During the Student Dedication fourth-year dental students Shea Bess (left) and Jason Ballou receive lab coats with their names embroidered on them.

The Student Dedication service has become a memorable tradition during the annual Alumni Student Convention.

The first dedication service was planned in 1996 at the suggestion of dental student Polly Sprague, SD’96, MA’98.

“Dr. Sprague,” says Kathleen Moore, “planned and helped implement the first Student Dedication. The Alumni Association office and the School of Dentistry now plan the event each year.”

On the typical Friday evening dedication service the focus turns to the students. Family, classmates, and friends are invited, and faculty show support by marching in academic regalia.

Students provide special music and a speaker addresses the students, calling them to a life of service.

Each first-year student is presented a Bible with their name embossed on the cover, and students in their final year receive a lab coat with their name embroidered on it. These gifts are provided with Alumni Association funds.

“An alumna once confided,” recalls Ms. Moore, “that while she was in dental school graduation sometimes seemed far away and an almost impossible goal. When she became discouraged she would read her Bible and as she saw her name formally embossed, followed by the letters DDS, she was motivated and inspired during her final three years in school.”

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