Alumni Give Back

LSUHSC School of Dentistry (LSUSD) class reunion celebrations have been a tradition for over two decades. They offer alumni the opportunity to reconnect and rekindle old friendships that may have lapsed since graduation. Typically held in New Orleans, most reunions are planned in conjunction with the New Orleans Dental Association/ Louisiana Dental Association Annual Session. Volunteer coordinators from each class oversee the planning of the events. With its wide array of venues and restaurants, New Orleans is a great city in which to host a reunion gathering.

Class of 1983: Top row, left to right: Bill Stentz, Glenn Hummel, Lindy Bollen, Kim Kosmitis, Stan Maskas, Kenny Parks Bottom row: Chris Werner, Alvin Neff, Perry Theriot, Kathy Krook, Andy Murphy, Tim Kauffman

In 2013 reunions were held in five different locations. Venues ranged from the most casual, Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar, to the most elegant, the famous Court of Two Sisters. Drs. King Scott and Andy Murphy, both members of the LSUSD Alumni Association Board of Directors, had a great turnout for their reunions due to their planning committees' tireless efforts to reach every classmate by email or phone. "Class reunions are a time to reconnect with those with whom you shared every day for four years through some of the toughest but most meaningful times of your life," said Dr. Scott. "It was great to visit and catch up where we left off."

Reunion celebrations also offer an opportunity for alumni to give back to LSUSD. In recent years, reunion classes have raised funds for the renovation of the preclinical simulation laboratories. The labs, built in 1972, have never been renovated. Last year, reunion classes raised nearly $247,725 in cash and pledges to benefit this project and other LSUSD programs. Top performers were members of the Dental Class of 1978, who contributed over $100,000—the largest class gift. The Class of 1983 had the highest participation among classmates with contributions from nearly 70 percent of the class.

"I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to the school throughout the years," said Dean Henry Gremillion. "Alumni contributions are more critical today than ever and we could not possibly accomplish our goals and ambitions without alumni support."

Special Recognition

2013 Reunion Class Gift Campaign

Largest Gift:  DDS Class of 1978 ($101,700)
Greatest Participation:  DDS Class of 1983 (68%)