Donors hear student stories of impact at summer celebration
Four students talk onstage with Dean Mays in front of an audience

Donors gained special insight into the lives and motivations of four students at an event celebrating the impact of their generosity.

Dean Mays talks with donors at the cocktail hour

The Summer Celebration of Donors is an annual gathering of the School of Dentistry’s most generous donors, including current and new members of the President’s Club, Dean’s Circle and Heritage Society. Approximately ninety donors and guests attended this year’s event.

After a cocktail reception and dinner, donors enjoyed a brief presentation from Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, including updates and priorities for the school.

Dean Mays speaks at the podium

“It is an honor to be here and celebrate the donors who contribute so generously to make so many things happen within our school,” he said. “We’re honored to celebrate you and what you do. Thank you for the excitement and energy you bring.”

After providing an update on the school’s initiatives, Mays introduced the evening’s program: “Voices of impact: student stories of transformation,” a sit-down conversation with four DDS students who have benefited from funding for school programing, scholarships and research.

Panelists included Charlie Brimacombe, DDS ’26, Bridget Ahern, DDS ’26, Alex Petronio, DDS ’28 and Isaac Armstrong, DDS ’28. Each student shared their path to dentistry, moments that impacted them throughout their time and initiatives that have defined their experiences.

Brimacombe and Ahern reflected on their experience as co-chairs of Give Kids a Smile, a day-long event providing free dental care to children in need, including examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride varnishes and the opportunity to establish a dental home.

Attendees applaud at the Summer Celebration of Donors

“Seeing the transformative effect you can have on a young population pushed me toward my plan to specialize in pediatric dentistry,” Brimacombe reflected. “We were able to see 70 children this year, thanks in part to your donations.

“Give Kids a Smile has been a unique and rewarding experience for me,” agreed Ahern. We get to be in contact with so many members of the administration, students and the families who come to the school. These are families that wouldn’t have access to care otherwise, and we’re providing them scholarships to complete the treatment plan and continue to get care at the school.”

Petronio shared his involvement in research throughout his first year in dental school, including participation in the CLARION Case Competition and the Student Summer Research Program.

“Research has made such a difference in my perceptions of being a student as well as my post-graduation career perceptions,” he said. “As a student, having pursued summer research enhanced how I learned in the classroom. It also encouraged me to pursue academic dentistry after I earn my DDS.”

Armstrong speaks to Mays at the Summer Celebration of Donors

Finally, Armstrong shared the lessons he learned as a wildland firefighter in Montana before coming to dental school.

“Traveling all over the country to fight wildfires was such a unique experience, and I’m grateful for it,” he reflected. “I learned so much about myself and what it means to work as a team. Those skills are universal.”

Concluding the program, Mays reflected on the students’ experiences and his gratitude to the school’s donors.

“You can see where your money is going—and it seems to me to be a great investment,” he said. “Our students are doing some incredible things inside and outside the school. I’m so grateful for the work they’re doing, in addition to becoming great dentists.”