Alden Chase, SD’60; MS’63

Alden Chase was born July 2, 1925, in Denver, Colorado, and was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma where his parents owned Chase Potato Chip Company.

He earned a bachelor’s degree at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and married Earlene Stroud in 1946.

Dr. Chase served as a medic in the U.S. Army for two years, working on hospital ships traveling between California and the Philippines. After his military service was complete, he earned a BS degree in medical technology from Loma Linda University in 1950.

He later attended the School of Dentistry, receiving his DDS degree in 1960. He then entered the School’s orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics program. After completing the program and receiving his MS degree in 1963, he joined the faculty and served for more than four decades as teacher, administrator, and twice as department chair. He served as Alumni Association president in 1969.

He was named emeritus professor in 1997. In addition to his many years of service to the School, Dr. Chase was a member of the University’s Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2000, and served with distinction on the Board’s executive committee.

Not only has Dr. Chase taught and practiced orthodontics locally, but he also served in Thailand, Africa, the Marshall Islands, and Mexico, teaching and relieving missionary dentists for short periods of time. For many years, he flew his own plane about once a month to the Navajo Indian Reservation in Monument Valley.

In his spare time Dr. Chase enjoyed traveling with his wife, Earlene. They traveled around the world in 1977 visiting countries in Europe, and stopping in Fiji and Australia, on their journey.

Dr. Chase was a skilled gardener and roses from his garden often were displayed in his office.

A memorial service for Dr. Chase was held September 7, in the University Church, and classmates and colleagues took their turns remembering Dr. Chase’s life work, talents, and generosity to all he came into contact with.

Dr. Chase was named University Alumnus of the Year during School of Dentistry graduation ceremonies in May, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Earlene, Alden Chase II (son), Pamela Chase (daughter), three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Dr. Chase and his wife, Earlene, enjoyed world travel.		Dr. Chase (right) was an active supporter of the School. Here he is shown helping with a Phonathon. Dr. Jack Booker, SD’60, is also pictured.

Source: “LLU professor devoted life to teaching, missionary dentistry,” The Sun—San Bernardino County, Sept. 10, 2003