IGNITE Report Cusp Summer 2021

IGNITE REPORT 08

Long-time, loyal supporter creates endowed professorship in Restorative Dentistry and Advanced Prosthodontics

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Dr. Charles F. DiFranco Scholarship honors the memory of an extraordinary member of the College community

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Dr. Bennett Klavan Scholarship Fund honors a treasured mentor

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Unlocking Opportunity: Dr. Kalpesh Shah and Dr. Ami K. Shah Scholarship Fund supports students in the Departments of Periodontics and Orthodontics

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Senior College administrators pay it forward by establishing new scholarships

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Scholarship supports talented Orthodontics residents

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Modern Workspaces for Talented Faculty and Staff

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IGNITE Campaign

UIC COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY

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BY GAIL MANSFIELD

“The Brunetti Professorship is part of IGNITE: The Campaign Among the many invaluable ways donors support the mission for UIC. Increasing faculty endowments is one of the key and vision of the UIC College of Dentistry is through the highimpact gifts of faculty endowment by establishing named chairs, initiatives for IGNITE,” said Dean Stanford. “This generous gift represents an opportunity to support the recruitment for professorships, or fellowships. expertise in the area of restorative digital dentistry. Rapid changes in technology necessitate both the engineering and “Excellence starts and ends with our faculty,” explained computer science knowledge of machine learning and artificial Dr. Clark Stanford, DDS, PhD, MHA, Dean of the College of intelligence as well as the ability to apply practical applications Dentistry. “Given the resource constraints that inevitably occur for deployment in both the novice learning environment and in higher education, the ability to have permanent endowments complex applications in the advanced education programs in is critical for the recruitment and retention of the very best.

Prosthodontics. This professorship will support the expertise Faculty need individualized resources to nimbly respond to and excellence that is UIC.” wonderful ideas of discovery, to ask questions relevant to the day, and teach tomorrow the rewards of these discoveries. This “The singular purpose of our family foundation is to support gifts only happens when faculty have the ability to academically and grants for purposes of education, particularly in healthcare, ‘breathe’—and this only occurs with endowed faculty religious education, and the fine arts, as well as education positions. The donor can know this investment in the College in conservancy of the environment,” Dr. Brunetti said. “This is permanent and will affect multiple generations of thought endowed professorship not only fulfills our purpose, but that of leaders in dentistry through the years. It’s a wonderful legacy.” the mission and vision of the UIC College of Dentistry as well.”

One of the College of Dentistry’s most generous and consistent A graduate of the Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry, supporters, Dr. Robert G. Brunetti, DDS, MBA, FICD, has added Dr. Brunetti is President and Chief Executive Officer of ProCare to his already rich legacy with the establishment of the Dr. Dental Group, P.C., President of the Brunetti Foundation, and Robert G. Brunetti Professorship. Funded by the Guy D. and Adjunct Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the College Rebecca E. Brunetti Foundation—established by Dr. Brunetti of Dentistry. to honor his parents—the professorship will allow the newlyappointed head Dr. Rand Harlow, DDS ’92, Prosthodontics ’97, to His extensive clinical experience includes many years leverage the Brunetti professorship to expand on technologies in private practice, where he held a strong philosophy of in Restorative Dentistry. individual patient care. This experience evolved into group practice development and management, still maintaining

DEEP AND BROAD SUPPORT

Dr. Brunetti’s engagement with the College has been multilayered and transformational. Through ProCare Dental Group and the Brunetti Foundation, he made gifts of more than $1.5 million to support creation of the College’s ProCare Dental Group Implant and Innovations Center and collaborated with Dentsply Sirona to create the Dentsply Implant Clinic, both dedicated in 2013. The ProCare Dental Group Implant and Innovations Center is advancing the reputation of the College as a world center for dental implant education, treatment, and research. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the Center’s team of experts provides the highest quality restorative dental care to the Chicago area, and offers highly competitive educational experiences for the next generation of practitioners to address the significant oral health issues related to missing teeth.

In 2011, the Brunetti Foundation collaborated with KaVo Kerr (now known as Envista Holdings, Inc.) to contribute $8.25 million to assist the College in upgrading its aging clinical facilities.

Through this unique partnership, the College received stateof-the-science digital radiograph equipment, Cone Beam CT machines, Pelton & Crane cabinetry, chairs, LED chairside lights, KaVo high- and slow-speed hand pieces, and the Vista Clear green technology water filtration system.

