Alumni president's message

I am excited about this coming year. 2003 marks the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. In 1953, the first class of fresh young dental students entered the College of Medical Evangelists' School of Dentistry, and a new page in dental history was begun.

We've come a long way during these first 50 years. The School started with only a handful of original faculty and now more than 350 current full-time and part-time faculty teach dental and dental hygiene students and residents in eight advanced dental education programs. The original 42 student body has expanded to one in excess of 500 passing through the halls of the School each year.

Your School and Alumni Association are planning to celebrate these first 50 years of which each of you were a part. Each day during the Alumni Homecoming this February, we have planned a special program or event culminating in a celebration dinner on Sunday night that you won't want to miss.

Michael Boyko, SD'75A (left), emphasizes a point during an evening meeting to plan the School of Dentistry 50th Anniversary Celebration which will take place during the Alumni Student Convention. Also pictured is Willis Schlenker, SD'57, MS'80.

Let's all take this opportunity to look back at our past and our accomplishments as a Christian dental school and more importantly, to plan for the future and the growth that is necessary for our survival.

As your president, I encourage you to become involved with this process and catch the excitement and vision for the future. I have always said that our School's strength lies in its alumni—it provides financial support as well as prayers and encouragement that help sustain the School family.

During this 50th Celebration, I challenge you to give serious consideration to your giving. If our School is going to prosper during the next 50 years it will not only need great teachers, administrators and students, but also dedicated and involved alumni who are willing to be challenged to provide a strong financial support for our School.

Let's together begin to celebrate our School's Golden Anniversary during this year. Won't you join me?

Michael Boyko, SD'75A