Mr. and Mrs. T.R. "Dink" Styers Sr. Scholarship Fund

Thomas Styers Jr. DDS a graduate of the UNC-CH School of Dentistry's class of 1965, and his wife Janet, of Rural Hall, N.C., have pledged $20,000 to establish a dental scholarship in the school in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.R. "Dink" Styers Sr.

Styers' parents paid his way through dental school and his brother's way through law school, and Tom and Janet said they would like to do the same for others.

The Styers Scholarship will provide at least $1,000 to a student in the School of Dentistry each year.

"We felt the scholarship was an excellent way to honor my mother-in-law and father-in-law because of their interest in their sons' education," said Janet. "Especially Daddy Dink. He didn't have much education himself, but he was determined that his sons would have the education of their choice, no matter what it was in or how long it would take."

Styers graduated with an engineering degree from Duke University before attending dental school. He said his parents were always supportive of his decision.

"I went to my dad and said, 'Dad, I'm thinking about going to dental school,' and he said, 'If you go I'll pay your way,'" Styers said.

He practiced dentistry for 27 years, at John Umstead Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Butner, N.C. that treats mental health development disabilities and substance abuse, and in his own practice in Winston-Salem.

Both Tom and Janet Styers remain involved in state and national dental organizations. Mrs. Styers received an award from the N.C. Dental Society at its annual convention in May 1999 for her years of volunteer work with the N.C. Dental Alliance for Spouses of Dentists.

"This is a wonderful way for Tom and Janet to thank Tom's parents," Dr. John Stamm, dean of the School, said. "And, at the same time, they are ensuring that his parents continue to help students pursue their dreams. We are delighted to be the recipient of this generous and special gift."

The Styers have two daughters, Michelle and Tonya, both of whom are married and live in North Carolina.

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