The numerous dentists Dr. Brunetti has mentored include recent UIC graduates who have served as associates in his practice, where he has imparted a strong sense of professionalism, knowledge, and experience. He has also presented numerous table clinics, lectures, board reviews, Lunch and Learns, and roundtable discussions on various topics in general dentistry and group practice management.

HELPING POSITION THE COLLEGE AT THE VANGUARD

“Dr. Brunetti, his family foundation, and ProCare Dental Group have had a profound impact on the College of Dentistry over the past 20 years. Creating this named professorship supports a key component of IGNITE,” said Mark Valentino, Associate Dean for Advancement. “Just as he did during the previous Brilliant Futures Campaign, Dr. Brunetti is stepping forward to create a named professorship that will reap benefits today and for future generations of faculty and students.”

Dr. Brunetti says he had the future—and its opportunities— very much in mind when he created the professorship. “The U.S. dental market is expected to nearly double in the next six years, growing at a compound rate of 10.13% between 202127,” Dr. Brunetti said. “Factors expected to drive the demands in the industry include a rising U.S. population, expanding dental benefits, the aging of the American population, and advancement in dental procedures and technology. Forecasts are bright for career growth in the profession of dentistry. The College will be compelled to continually be at the vanguard of this growth and demand by educating young dentists in advanced treatment and technology, including digital modalities, artificial intelligence, and augmented and virtual reality.”

Before the renovations, “Our clinics weren’t in good shape, He continued, “This endowed professorship will support making it harder for us to provide the kind of care we’re known these dynamic endeavors today and well into the future. It for and to recruit students, faculty, and even patients,” said embodies not only fundamental concepts of excellence, but Dr. Susan Rowan, DDS, MS, FACD. “This collaborative gift also emphasizes the foundational character of the endowed completely transformed our clinics with state-of-the-science professor, critical to engendering and spurring a sincere spirit equipment and an improved floorplan. The result has been a of true professionalism and compassion in our future dentists of more professional environment and atmosphere and a far better America.

In turn, young dentists will need to educate patients experience for students and patients. And because this is and community alike. high-quality equipment and the company continues to provide incredible service and support, we’ve been able to maintain the “In the final analysis,” Dr. Brunetti stressed, “our patients will benefits of these improvements.” care not so much about what we really know until they know how much we really care.”

ProCare Dental Group was a lead sponsor for the College’s Clinic and Research Day for many years. The company Dr. Brunetti’s son, Dr. Daniel Brunetti, ‘11, is also a graduate of participates annually in Career Night and was the first the College. He is vice president of ProCare Dental Group and corporate partner to advertise in this magazine. the Brunetti Foundation and was a member of the College of Dentistry’s Alumni Board from 2012-19.

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the highest quality dental treatment, using the most current technology and techniques, and continuing his firm emphasis on individual patient care. Dr. Brunetti also served as a faculty member at the former Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry.

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BY GAIL MANSFIELD

Dr. Charles F. “Chuck” DiFranco’s legacy at the UIC College of Dentistry is profound. He shared his many gifts—teaching, clinical care, professional camaraderie, and even song— with the College community. Those who knew him praise his professional excellence, warmth, positivity, and generosity of spirit. “’Dr. Chuck’ was a great friend, teacher, and mentor to many,” said Mark Valentino, Associate Dean for Advancement. “He shared his incredible skills as a periodontist and surgeon with the residents and showed them how to treat their patients, faculty, fellow residents, and staff with the utmost dignity, compassion, and respect.

“He had an innate ability to make those around him feel at ease, always ready with a laugh or a smile,” Valentino continued. “He built his life around helping others, something he did often and effortlessly. Above all, Dr. Chuck loved and cherished his family.”

The Dr. Charles F. DiFranco Scholarship honors the memory of this extraordinary UIC Dentistry supporter, who passed away in July 2020. The scholarship benefits residents in the Department of Periodontics. Its first recipient is Dr. Ryan Bogard.

“I am honored and privileged to be the recipient of the first DiFranco Scholarship,” said Dr. Bogard. “I felt a great sense of pride being selected for this award by my faculty. This scholarship will help provide some needed financial stress relief in my last year and I am thankful to have been chosen.“

“With the rising costs of graduate education, the Dr. Charles F. DiFranco Scholarship is of particular importance in providing funding to deserving residents to help defray costs associated with their training,” said Dr. Salvador Nares, MS, PhD, MBA, Professor and Head of the Department of Periodontics and Director of Periodontics Research. “This is exemplary of the commitments of alumni and the community to give back to our program. It is most appreciated and will help perpetuate the attraction of excellent residents to the UIC College of Dentistry Advanced Program in Periodontics.”

