UIC College of Dentistry Holds Centennial Gala

CHICAGO - Jan. 28, 2014 - PRLog -- The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry's Centennial year culminated with the Centennial Gala Celebration Dinner on Nov. 15, 2013, in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago. More than 330 alumni, faculty, students, staff, retirees, benefactors, and friends of the College attended.

“The Gala capped a year of honoring not only the College’s history, but the members of our College community who have embraced our commitment to excellence in dental education and who have been inspired by our Vision to make our College a world leader over the past 100 years, Dean Bruce Graham said.

“The Centennial Gala was just fabulous,” said Dr. Robert G. Brunetti, Loyola ’78, President of the Guy D. and Rebecca E. Brunetti Foundation and president and Chief Executive Officer of ProCare Dental Group P.C. “What an extraordinary event. From the moment I entered the reception area at Navy Pier, I was enthralled with the history of the College. I enjoyed so much reading the various poster boards and observing the PowerPoint on the faculty and staff who made a difference over the first 100 years.”

After a cocktail reception, the party moved into the Grand Ballroom, and Dean Graham introduced Dr. Paula Allen-Meares, UIC Chancellor.

UIC Provost Lon Kaufman then spoke.

“It has been deeply rewarding to participate in the Centennial year celebrations for the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and, coincidentally, to celebrate Dean Bruce Graham for his outstanding leadership over the last 13 years,” Dr. Kaufman said. “Both Dean Graham and the College are synonymous with excellence, hard work, cutting edge research, and care for its patients, and for providing the best training and education to its students.

“I wish all the best to Dean Graham, as he steps down as Dean at the conclusion of this year. He leaves a rich and enduring legacy as the College embarks upon its next 100 years,” Dr. Kaufman concluded.

After dinner, Dean Graham and his wife, Linda, were surprised when Dr. Bill Knight, Interim Dean, and Mark J. Valentino, Assistant Dean for Advancement and Alumni Affairs, came up on stage and announced the creation of the Dr. Bruce S. Graham and Linda M. Graham Scholarship Fund. Ana Lisa Ogbac, Associate Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, presented them with a check for $61,000 representing money already raised for the scholarship fund.

After Dr. Graham expressed his thanks for the creation of the Graham scholarship, participants enjoyed dancing to the music of the City Lights Orchestra, conducted by Rich Daniels, There was a silent auction, and the Centennial year history book of the College, Celebrating a Proud Past, was available.

"The College of Dentistry embodies the values of UIC in every way,” said Dr. Allen-Meares. “From their focus on the creation of knowledge through research, to advanced-practice instruction and excellent clinical care, the faculty and staff of the College — along with their students and alumni – reflect our missions and ideals. As the largest safety net for oral health services in Northern Illinois, the College is committed to health care access and the elimination of oral health disparities. Congratulations on 100 years of exemplary service to your profession and to the citizens of Illinois."

“To those who organized the Gala, I say ‘well done!’ said Dr. Ross E. Rubino, ’77, President of the UIC Dental Alumni Association Board of Directors. “The venue at Navy Pier is historic and was perfect for this celebration, and I can't imagine the event being any better."

Student Justin Schneider said, "The College’s Centennial Gala was a unique and rewarding experience as our inaugural DMD Class of 2015 was able to celebrate the past 100 years of the College with a century's worth of alumni and faculty. It’s not every day that you get to celebrate the 100th birthday of an institution, producing dynamic healthcare professionals of the past and future, in a country where the healthcare system is in a state of transition."

"I was honored to have been present in celebration of the College’s Centennial event as well as Dean Graham's accomplishments,” student Farah Shakir added. “The UIC College of Dentistry has had a longstanding history and continues to progress in more ways than any other school. We are so honored to be part of that experience. The event was truly magnificent and I’m certain my colleagues would agree."

Faculty member Dr. Christine Hryhorczyk, Director of Site Assessment for Extramural Education, did not want to miss the Gala and also used it to celebrate another special event. “My husband’s birthday was the day before, and when he asked what we were doing for his birthday, I said, ‘I have a great surprise for you—we’re going to a Gala at Navy Pier!” she said, laughing.

Staff member Mirria Evans, Customer Service Representative, Department of Periodontics, said, “To be a part of this 100-year celebration meant that I was included in the history of the College of Dentistry. The 20 years of being employed here at the College have been my most rewarding years at UIC. On a daily basis I see many of the faculty and staff, but it was pretty neat to see everyone dressed and having fun.  The Gala was awesome from the food to the music, and I like a good band. Finally, it was an honor to dance with Dean Graham!”

Sponsors were ProCare Dental Group P.C., the KaVo Kerr Group, the UIC Dental Alumni Association, and the UIC College of Dentistry. The event was planned by Ogbac.

To see all the photos on Flickr, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/uicphoto/sets/72157638415652....