Summer Celebration honors school's most generous donors with art and connection

The School of Dentistry celebrated its most generous donors at the annual Summer Celebration of Donors on Thursday, June 20.

Approximately 80 individuals including President’s Club donors and Heritage Society members, Dean’s Circle donors and those who have given significantly and generously to the school gathered at the Weisman Art Museum for a reception, dinner and program.

Before dinner, guests enjoyed appetizers and a cocktail hour and had the opportunity to peruse the museum’s collections.

Donors heard remarks from Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, who expressed his gratitude for their generosity and provided an update on the school’s priorities and accomplishments.

“I am glad to be here with you, our most generous donors,” he said. “We are excited and grateful for the many gifts you give. Without the sum of these gifts, we couldn’t do the things we truly desire as a school.”

Mays provided an overview of the school’s philanthropic priorities, an update on our students and information on the financial status of the school.

“Your generosity has turned our dreams into reality,” Mays said. “Because of you, and with the aid of your donations, we’re graduating dental students who are debt free. Those students can pursue careers based on their passions, rather than making decisions based on finances—and in the future, they’ll be able to act with the same generosity as you.”

Following Mays’s presentation, guests heard from featured speaker Diane Mullin. The senior curator at the Weisman Art Museum, Mullin holds a PhD in Art History from Washington University in St. Louis. Her scholarly focus is on 20th century and contemporary art. She has extensively engaged with the Weisman Art Museum’s print and photography collections and has been featured in numerous academic journals through published essays and reviews.

Mullin shared a presentation she called “Weisman Art Museum: Then, Now and How,” exploring five things attendees might not know about the museum, including its origins and current workings.

“I’m excited to share with you a bit about Weisman, but also the story of art at the museum,” Mullin said. “We are so glad to host you here.”

Mullin explored the history of the museum, from its founding in 1934 as the University Art Gallery in 1934 to its role today as a collecting institution that embraces student participation and exists as a resource for the full University. She shared insights into the museum’s process for collecting and displaying art, as well as the many programs and offerings available for the community.

Mays provided final remarks following Mullin’s presentation, once again expressing his gratitude for the donors gathered and reminding attendees of their impact on the school.

“This is a celebration of you all, and the great things that are being done at the school thanks to you,” he said. “I’m just so grateful to you for your continued generosity.”

Thank you to our donors for your continued support!