Said Dr. Clark Stanford, DDS, PhD, MHA, Dean of the College of Dentistry, “Periodontics is a wonderful dental specialty that sits at the bridge between the basic sciences of inflammation and the clinical sciences of cures and resolution. To enable future generations of periodontists, it’s invaluable to give back, and this is exactly what the Dr. Charles F. DiFranco Scholarship is doing in the Advanced Educational Program in Periodontics at UIC.” A FAMILY PROFESSION

The DiFranco family has impacted the Chicagoland dental profession for decades. Dr. DiFranco’s parents, Dr. Paul A. and Geraldine DiFranco, were proud to see four of their children— Dr. Charles F., Dr. Paul A. Jr., Dr. Geri Ann, and Dr. Josephine DiFranco-Bordignon—follow in their father’s footsteps at the Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry. A fifth child, Frank DiFranco, JD, is an attorney.

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“Dad always made time for us growing up, supporting our many interests and activities,” said Dr. Paul E. DiFranco. “Whether it be coaching our baseball teams or sparking my interest in the piano at an early age, he supported everything we did. He provided us with more than we ever could need to become successful in life, and we are forever grateful. He instilled in us the importance of family support.”

Dr. Charles F. DiFranco also was the proud father of a third child, Christopher, a physical therapy student. “In a family full of dentists, my father never put any pressure on me to go into dentistry,” Christopher DiFranco says. “He encouraged me to find a field I was passionate about, and along the way he taught me invaluable lessons regarding working with other people and treating everyone you meet with respect. It was part of his charm that you hear a lot of people talk about; he knew how to talk to anyone and within minutes they’d feel like the only person in the room.”

For 37 years, Dr. Charles F. DiFranco practiced periodontics, establishing his private practice and residence in his hometown of Park Ridge, IL. He enjoyed practicing with his two sisters and one of his sons, Charles C. DiFranco. His brother, Dr. Paul A. DiFranco, Jr., established his orthodontics practice alongside his siblings, and eventually moved to his own practice just down the street.

Dr. Charles C. DiFranco, who helped out in his father’s practice as he was growing up, remembers patients telling him, “Your dad’s the greatest,” which “had a great influence on me,” the younger Di Franco said. “And our mother was instrumental in supporting him—raising her sons and working at the office— which allowed my dad to be involved in so much.”

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Dr. DiFranco earned his bachelor’s, DDS, and Master of Oral Science degrees, as well as a certificate in periodontics, from Loyola University Chicago. He served on the faculty at the Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry and joined the UIC College of Dentistry faculty in 2008.

He was instrumental in bringing alumni from the then-closed Loyola dental program into the UIC dental family in the mid2000s and became the first-ever non-UIC graduate to serve as officer and President of the UIC Dental Alumni Board.

“It was important to him to bring Loyola alums on board with the UIC dental community, because they had nowhere to go,” remembered Kimberly DiFranco. “He and Dr. Raffaele Suriano carried that torch together.”

Dr. DiFranco received the College’s prestigious Dr. Raffaele Suriano Award at the combined UIC-Loyola Reunion and Reception Dinner in 2013. The award is given annually to a graduate of the Loyola program who has made significant contributions to the dental profession and the people it serves.

It was Dr. DiFranco who recommended that the annual award be given to a Loyola dental graduate at the Reunion and be named for Dr. Suriano, who served as Dean of Loyola’s dental school for many years.

“Watching my dad interact with his classmates and other alumni from Loyola, I could tell they all had a special bond,” said Dr. Charles C. DiFranco. “He wanted them to have a place they could use as a sort of second home, so he worked hard to foster the relationship between Loyola and UIC. “He was one of a kind in the way he could make very quick connections with people,” the younger DiFranco continued.

“No matter the situation, he always found a way to help people feel comfortable and welcome, and that was in all facets of his life. A lot of my friends have told me that when they go back in the timelines of their lives, my dad was the one who brought them together.”

