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State Legislature Salutes Dental Branch
It was legislative, yet leisurely. Political, yet personal. And although monumental, it was the small moments that made the day a big success.
The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston's Legislative Resolution Day, March 23 at the state capitol, was celebrated in honor of the Dental Branch Centennial. The Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate passed two independent resolutions to honor the first dental school established in the state, and no one wanted to miss it.
Dental Branch faculty, staff, students and alumni from across Texas turned out to support the event. Early that morning supporters of the school gathered in the Senate conference room, where state legislators, including Representatives Jerry Madden and Al Edwards, along with Senator Jon Lindsay, stopped by to offer congratulations.
UT Dental Branch at Houston Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., introduces fourth-year dental student Sylvester Gonzales to, from left, James T. Willerson, M.D., president of the UT Health Science Center at Houston; Jerry Long, D.D.S., president of the UTDB Alumni Association; and Zeb Poindexter III, D.D.S., Dental Branch alumnus. Photo by Brian Schnupp
Dental Branch Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., and UT Health Science Center at Houston President James T. Willerson, M.D., accepted the resolutions on the school's behalf, accompanied by Jerry Long, D.D.S., president of the UTDB Alumni Association, and fourth-year dental students Gretchen Price, president of the senior class, and Sylvester Gonzales, winner of the Orgullo Award, a national honor for student chapter projects that serve the community's dental needs.
"We are honored to be able to participate in an occasion such as this, while also being a part of the centennial class," Price said.
Amy Ludemann, a fourth-year dental student, seconded Price and added that she and all the students present were grateful to be included in the historic event.
Representatives Martha Wong, Beverly Woolley and Peggy Hamric of Houston sponsored the House resolution. "Thank you UT Dental Branch for training the students that become our dentists,"Wong said from the floor.
Senator Kyle Janek of Houston introduced the resolution in the Senate, praising the Dental Branch and congratulating it on the centennial anniversary. Senator Janek's resolution was seconded by Senators Rodney Ellis of Houston and Judith Zaffirini of Laredo. Senator Eddie Lucio of Brownsville also seconded the resolution, candidly acknowledging that his support stemmed from Willerson's medical care saving his life.
Following the resolution readings, Wong joined the group for lunch at Bauer House, the home of UT System Chancellor Mark Yudof. There Willerson described Wong as a "champion" for the new Dental Branch building, which the health science center seeks to partially fund with tuition revenue bonds.
"The Legislature has developed trust in what is going on at the health science center," Willerson said. "We deeply appreciate all of their support."
Flaitz expressed her sincere gratitude to all the friends of the Dental Branch family - in Austin that day and at home - who supported and celebrated the Dental Branch's once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"At a moment's notice many of our alumni, faculty, students and staff changed their schedules and drove from all across the State of Texas to be part of this memorable occasion. It is this type of enthusiastic commitment to the Dental Branch and its future that will help us secure the necessary funds for a new dental school building," Flaitz said.
By Erika E. Durham, Public Affairs