Longtime School of Dentistry faculty and staff retire

Robert Riegel, DDS, MS, professor of restorative dentistry, retired on March 1, 2000, and School colleagues and friends honored him with a party. The plaque presented to him by Douglass Roberts, SD'66, MS'77, chair of the department, read: "Loma Linda University School of Dentistry wishes to recognize Robert Riegel, DDS, MS, Chief, section of removable prosthodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, and wishes to honor him for 10 years of exemplary caring Christian service to students, patients, faculty and staff."

Ellis Rogers, videographer, served the School of Dentistry for 39 years, and was a pioneer of multimedia educational presentations. He operated the first TV camera on campus, beginning on his first day of work in 1961. "He assisted me in dental ceramics lectures for some 10 years, using two video cameras," says Robert Kinzer, SD'59, professor of restorative dentistry.

"A lot of it was tabletop classroom demonstrations, where we had to improvise sometimes," says Mr. Rogers. He also worked part-time, repairing the PA system and even the towel dispensers.

He retired on June 30, and plans to be a "full-time grandfather" to his 10 grandchildren.

Willis Schlenker, SD'57, MS'80, associate professor of orthodontics, is headed for the golf course after June 30, when he retired from 25 years of teaching service to the School of Dentistry. Dr. Schlenker is a member of the first class of dentistry, who graduated in 1957.

He's known for his sense of humor, and a hot alto sax performance, particularly at the annual Christmas breakfast.

Dr. Schlenker was honored with a well-attended luncheon in Prince Hall. Joseph Caruso, SD'73, MS'75, chair of orthodontics, presented him with an enormous tennis racquet in addition to the "official" gifts.

Donald Beglau, SD'62, associate professor of restorative dentistry, has a golf tee time set for his first day of retirement, July 3, 2000. He will keep his private practice of restorative dentistry in Yucaipa, five days a month; and will be teaching continuing education courses throughout the next year. He also plans spending more time with his seven grandchildren; putting miles on both the motorhome and his sturdy hiking boots; and "wetting the fishing line."

Before coming here, he taught at the Medical College of Georgia. For the last 25 years, Dr. Beglau has taught at LLUSD full time.