ACTIVE ACROSS THE COLLEGE—AND THE PROFESSION

Dr. DiFranco was a member of numerous professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, Illinois Society of Periodontology, Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society. He remained an active member of the Alpha Delta Gamma Fraternity throughout his life and held several board positions, including President, of the North Branch of the Chicago Dental Society. Dr. DiFranco was a devoted member of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society, an organization of dentists of Italian lineage, and served it in various leadership roles, including President. He was named Arcolian “Man of the Year” in 1999.

Dr. DiFranco co-chaired the UIC College of Dentistry’s annual Golf Outing. Dr. and Mrs. DiFranco were members of the Dean’s Council, making leadership gifts since 2004 to the Annual Fund and helping the Department of Periodontics renovate its postgraduate clinic.

A GIFT FOR MUSIC

Dr. DiFranco, who loved music, had a habit of singing during surgeries to put his patients at ease. When his children were young, he helped put on plays at their elementary school.

“He’d essentially steal the show,” remembered Dr. Charles C. DiFranco. “He had a great voice and perfect comic timing.”

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The third generation of family dentists includes Dr. Charles F. DiFranco’s children, Drs. Paul E. DiFranco, DDS ’09, MS Orthodontics, and Charles C. DiFranco, DDS ’11, MS Periodontics ‘14. “The UIC College of Dentistry is proud to call them our graduates and shared in the joy that Dr. Charles F. DiFranco and his wife, Kimberly, experienced when Paul and Chuck walked the stage at their commencement ceremonies and were hooded by their father,” Valentino said.

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“The College’s Department of Periodontics was important to Once his kids were grown, Dr. DiFranco turned his creative him, so we felt this was a good way to honor him and his talents to an orchestra he started with friends, Dinner @ 8. Dr. legacy,” said Kimberly DiFranco of her family’s choice to endow DiFranco was bandleader and lead vocalist and “loved the old standards: Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra,” said Kimberly DiFranco. a scholarship. “He wanted people to have the support they needed” to pursue advanced education in dentistry, she said.

Dinner @ 8 performed at weddings, benefits, and other events, including the College’s Annual Reunion Dinner—often waiving “Dr. DiFranco contributed so much to the profession and the usual fee. educational leadership in the Periodontics program,” Dean Stanford said. “Residents who are awarded this endowed That generosity was typical of his interactions in all areas of his scholarship will receive support for their education that will life, Mrs. DiFranco said. “In meeting people, he always wanted carry on the legacy of greatness and humility conveyed by Dr. to help out: to fundraise, increase membership, give back to DiFranco—be it in teaching, patient care, or when he had his people in whatever way he could,” she said. chance to sing at the microphone. He always made a statement, and this scholarship does, too.”

For his many contributions to UIC, Dr. DiFranco was named an Official Torchbearer by the UIC Alumni Association and was honored with the task of “lighting the flame” prior to a 2009 UIC men’s basketball game at the Credit Union 1 Arena.

“Watching my dad interact with his classmates and other alumni from Loyola, I could tell they all had a special bond.

He wanted them to have a place they could use as a sort of second home, so he worked hard to foster the relationship between Loyola and UIC.” DR. CHARLES C. DIFRANCO

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BY GAIL MANSFIELD

Educated in India and Europe, Professor Emeritus Dr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, BDS, MDS, PhD, found the American system of dentistry new and unfamiliar when he came to the United States and joined the Department of Periodontics at the UIC College of Dentistry. With the encouragement and camaraderie of Dr. Bennett Klavan, ’44, then Head of the Department of Periodontics, Dr. Mukherjee found his footing as an educator and researcher and, several years after Dr. Klavan retired, went on to himself serve as Head of the Department of Periodontics.

Now, Dr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee and his wife, Dr. Minati Mukherjee, DDS, MS ‘87, are honoring that relationship by establishing the Dr. Bennett Klavan Scholarship Fund to support third-year DMD students and DMD-Advanced Standing students who have shown a strong interest and proficiency in the field of periodontics.

“Dr. Klavan was my mentor—I got the best of my training from him,” says Dr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who was Head of Periodontics from 1991-2001 and focused his own research on the diagnosis of periodontal diseases, salivary factors related to periodontal diseases, and bacterial virulence. “He created the Department of Periodontics, and what he did for it should be recognized forever. Dr. Klavan is a truly great man and a real leader. I mean that from my heart.”

Educating DMD and DMD-Advanced Standing students “is the backbone of the profession,” Dr. Mukherjee said of his family’s choice to direct the scholarship to students at this level. “If education is going to lead, it has to start there.”

