Dental Branch Alumni Put the ‘Celebrate’ in Centennial Celebration

A weekend of reunions, tours and learning, topped with a night of listening and laughing, made this year’s University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston Alumni Association Round-Up a highlight of the school’s centennial year.

Jerry Long, D.D.S.

Although rounds of golf, mixers and continuing education courses were well-received, the Centennial Tribute Dinner said it all: Dental Branch alumni are proud of their alma mater’s past and will support its future.

More than 300 people attended the formal dinner and program, Aug. 13 at the Houstonian Hotel. Graduates, along with past and present staff, faculty and administrators of the UT Health Science Center at Houston, celebrated the state’s oldest dental school.

Famed heart surgeon Denton Cooley, M.D., delivered the keynote speech, in which he recounted the significance of the Dental Branch in the life of his father, the late Ralph Cooley, D.D.S., a 1909 graduate. Denton Cooley is president of the Texas Heart Institute and clinical professor of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at the UT Medical School at Houston.

Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., dean of the Dental Branch, said it was a spectacular event that was both personable and classy. “The Centennial Tribute Dinner was the highlight event of this memorable year. The UTDB Alumni Association really knows how to throw a party,” she said. “Our alumni exuded pride that evening and were so enthused about what we are doing for dental education and their alma mater.Weeks after, there was still a buzz about the event’s success.”

In addition to teaching a continuing education course, Flaitz also gave remarks during the tribute dinner. She received resounding applause when reciting a favorite line: “Not only did the UTDB do it first, but together we did it the best.”

Houston endodontist Steve Schwartz, D.D.S., as master of ceremonies, delighted guests with his witty sense of humor and reminiscent comments. Other guest speakers were: 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; Richard Black, D.D.S., president of the Texas Dental Association; and Leslie Fullerton, D.D.S., secretary/treasurer of the UTDB Alumni Association. The invocation was given by Ron Collins, D.D.S., president of the UTDB Parents’ Association.

UT Dental Branch Alumni Association Executive Director Tricia Fullerton described the event as one that fulfilled its purpose – to celebrate the life of the first dental school established in the state.

“It was a beautiful evening to pay tribute to 100 years of dental education,” Fullerton said. “The evening surpassed all expectations and was the event of the century for Houston dentistry. Not only was it memorable but it was purely fun.”

By Erika E. Durham, Public Affairs