East Houston Dentist Donates $1 Million to UT Dental Branch
Matches largest donation in school’s 102-year history
HOUSTON–(Oct. 30, 2007)–Matching dollar-for-dollar the largest donation in the 102-year history of The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston, an East Houston dentist has given $1 million toward the school’s planned new facility in the UT Research Park, scheduled for completion in 2010.
Billy Joe “B.J.” Westbrook, D.D.S.
Billy Joe “B.J.” Westbrook, D.D.S., a 1954 graduate of UT Dental Branch and a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, made the donation last month – individually, and on behalf of his late wife, Rosalie Graves Westbrook.
Westbrook said he wanted to give something back to the school where he learned his profession. “It’s a way of saying thanks for giving me the excellent dental education that made it possible for a boy like me – who grew up in a family of very modest means – to eventually be able to make a significant monetary contribution in return,” he said.
After service during World War II, Westbrook attended The University of Texas at Austin for two years on the GI Bill, transferring to Midwestern University in Wichita Falls after his marriage to Rosalie Graves. He graduated in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, and then moved to Houston with his wife to attend dental school.
In 1957 Westbrook opened a general dentistry practice in the North Shore area of Houston. Except for a four-year stint selling real estate, stocks and bonds, he remained in practice until 1995. Retired now, Westbrook is a director of Woodforest National Bank. He lives in Channelview and has three grown daughters. His wife, Rosalie, died earlier this year after a lengthy illness.
“We are grateful and honored that Dr. Westbrook has chosen to make this gift to the UT Dental Branch, but we’re not entirely surprised, given his history of making insightful investments,” Flaitz said. “His donation will literally and figuratively open doors to the dental professionals who will be our future graduates, and through them, his lifelong dedication to hard work, honor and service will live on.”
Westbrook’s donation is the second $1 million gift to the UT Dental Branch at Houston this year, following an August donation by Arlington orthodontist R.G. “Wick” Alexander, D.D.S.
By Rhonda Moran