Dr. Klavan, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, said, “The formation of the scholarship was entirely the idea of Dr. Mukherjee. He called and asked if he could name the scholarship after me.

“I was surprised but greatly honored by having my name attached to this award, so I assented,” Dr. Klavan continued.

“I’m humbled by Dr. Mukherjee’s generosity.”

Dr. Klavan joined the faculty of the Department of Applied Materia Medica and Therapeutics in 1948, when Periodontics teaching was confined to approximately ten hours of lecture.

Named Associate Head of the department in 1963, he began the comprehensive predoctoral program in Periodontics. With few other dental schools at the time providing such an experience, Dr. Klavan developed teaching aids, laboratory exercises, and materials for clinical instruction. His work paved the way for Periodontics to achieve departmental status in 1965, and he was named the new department’s first Professor and Head.

The burgeoning demand for periodontal treatment and its increasing complexity led to the establishment of a periodontal postdoctoral program and of continuing education Periodontics courses during Dr. Klavan’s tenure as Department Head.

He earned the College’s Distinguished Dental Alumnus Award in 1978.

The Bennett Klavan Fund, an existing Department of Periodontics fund honoring Dr. Klavan, supports a visiting lectureship program and other department initiatives that annually support residents and faculty.

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“Dr. Klavan was my mentor — I got the best of my training from him. He created the Department of Periodontics, and what he did for it should be recognized forever. Dr. Klavan is a truly great man and a real leader. I mean that from my heart.”

DR. SABYASACHI MUKHERJEE

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BY DANIEL P. SMITH

Dr. Ami Shah BDS, MS, DDS ’07 does not hesitate to praise the UIC College of Dentistry’s important and influential role in her life.

Still adjusting to living in the United States as well as motherhood, Dr. Shah, who had earned a degree in dentistry alongside a master’s degree in computer applications in her native India, applied to the College of Dentistry’s Advanced Standing Program in 2005. A program designed for those who had completed their dental studies abroad, Dr. Shah saw the UIC program as her ticket to America’s promise as the land of opportunity.

Dr. Shah beamed with excited energy upon learning she had been accepted into the novel program, eager to join her husband, Dr. Kalpesh Shah, as a practicing dentist in the Chicago area. As a student, she relished the program’s collegial environment, thoughtful structure, and accessible instructors led by Dr. Terry Parsons DDS ’82 and Dr. Edward Savers DDS ’73.

“UIC opened up doors to me as an international student with high hopes and it completely changed my life,” says Dr. Ami Shah, who graduated from the Advanced Standing Program in 2007 and has spent the last 14 years practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in suburban Chicago. She includes orthodontics in her practice.

Now, the Shahs hope to unlock the same kind of opportunity for other UIC dental students. Earlier this year, the couple established the Dr. Kalpesh Shah and Dr. Ami K. Shah Scholarship Fund at the College of Dentistry. The scholarship will rotate annually between supporting students in the Departments of Periodontics and Orthodontics.

“Periodontics because of its important role in overall health and orthodontics because that’s such a passion of Ami’s,” says Dr. Kalpesh Shah, a Chicago area native who received his dental training at Boston University and operates Karing Dental Center in west suburban Wood Dale. He also teaches at BioLase Dental Lasers— everything from Periodontics to Oral Surgery.

In May, Dr. Raj Desai, a resident in the UIC College’s Department of Orthodontics, was named the inaugural Shah Scholarship recipient.

“The Orthodontics program is a challenging journey and to be recognized for the hard work and effort put into the educational process is a priceless feeling,” Dr. Desai says. “The distinction makes me feel that I am on the right path and to continue pushing myself to make the most out of residency.”

Sharing the College of Dentistry’s vision for excellence in oral education, care, and research, the Shahs wanted to support an inclusive, high-achieving school in their “backyard” and encourage students to pursue their professional ambitions.

“Through God’s grace, we’ve each been able to establish ourselves professionally and we’d like to see scholarship recipients take this opportunity and run with it to advance the field in their own ways,” Dr. Kalpesh Shah says.

Sixteen years ago, Dr. Ami Shah says, UIC emboldened her to envision fresh possibilities. Today, she hopes the Shah Scholarship Fund helps fuel the passions and professional ascent of other UIC dental students.

“After the valuable education UIC gave me, one that has enabled me to serve my community, it’s so important and meaningful for me to give back,” Dr. Ami Shah says.

