the following afternoon. Despite what was almost a nonstop schedule those two days, Dr. Raymond Gist (DDS 1966), savored the experiences and was enthusiastic about returning to his alma mater.

Presenting the award, Dr. Joanne Dawley (DDS 1980), a past president of the Michigan Dental Association, said the award “is most appropriate considering Ray’s notable achievements” as she listed his many leadership roles in organized dentistry that began as a member of the Board of Directors of the Genesee District Dental Society in 1976.

“I’m proud and deeply honored to receive this award,” Gist said. “I thought I reached the top of the ladder becoming ADA president. But receiving this award is the next rung, one step higher,” he said with a smile.

The Distinguished Service Award, from the School’s Alumni Society Board of Governor, recognizes and honors a living person who has made outstanding contributions to the U-M School of Dentistry, the dental profession, or the Society.

Dr. Charles Kelsey Inducted into Hall of Honor

Dr. Charles Kelsey, who taught at the U-M School of Dentistry for 35 years and was affectionately known as the School’s historian, was inducted into the Hall of Honor during Homecoming Weekend.

In remarks celebrating Kelsey’s induction, Dr. James Harris, who taught at the School of Dentistry for 18 years and chaired the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry for 16 years, said, “I can’t think of anyone who better represented the spirit of the true academic who demonstrated outstanding clinical skills and was dedicated to teaching and mentoring his students, colleagues, and scholars. In all these activities he excelled.” Harris added that Kelsey’s former students remembered his remarkable clinical skills, but perhaps even more memorable was the way he treated them with respect and patience. “His five awards as Teacher of the Year give testimony to this accomplishment,” Harris added.

Speaking for the family, Kelsey’s son, Dr. John Kelsey (DDS 1987), said the induction of his father into the School’s Hall of Honor “means a great deal to our family. He loved the School of Dentistry and the history of the School in particular. He would be honored to know he was appreciated.”

Forty-two men and women have been inducted into the Hall of Honor since it was established in 2003.

Hundreds Attend CE Course

More than 220 alumni attended the annual Morawa Lecture, a 6 credit hour continuing dental education course, at the Kellogg Auditorium on Friday, October 15.

Dean Peter Polverini talked about common and unusual lesions of the oral cavity ranging from benign to life threatening. Dr. Paul Edwards, clinical associate professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, also spoke. He gave an update on recognizing and managing common oral lesions and painful ulcerative conditions.

For information about next year's events go to Homecoming 2011.