Graduation 2009 - UDM School of Dentistry - University of Detroit ...

Alumni BoardFrom the President of the Alumni BoardTough Acts to FollowDrs. Paul Pokorny and Rod Hyduk provided the Alumni Association with exemplaryleadership. Paul navigated the Alumni through the move to the new school and theinitial stages of the Capital Campaign. He led the fundraising work with two alumniauction nights. His enthusiasm will be missed. Rod Hyduk stepped up to the plateand through his dedication of time and energy kept the ball in play. Rod is known forsetting up various alumni events, notably the Boyne Scientific Session. Rod has beenour voice to the alumni directors for the other Schools and Colleges of the University.The Dental Alumni Board thanks its many staff resources of recent years: MarieLawson, Dana Hart, Jackie Elliott, Ann Fisher, Moira Mahoney, and Nancy Maier,who all pitched in providing hands on labor and maintaining ongoing history ofprojects unfolding. Board member Kimberly Mercier-Perry donated long hours ofservice finalizing this year’s Gala event and keeping records of ongoing board events.Megan Jennings is our student liaison at the School.The Path is ClearUnder the direction of Dean Aksu, the Alumni Board will focus its efforts onrelationship building and support. Board members take an active role in setting thestage for continuous inclusion throughout the student experience and after graduation.To that end, Alumni Board members are present at the White Coat Ceremony,student functions throughout the year, and make a presentation at the Graduationceremonies. Post graduation outreach includes receptions with graduates atdental meetings, the School’s continuing education programs, and the annualAlumni Weekend.At one time the Alumni Association was the primary fund raising arm for the Schoolof Dentistry. Under the auspices of the Century Club (a $100.00 donation in the1960’s), the alumni supported the school with purchases of the Maxim properties onJefferson and the purchase and remodeling of Alumni Hall on the Jefferson campus.Alumni financial support greased the wheels of the expansion to the Outer DriveCampus. Not to rest on its laurels, the Association now works to unite alumni incommon causes, showcase the new school and the new teaching model of instruction,respect and dignity.Looking ForwardI am happy to be a dentist and proud to be a U of D/UDM graduate. I hope youare too. The Alumni Board and I are open to your thoughts. Feel free to call meevenings, 313-492-6252.Sincerely,Steven C. Legel, DDS’8172 The Leading Edge | Summer 2009