Summer 2011
Summer 2011 Newsletter
Alumni Day at the CDA
Our Alumni Day events were held on May 14, during the CDA Spring Scientific Session in Anaheim California. As we have done for the past 10 years, all activities were held at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.
Annual Reunion and Awards Luncheon
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- Annual Reunion
380 Alums, Students and friends were on hand to Honor:
Dr. Richard G. Stevenson III '86, our Alumnus of the Year
Bob and Marion Wilson, our Honorary Alumni of the Year
The Reunion Classes of 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996,
2001 and 2006
Alumnus of the Year
Dr. Stevenson's longtime colleagues, Dr. William Morgan and Dr. Robert Krasny, had the honor of introducing him at the Alumni Reunion and Luncheon on May 14, 2011.
Dr. Morgan described Dr. Stevenson as a person who "gives his best effort, strives for excellence and gets it. Rich is an outstanding teacher who brings out the best in each individual." Speaking about Dr. Stevenson's role as chair of the Division of Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Morgan said, "He is focused on the teaching quality of the faculty and is always encouraging them to improve their skills. He understands that excellent teachers must first be excellent clinicians, and he energizes other peoples' careers." Dr. Morgan also noted that Dr. Stevenson's leadership as secretary of the Academy of Operative Dentistry and the Academy of R.V. Tucker-Cast Gold Study Clubs extends his influence beyond the dental school to the rest of the word.
Dr. Morgan's remarks focused on what Dr. Stevenson has done. Dr. Bob Krasny focused on "what he represents." The dental school's legendary educator Dr. Wolcott, he explained, tapped Dr. Stevenson. "He emulated Wolcott," Krasny explained, "and he surpassed all expectations." He continued, "Dr. Stevenson has been inspirational to students as he practices quality dentistry with his hands and his heart."
Dr. Stevenson exhibits a depth of commitment to teaching that has not gone unnoticed by the dental students who have selected him as faculty of the year eight times. Dr. Stevenson also won the Wolcott Award from Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society, and the Golden Apple teaching award from the American Dental Association for inspiring careers in dental education.
In accepting the award, Dr. Stevenson asserted how incredibly lucky he felt to be a part of "the best dental school in the world." He paid tribute to the former and current faculty members who helped him become a better teacher, and noted that he has "more energy in teaching now" than he had on his first day, January 6, 1991. Dr. Stevenson composed a poem for the occasion of his honor in which he shared the sentiment, "through teaching, I learn; through giving; I receive.
Bob Krasney and Bill Morgan present Richard Stevenson with the Alumnus of the Year Award
Honorary Alumni of the Year
The UCLA Dental Alumni Association recognized longtime UCLA philanthropists and dental school supporters Robert (Bob) and Marion Wilson as the 2011 Honorary Alumni of the Year on May 14, 2011. Due to a prior commitment, Bob and Marion were unable to attend the UCLA Dental Alumni Reunion Luncheon and Awards Reception. Their son Tom, also a committed supporter of the dental school, accepted the honor on their behalf.
Tom Wilson accepts the Honorary Alumnus of the Year Award for his parents from Dean No Hee Park
Annual Silent Auction
This year our auction featured 22 packages.They ranged from eight hotel packages to dental related items.
All proceeds from the auction will go to the Alumni Fund and be used to support Dental Student activities
Dean's Reception
This year, Dean Park welcomed over 600 guests to his annual reception. As in years past, the reception feachured hot and cold appetizers as well as an open bar. All had a great time visiting and relaxing.
Dean Park and guests
Alumni Dance
For the 3rd year in a row, Doug Yoon and Adam Chen, members of the class of '83, sponsored our annual dance.
The 38th Cav Recon Band provided classic 70's and 80's Rock and Roll Music.
Upcoming Event
Annual Alumni Breakfast/C.E. Course
This year's event will be held at the Dental School on Saturday October 1. Dr. Richard G. Stevenson will be the featured speaker.
The breakfast will start at 8:00 am and the lecture is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by September 22 at tcody@dentistry.ucla.edu or 310-825-6238.