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BY GAIL MANSFIELD

The UIC College of Dentistry community has a culture of gratitude that inspires its members to extend a hand to the next generation of professionals. Two senior administrators of the College are paying it forward by generously funding two new student scholarships: the Dr. Susan A. and Dr. Daniel A. Rowan Scholarship and the Dr. Toni M. and Mr. Edmund A. Roucka Scholarship.

“The Rowan and Roucka Scholarships highlight what makes the UIC College of Dentistry an exceptional contemporary institution for dental education,” said Dr. Clark Stanford, DDS, PhD, MHA, Dean of the College of Dentistry. “Here we have two senior leaders of the College who work with students on a day-to-day basis and see the range of needs of the student community.

“To help address those needs, both families have separately created legacy scholarships endowing support for students,” Dean Stanford continued. “The cost of dental education is substantial, but the benefits of a strong education and the student support derived from these scholarships are invaluable to helping students become the providers we all want to see.”

RECOGNIZING HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN CLINICAL SKILLS

The Dr. Susan A. and Dr. Daniel A. Rowan Scholarship is given to a DMD or DMD-Advanced Standing student in their final year who has received the highest score on the College’s Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

"Receiving this scholarship as a first-generation college and professional school graduate has been a great honor and blessing,” said Dr. Vanesha Mistry, ’21. “The scholarships I’ve

received have eased my financial burden and validated my hard work and dedication over the last four years. I’m very thankful and appreciative to the donors who have recognized me, including Drs. Susan A. and Daniel A. Rowan.”

After graduation, Dr. Mistry will give back to her community and country by serving as a Dental Officer in the United States Navy. “For my first year on duty, I’ll be stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois,” she said. “I’m very excited to provide dental care to enlisted sailors and Marines before they’re deployed."

A 1984 UIC College of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Susan Rowan, DDS, MS, FACD, Executive Associate Dean and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, worked in a private practice setting for 25 years while teaching preclinical and clinical courses at the College. In 2007, she became Managing Partner of the Group Practice Student Clinic Monet. In 2013, she accepted the role of Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, and in 2018 she was appointed Executive Associate Dean. Dr. Rowan has also served as President of the College’s Alumni Board and President of the OKU National Honor Society Sigma Chapter. She holds an MS degree in patient safety leadership, supporting her responsibilities in oversight of the College clinics.

Dr. Rowan’s academic focus has been on teaching and delivering patient-centered, compassionate oral health care while supporting the needs of all. Her research is centered on antibiotic stewardship and opioid prescribing patterns in the dental profession.

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“I’ve been so inspired by the students, their goals, and their desire to help others as they have successful careers that I wanted to leave something behind for them.”

DR. SUSAN A. ROWAN

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Dr. Daniel Rowan was a faculty member in general and interventional cardiology at Rush University Medical Center. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology, and has been in private practice at Christ Advocate Medical Center, Palos Northwestern Hospital Systems, and Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he was President of the medical staff. His dedication to compassionate patient care has been recognized by numerous awards, including "Best Doctors in Chicago.”

“As a graduate of the program, a faculty member, and now an administrator, I feel the College has given me so much,” said Dr. Susan Rowan. “It’s enhanced my life in ways I could not even begin to describe. I’ve been so inspired by the students, their goals, and their desire to help others as they have successful careers that I wanted to leave something behind for them. In 25 or 30 years, no one here will remember me, but the description of why my husband and I wanted to provide this scholarship will remain.”

A FOCUS ON ETHICS

First preference for the Dr. Toni M. and Mr. Edmund A. Roucka Scholarship is given to a DMD or DMD-Advanced Standing student in their final year who has demonstrated an interest in and a commitment to promoting the ethics of the dental profession through deeds, scholarship, or patient care.

“I learned a lot of meaningful things throughout dental school, not just about my passion and interest in dentistry, but also how to have endurance and patience and go outside of my comfort zone by taking leadership positions,” said Ellie Park, ’21, first recipient of the Roucka Scholarship.

“I plan to use the scholarship wisely towards my education and continue my extensive volunteer work with patients in need,” Dr. Park added. “Thank you to Dr. and Mr. Roucka for their support, which will help me reduce my debt burden and enroll in a threeyear residency in prosthodontics at the University of Texas, Health School of Dentistry in Houston. I’m excited to learn more about treatment planning involving complex procedures to help patients with function and improve their quality of life.”

