COLLEGE NEWS
College Receives Multi-Million Dollar Estate Gift In the summer of 2009, the College of Dentistry received a gift of approximately $3 million to support scholarships for students. The largest single gift in the College’s history, the donation came from the estate of the late Dr. Richard C. Veler and his wife, Betty G. Veler, both of whom were lifelong supporters of the university. Dr. Veler, a 1946 College of Dentistry graduate whose practice was in Toledo, Ohio, began his philanthropy to Ohio State with a gift of $10 in 1948. He and his wife later donated the funds that created the Richard C. Veler, D.D.S. and Betty G. Veler Scholarship endowment that provides financial support for dentistry students who demonstrate “merit, need, and outstanding moral and ethical character.” The Velers’ multi-million dollar gift will support and expand their existing scholarship endowment. Commenting on the Velers’ loyalty to Ohio State and the College of Dentistry, estate trustee and longtime family friend Mr.
Frederick Lamb said, “I knew Betty and Richard Veler for more than 40 years, and it was always their intent to leave their estate to the university. They both felt they’d had a wonderful life because of the education Richard received from the College of Dentistry, and they really wanted to give something back.” Dean Carole Anderson expressed her thanks for this gift that will meet a vital need. “This donation is extraordinary not only because it’s the largest single gift in the history of the College, but also because it’s a gift that’s designated for something we’re in dire need of,” Anderson said. “Our dentistry students pay some of the highest tuition fees in the medical profession, and this gift will help us recruit outstanding new students, while also supporting the excellent students we have now who need financial help to complete their education and begin their careers as dental professionals.” “Throughout their lives, the Velers were remarkably generous with the university,” said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee. “This latest gift from their estate will enable future generations of talented young people to pursue their dreams and to earn their degrees at Ohio State. I can think of no more selfless action, and I am deeply grateful.” n
The William J. Meyers Endowed Chair in Endodontics College of Dentistry Professor Emeritus William J. Meyers has been recognized with an endowed chair named in his honor. Dean Carole Anderson made the official announcement of the William J. Meyers Endowed Chair in Endodontics, which will support a distinguished endodontic educator and researcher. A longtime faculty member and administrator in the Division of Endodontics, Dr. Meyers joined the College of Dentistry in 1976, providing outstanding leadership as the Endodontic Division Chair from 1976 to 1995. Throughout his distinguished career, Meyers has been honored with a number of prestigious awards, including the (2005) I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award from the American Association of Endodontists. Dr. Meyers has also served as president of the Columbus Dental Society and he is a past president of the Ohio Association of Endodontists. Still a part-time faculty member in the Division of Endodontics, Dr. Meyers said of the endowed chair named in his honor, “This is great – not because I’m great in any way, but because this endowed chair will be a wonderful thing for the Division of Endodontics.” Meyers added, “I’d like to thank everyone who made a contribution that helped to accomplish this goal. Your efforts and your generosity are amazing and I’m very honored.” n 10
T H E O H I O S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y C O L L E GE of DENTISTRY
Professor Emeritus William J. Meyers