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• 2015
• November
• Celebrating 50 years and so much more

Celebrating 50 years and so much more

Schulich Medicine & Dentistry alumni receive warm welcome during Homecoming 2015 events

Schulich Medicine & Dentistry faculty, staff and students gave alumni a warm welcome during a wide variety of events that took place on and off campus throughout Homecoming weekend.

The weekend began with a Continuing Medical Education program, followed by a 65th anniversary ceremony for the Medicine Class of 1950, also known as the Veteran’s Class. Drs. Howard Cameron and Edward Roemmele represented the class at the ceremony, and read the names of their fallen comrades. The ceremony also featured the playing of The Last Post and Reveille, and a Canadian flag that had been flown in Afghanistan.

Following the ceremony, the annual Dean’s Distinguished Lecture took place featuring Bonnie Schmidt, PhD’93, President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science. Schmidt delivered an interactive presentation entitled “Inspiring Futures” that discussed youth engagement in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Let’s Talk Science volunteers even demonstrated how to create ice cream using liquid nitrogen — a sweet treat that audience members were able to enjoy.

After the football game, the Homecoming events continued on Saturday evening at the London Convention Centre, beginning with the Golden Alumni Cocktail Reception. Alumni celebrating their 50-year reunion were honoured and received their anniversary pins.

The night was concluded with the annual Dean’s Gala, where Alumni of Distinction Awards winners were presented with their awards and celebrated for their accomplishments. Faculty, staff, students and alumni enjoyed good food, and took to the dance floor to enjoy live music from Mac Graham.

Take in some of the best moments from Homecoming weekend by viewing our online photos gallery. Can’t see the gallery below? Click here to view.

Dentistry celebrates 50 years

From a light-hearted and casual gathering on campus to a formal affair at the London Hunt & Country Club, Dentistry celebrated 50 years with flair.

Event attendees at the BBQ & Open House on September 11 enjoyed a walk down memory lane, listening to the music of Rick McGhie fill the main dental clinic’s reception area. Tours of the clinic took place throughout the evening, giving alumni an opportunity to re-live their student experience.

The Gala Dinner on September 12 brought 170 former classmates, mentors, colleagues and lifelong friends together to mark the momentous occasion.

Dr. Wes Dunn, founding dean, received a standing ovation as he made his way to the stage. He captivated event attendees with his remarks and memories of the early days of the dental school.

“My 6,369 days as Founding Dean were the most professionally rewarding of my career,” he said. “I worked with outstanding faculty, knowledgeable staff and talented students.”

Dr. Michael J. Strong, dean of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, spoke about the vision for Dentistry and the strategic planning process.

He also commended the culture Dentistry has built during 50 years of excellence in education, leadership and research.

“In working so closely with all of you, I’ve developed more than a sense of pride about our School,” he said. “There’s a sense of belonging. There’s a sense that this group is a family.”