School of Dentistry sees a record-breaking Give to the Max Day

Give to the Max Day saw a record-breaking turnout for the School of Dentistry this year, raising $34,500 for the school.

Despite hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesotans came together for the 12th annual statewide event to raise $30 million—the highest total in the event’s history.

The School of Dentistry alone saw an 80% increase in funds raised from 2019, due in part to the generosity of members of the DDS Class of 1980. When their plans for a 40-year reunion had to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the class chose to do something extraordinary. Instead of celebrating their accomplishments together as they’d hoped, members from the class pledged to match online gifts up to $10,000 and recruited their fellow classmates to give.

Those alumni included Gary Anderson, Paul Arnesen, Doug Bauer, Kent Botsford, Kurt Carlson, Alan B. DeLaitsch, Ed Deutschmann, Chris Fondell, Art Hermes, and James (and Sonja) Zenk.

The School of Dentistry is immensely grateful for the support shown through Give to the Max Day 2020, and views it as an indication of the pride our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community take in our work.

“I feel grateful that I have the opportunity to give back to the University of Minnesota’s premier School of Dentistry for the comprehensive education that I received,” said Kurt Carlson, DDS, who along with his wife Kathryn were instrumental in recruiting fellow classmates to join the match. “Giving back is my responsibility and it gives me pleasure to know that I, along with many of my 1980 DDS classmates, have helped the school achieve its goals, plus reach a record day of giving!”

Gifts from the statewide day of giving have a profound and immediate impact on vital initiatives including scholarships, technology, community outreach, and research. Learn how you can support the School of Dentistry.