Dr. Toni Roucka, RN, DDS, MA, is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Her interest in ethics has spanned her career: first as a registered nurse in UIC Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and, after she graduated from the College of Dentistry in 1990, in the US Navy Dental Corps, the National Health Service Corps at Chicago's Spang Center for Oral Health, and in private practice. At Marquette University School of Dentistry, she taught ethics and professionalism while earning a master’s degree in bioethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin. In 2016, Dr. Roucka accepted her current position at the College.

She is nationally known for her ethics column in General Dentistry, the Journal of the American Academy of General Dentistry, and for her association with the American College of Dentists as a speaker on ethics in dentistry. She is past President of the American Society for Dental Ethics (ASDE) and served on the UIC Dental Alumni Board. Dr. Roucka believes ethical dental practice and a virtuous professional life benefit not only the dentist and their patients, but all of society.

Mr. Edmund Roucka is Construction Manager for Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), whose mission is to mentor and empower young adults to succeed through education and training in life skills, career pathways, and environmental stewardship. While previously owning his own construction firm, he developed a passion for education while teaching his apprentices. He welcomed the opportunity to help Lake County youth develop skills that will help them succeed in the workforce.

Although the UIC dental curriculum places heavy emphasis on ethics and professionalism, “There wasn’t a scholarship focused on ethics in our repertoire, so my husband and I thought this would be a good place for our support,” Dr. Roucka said. “Ethics and professionalism are an integral part of dentistry, as important for our students as their clinical skills and didactic knowledge. As I’ve come full circle at the College from student to Associate Dean, it’s great to be able to give back to the College and help students directly.”

“There wasn’t a scholarship focused on ethics in our repertoire, so my husband and I thought this would be a good place for our support.”

DR. TONI M. ROUCKA

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BY GAIL MANSFIELD

“Dr. Blair and his wife, Pauline, had a successful orthodontics practice in Elgin, IL, and they attended both College of Dentistry and University of Illinois Foundation events whenever they could,” Valentino continued. “Although their estate provision was made many years ago, it is now providing critical scholarship support for our Orthodontic residents, now and for generations to follow. The Blair Scholarship is a wonderful example of donors looking into the future to provide the type of impactful gifts that truly make a difference.”

Scholarships are a key source of support for talented and dedicated dentists in training. But until recently, few of these awards have been targeted to residents.

The Eugene S. and Pauline Gucker Blair Endowment Fund, a scholarship for third-year residents in the Department of Orthodontics, is one of a growing number of scholarships supporting postgraduate students as they prepare for careers in advanced specialties. Dr. Amy Seagraves, ’19, and Dr. Leslie Cohen, ’21, were the first and second recipients of the Blair Scholarship.

“Dr. and Mrs. Blair were long-time supporters of the College of Dentistry. Dr. Blair was especially proud and very grateful for the education he received here, earning both his DDS and Master of Science in Orthodontics in the early 1950s. I had the honor of first meeting them in the mid-1990s,” said Mark Valentino, Associate Dean for Advancement.

Dr. Blair practiced as an orthodontist from 1952-88. He and Mrs. Blair, who were married for 71 years, lived in Elgin and Mesa, AZ, before moving to the Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale, IA, in 2010. Dr. Blair was an active leader in many professional societies, including the Fox River Valley Dental Society, Chicago Association of Orthodontists, Illinois Society of Orthodontists, and Midwestern Society of Orthodontists, and was president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) in 1986-87. He ended his career as president of the AAO Foundation.

Dr. Sath Allereddy, Head of the Department of Orthodontics said, “We have been very fortunate to have strong support from Dr. Blair and Mrs. Blair, whose estate provided a generous gift to create a permanent endowed scholarship, The Eugene S. and Pauline Gucker Blair Endowment Fund in Orthodontics. The Blair scholarship helps us to attract outstanding dentists into our residency program, which enables us to build on our strong foundation of excellence. The future of our profession is in the hands of the next generation of Orthodontists.”

24 SUMMER 2021 NUMBER 69

UIC COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY

IGNITE REPORT

25

BY SARA CONNELL

As part of the College of Dentistry’s $37 million IGNITE campaign initiatives, the College seeks leadership funding to support the renovation of faculty and staff offices within the College of Dentistry.

Renovation of faculty and staff offices directly contributes to the College’s IGNITE priorities because, if we are able to achieve this goal, we will be supporting faculty development, student success, research discoveries, interdisciplinary work, and community engagement.

