Ann Arbor, MI — January 28, 2010 — A new scholarship that will help a University of Michigan School of Dentistry student complete his or her studies in the master’s program in periodontics has been awarded to Dr. Daylene Jack-Min Leong. Now a second-year resident, Leong is the first student to receive the Benson Duff Endowed Graduate Periodontics Scholarship.

The award is named for the late Dr. Benson Duff who earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Michigan in 1975, a dental degree from U-M in 1980, and a maser’s in periodontics eight years later. Before his death in 2008 at age 54, Dr. Duff was a private practitioner and a member of the Dean’s Faculty and the Michigan Periodontal Alumni Board. His wife, Sheree, who initiated the scholarship with a $60,000 gift, earned a dental hygiene degree from U-M in 1980. She is associate dean of the Dental Science Programs at Baker College in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and is also a member of the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors.

Sheree’s gift was matched with a gift from U-M President Mary Sue Coleman’s Donor Challenge Program. The program leveraged gifts of up to $1 million with a contribution of 50 cents for every dollar gifted before December 31, 2008. The Fund was complemented by many gifts from family, friends, colleagues, and School of Dentistry faculty.

Leong earned her dental degree from the National University of Singapore in 2006 and then worked two years as a dental officer in a government hospital before coming to U-M in July 2008. “I really wanted to study here. I came to Michigan because it’s world renowned in periodontics and boasts of a strong teaching faculty in a well-structured periodontics program,” she said. “I was overwhelmed when Dr. McCauley told me I was the recipient.” Dr. Laurie McCauley chairs the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine.

“Ben Duff was an outstanding periodontist who provided excellent clinical care for his patients, was dedicated to the educational mission of the University, and was a well-respected and loved colleague in the dental community,” McCauley said. “This gift in his name reflects the broad and deep impact Ben had. We anticipate that many students will benefit from this generosity in the years ahead and will grow to emulate Ben’s enthusiasm, compassion, integrity, and sincerity.”

After earning her master’s degree, Leong said she hopes to become board certified and also conduct research while in private practice. “My goal is to become an authority in and advance the specialty of periodontics while serving the profession.”

Contact: Sharon Grayden, Communications Director (734) 615-2600, dentistry.communications@umich.edu, or Jerry Mastey, Editor, School of Dentistry (734) 615-1971, jmastey@umich.edu.