Well, well, well, fall is here, football season has begun, and it now marks 59 years since I first came to West Virginia for my dental school interview. It is also now 54 years since I became a member of the #1 DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN THE WORLD, and although Morgantown and the University have grown, and the landscape may be different, it is just as beautiful as when I first traveled the COUNTRY ROADS to ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA in 1966. As you probably know by now, I love to reminisce, and it always gives me a deeper feeling for how blessed and lucky I have been these years.
A couple of weeks ago, the dental and dental hygiene classes of 2027 received their WHITE COATS, and a wonderful celebration was held with over 300 family members in attendance. The keynote speakers for the event were WVU School of Dentistry Alumni President, Dr. Michael George, and WV Dental Association President, Dr. Nika Hettlinger. They both did an OUTSTANDING job of welcoming these young men and women into our great profession of dentistry.
The inaugural ceremony was held in 2000; thus, we are now celebrating the 25th anniversary of this grand event. I have included a few pictures of the dental and dental hygiene students which were taken at the PYLONS after the ceremony.
Although it was a very special occasion for all the dental and dental hygiene students in the Class of 2027, it was especially exciting for the Kurtz family as both Ben’s dad and grandpa were in attendance. THREE GENERATION WVU SOD FAMILY
Almost every event that is held at the school is either sponsored or co-sponsored by our ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, so if you are not yet a member, please join (MAKE COACH HAPPY).
Another exciting event that will be coming up shortly is our FALL ALUMNI WEEKEND, which will be held on November 7-9, 2025. We will have three exciting days of activities and events, and I thought it would be a great time to remind everyone of what is planned. These events are sponsored by the WVU SOD Alumni Association, WV Dental Association, and WV ACD and WV ICD.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2025: 6:00-8:00 p.m.; ERICKSON ALUMNI CENTER; MENTORSHIP PROGRAM with students and their mentors
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2025: 5 hours before gametime; ERICKSON ALUMNI CENTER; CE COURSE on “INFECTION CONTROL” with Drs. Jerry Bouquot and Bob Wanker (2 hours)
ALUMNI FOOTBALL TAILGATE with a GREAT BUFFET
WVU/COLORADO Football game; MILAN PUSKAR STADIUM
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2025: 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.; WVU SCHOOL of DENTISTRY; TOUR OF WVU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY and new facilities
If you have any questions about any of these events, please give me a call or you can email me.
Look forward to seeing everyone at these alumni, school, and dental association events.
Have a GREAT FALL and as always,
GOD BLESS YOU ALL & LET’S GOOOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS.
Coach