School Hosts Reception—A Celebration of Accomplishments

It was called a "celebration of accomplishments" and a wonderful celebration it was. Nearly 100 School of Dentistry faculty, staff and friends gathered at the Kenan Center, Tuesday evening, February 9, to recognize the guests of honor and reflect on the collective accomplishments of everyone at the school.

Special honorees included Drs. Jacob S. Hanker and Luther H. Hutchens who will both be retiring soon. Dean Stamm recognized each for his years of achievements and contributions to the School. Of Hanker Stamm noted, "Doctor Hanker retires after a uniquely productive research career at UNC's Dental Research Center. His work with colleagues on innovative stains for tissue microscopy and rapid microbiological diagnosis has made Hanker a scholar of international renown." Regarding Hutchens accomplishments Stamm said, "Doctor Hutchens has been the heart and soul of teaching and patient care in Periodontology for nearly all of the 30 years that he served the University of North Carolina. His dedication to excellence is legendary, and he retires from the Department at the very top of the enviable reputation he has developed during his career at Carolina.

Also recognized were Dr. William F. Vann Jr., the William F. Demeritt Distinguished Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Dr. J. Camilla Tulloch, the G. Fred Hale Distinguished Professor of Orthodonticsfor their respective named professorships. Dr. James D. Beck, dental ecology, Dr. Steven Offenbacher, periodontology and Dr. Cun-Yu Wang, endodontics were applauded for the creativity and effort in the research arena. The three faculty members/scientists will also be recognized with special awards at the International Association for Dental Research at the 1999 IADR/AADR meeting in Vancouver.

Last modified: