Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society

Defining PALS

Donors are powerful assets in the success of WVU School of Dentistry. Each gift is imperative to progress whether it supports student scholarship, technological advancement, faculty development or physical transformation of space and facilities. 

There will never be too many ways to show appreciation of the support that is critical to the future of oral healthcare and the promotion of dental professionals searching for their purpose through service. 

The Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society (PALS) is one way for us to share our gratitude with donors. The first PALS inductees were ceremoniously pinned and received a specially designed keepsake at a September 2022 philanthropic celebration at Erickson Alumni Center. 

Pitching PALS

The elite society came at the suggestion of members of a dental school leadership council whose members volunteer their time and expertise to brainstorm, network and develop rejuvenating ideas to promote our mission of excellence in dental education and patient care and advancing research to improve overall oral health for West Virginians. 

PALS is simply a means of recognition, appreciation and stewardship of loyal financial supporters for the school.  

Induction applies to qualified donors since the inception of the Leadership Council in 2017.

Inspiring PALS

In 1956, construction was completed on four statues that greet visitors to the Health Sciences Center campus. The pylons, or gateway, marked the entrance to state’s only university with professional programs in dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy. A sculpture represents each field of the “healing arts”.   They were designed to signify an awareness of the ‘wholeness’ with the healthcare communities of the past, present and future. It is the symbolism of the pylons that inspired the Leadership Council to develop this unique program to recognize the significant contributions of our alumni and friends of School of Dentistry. 

Joining PALS

Friends of the school of dentistry who are interested in the mission of the society and would like information on induction into PALS should reach out to development officer, Karen Coombs, by email or phone at 304-216-3784.