Make it two in a row. For the second consecutive year the School of Dentistry was the beneficiary of a record-setting total for private gift support.

Between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2001 the School of Dentistry received private gift support of over $5.6 million, exceeding the previous year's record-setting total of $4.6 million by twenty percent.

Richard Fetchiet, director of external relations and continuing dental education, said. "School of Dentistry's graduates are loyal and generous. They consistently rank among the University's most supportive groups. Because of their benevolence the School remains among the leaders in dental education worldwide. Philanthropic support clearly provides the margin of excellence Michigan graduates, faculty, staff and students have come to expect."

Well over 2,000 donors made nearly 2,500 gifts to the School during fiscal year 2000/2001. Gifts of $3.7 million came from living individuals, while an additional $1.2 million was realized from bequests. The School also received $300,000 to corporate support, $65,000 from foundations and $370,000 from other professional organizations and associations.

Dean William Kotowicz said, "Two alarming national trends in dental education make private gift support more important now than ever. First, there are approximately 400 open faculty positions in dental schools across America. Private support for endowed faculty positions and research, for example, helps keep us at the forefront of dental education by enabling us to attract and retain first-rank scholars. Second, the average indebtedness of a dental student graduating in 2000 was approximately $100,000. Expanded educational programs and increased academic demands leave students little time for part-time or summer employment. Coupling this with the ever-increasing cost of a dental education makes student indebtedness a serious issue. Private gift support for endowed scholarships and emergency loan funds, however, have quickly become the best weapon we have to combat this very real concern."

Once again, this past year alumni/ae and friends of the School of Dentistry have proven why the University of Michigan and its graduates truly are the "Leaders and Best."

On behalf of the faculty, staff and students at the School, please accept our sincerest thanks and appreciation. We promise to be responsible stewards of your gifts and we will work to remain deserving of your loyalty, generosity and friendship.