Most of the College’s faculty and staff offices have remained untouched since Phase I of the “new building” opened in 1972 and Phase II opened in 1974. For nearly 50 years, faculty and staff have occupied offices that are increasingly worn, outdated, not equipped with necessary technology, in dire need of repair, and not conducive to one’s best work on behalf of the College.

Without the College’s hard-working, prolific, and dedicated faculty and staff, we would not be able to facilitate the kind of ground-breaking education, research, care, and services that change the lives of thousands of people every year. Faculty and staff deserve workspaces that are conducive to the transformational work that they perform at the College.

As valued alumni, your participation is critical as we work together to transform our spaces so that they reflect the truly life-changing work that we do here at the College. You have the opportunity to name a space for yourself, for a mentor from your time at the College of Dentistry, or in honor of a family member.

Each of these options is meaningful in that it recognizes and celebrates your relationship with the College of Dentistry.

Thank you to the alumni who have invested in these critical spaces so far. As an example, we have had a number of Department of Endodontics alumni support the renovation of faculty and staff offices in that department. The renovation of those spaces will happen during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Please consider joining us.

For more information about this College renovation project and ways that you can help to support it, please contact Bruno Mancari, Director of Development, at bmancari@uic.edu, 312-413-3554, or visit www.dentistry.uic.edu.

$30M $37 MILLION COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY IGNITE GOAL BY 2022

OVER $25 MILLION RAISED AS OF JUNE 2021 $20M

$10M

TOTAL IGNITE DOLLARS RAISED (68.6% OF GOAL)

$

25,394

IGNITE: The Campaign for UIC is a transformational capital campaign for the University of Illinois Chicago and the College of Dentistry. The College is participating fully in IGNITE, which culminates in December 2022. The University goal is $750 million and the College of Dentistry’s goal is $37 million. Through June 30, the College has received $25,394,583 in gifts and pledges.

Your IGNITE Campaign gifts have impacted and supported the College’s key mission areas of Student Success through named scholarships and instructional learning spaces; Faculty Excellence through named faculty endowments; the Discovery of Knowledge through named research funds and faculty support; and enhancing Public Service through newly created spaces and community outreach programs.

13

NEW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS CREATED DURING IGNITE.*

6

NEW ENDOWED FACULTY POSITIONS CREATED DURING IGNITE.*

Eugene S. and Pauline Gucker Blair Endowment

Dr. Kamlesh G. Amin Professorship

Dr. Steven Burgard Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Robert G. Brunetti Professorship

Dr. Sham Chandok and Dr. Syed Rehman Scholarship

Dr. Daniel M. Laskin Professorship

Dairi Family Scholarship

Dr. Amarjit S. Marwah and Mrs. Kuljit K. Marwah Fellowship

Dr. Charles F. DiFranco Scholarship

Dr. Peter G. Notaras Professorship

Dr. Susan and James Edukutharayil Scholarship

Dr. Franklin S. Weine Endowed Professorship in Endodontics

Dr. Jerome and Mrs. Joy Fein Endowed Scholarship in Orthodontics

*The College has 14 endowed faculty positions total.

Dr. Bennett Klavan Scholarship Clay Kamezo Ogata Scholarship Dr. Toni M. and Mr. Edmund A. Roucka Scholarship Dr. Susan A. and Dr. Daniel A. Rowan Scholarship Dr. Kalpesh Shah and Dr. Ami K. Shah Scholarship Dr. Rodney E. Sippy and Polly Palmer Sippy Scholarship *The College has 36 endowed scholarships total.

,583.24 FINAL FIGURES AS OF JUNE 30, 2021

$970,545 Programs

$2.531M Capital Projects

$2.575M Public Service

$3.402M Students

$3.640M Faculty

$3.866M Research

$8.4M Unrestricted

$3.597M (from 3,393 donors) Annual Fund

“For me, the power of giving back helps the College of Dentistry advance its mission.

Investing in the future of our profession is a responsibility that I embrace and the returns are so rewarding. Strengthening our College strengthens the field of dentistry and oral health equity. Plus, it feels good!”

DR. FRANK MAGGIO, LOYOLA ’71, PERIODONTICS ‘75

For information on supporting the College of Dentistry’s IGNITE campaign goals, please contact Mark Valentino, Associate Dean for Advancement at mjv@uic.edu or 312- 413-7702 or Bruno Mancari, Director of Development at bmancari@uic.edu or 312-413-3554.