LLU School of Dentistry - Dentalgram, June 2000

Faculty and staff honored with awards

Omicron Kappa Upsilon membership

Raymond Cress, PhD, (honorary membership), assistant professor of physiology and pharmacology, LLU School of Medicine David Rynearson, SD'71, MS'87, associate professor of orthodontics Joseph Caruso, SD'73, MS'75, associate professor and chair of orthodontics

Omicron Kappa Upsilon is a dental honor society; the awards are given for scholarship, character, advancement of dentistry and service to humanity

School of Dentistry Distinguished Service Award
Ellis Jones
Volunteer concierge, retired director of dental graphics

Ellis and Marian Jones

Prior to joining the staff of Loma Linda University in 1969 as a graphic artist in the School of Dentistry, Mr. Jones was the owner of a sign-painting business in San Bernardino. For nearly three decades he enjoyed a reputation throughout the University as a talented and meticulous dental and medical illustrator.

Members of the faculty and staff uniformly came to regard his services as an invaluable resource for enhancing their teaching activities. In addition to his artistic ability, Mr. Jones provided excellent leadership for the staff of the the Graphics Studio (now Educational Support Services) for many years. Former co-workers describe him as creative, consistent, faithful, meticulously on time, and a good friend and mentor.

The ability to enjoy and share humor is important to Mr. Jones. He enjoys interjecting humor into the signs and posters he illustrates, often depicting characters doing dangerous deeds in a manner that brings a smile even as it teaches an important lesson. "You have to be an eighth of a beat off to create humor," according to Jones.

Since retiring from his responsibilities as a graphic artist and supervisor in 1998, Mr. Jones has continued to serve the School of Dentistry by volunteering as a patient concierge in the clinic waiting room. Patients in the School are now enjoying his ready smile, buoyant spirit, and helpful attitude.

In recognition of three decades of dedicated service to the faculty, staff, and students of the School of Dentistry, Mr. Jones was presented the School Distinguished Service Award at commencement services on May 28, 2000.

School of Dentistry Distinguished Service Award
William H. Heisler, DDS
Professor of restorative dentistry

Dr. William Heisler

Dr. Heisler completed the DDS degree at Loma Linda University in 1959. After graduation, he maintained a private practice until 1962, when he enlisted in the United States Army Dental Corps. He served as prosthetics officer in Mainz, West Germany, until 1966, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

In 1967 Dr. Heisler opened what became a very successful dental practice in Novato, California, where he remained until he was recruited to the faculty of Loma Linda University in 1980. Since joining the School of Dentistry faculty, he has filled both academic and administrative positions. He has conducted research and taught in the department of restorative dentistry and in the International Dentist Program. From 1991-99, he served as associate dean for clinic administration.

Dr. Heisler has authored numerous publications and has made presentations in various venues around the world. He has distinguished himself in leadership roles in many professional organizations, including the California Dental Association, Tri-County Dental Society, National Association of Seventh-day Adventist Dentists, LLUSD Alumni Association, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Marin County Dental Society; and he is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry.

For his contributions as teacher and administrator, and for the competent manner in which he as served his profession, the School of Dentistry is pleased to honor Dr. Heisler with the School Distinguished Service Award, which was presented at commencement services on May 28, 2000.

Pierre Fauchard Academy, Southern California Section, Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award
Susan D. Richards, DDS
Associate professor and chair of oral diagnosis, radiology and pathology

Dr. Susan Richards

The Southern California Section of the Pierre Fauchard Academy presented awards to one faculty member each from Loma Linda University, the University of Southern California, and University of California at Los Angeles. Although this international honor dental organization was founded in 1936, this is the first year that they have sponsored the Teacher of the Year Awards.

At its 13th Annual Awards Luncheon in Anaheim on April 16, the Pierre Fauchard Academy announced Susan D. Richards, SD'84, associate professor and chair of oral diagnosis, radiology and pathology, as recipient of the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. This award was based upon nominations from the Class of 2000 for the teacher from whom they learned the most while in dental school.

Says Dr. Richards, "Congratulations to the dentistry Class of 2000 for your accomplishments over the past four years. Well done, one and all! May God richly bless each of you as you enter the practice of dentistry. I also wish to extend my sincerest thanks to the class for your generous show of support and appreciation as demonstrated by your nominating me for the Pierre Fauchard Academy's Teacher of the Year! It was such a surprise and I was very honored. Thank you."

Sigma Phi Alpha Award
Debra Gerger, MS, assistant professor of dental hygiene
National dental hygiene honor society: scholarship and character

School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Teacher of the Year

Ms. Debra Gerger

Debra Gerger has been one of the most influential and motivating instructors in the dental hygiene department. She is hard working. Her personal schedule is not for the weak. Yet through it all, she has always made time to listen and deal with student concerns. She puts in countless hours on campus and clinic, as well as her full time job as wife, homemaker, graduate student, and mother of two young boys.

Dental hygiene graduates give standing ovation to Ms. Debra Gerger.

She has served as senior clinical advisor and mentor and has guided and nurtured them through instrumentation, clinical seminar, ethics, jurisprudence, and clinical board competencies. Her passion for dental hygiene and eagerness to teach make her an extremely valued educator and an asset to Loma Linda University. Her students see her dedication and benefit from the meticulous care with which she performs her duties. She is a blessing and inspiration to her students.

Says Tomas Kutansky, DH'00, "We have watched and learned by your example, and can only hope to promote and support dental hygiene as well as you have already done. Thank you for always being there and for caring as much for your job as we care about our education and futures in this profession."