Reconnect. Reflect. Reignite.
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2026 Alumni Weekend
Date: February 5th - 8th, 2026
Location: Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel
Join us for UAB School of Dentistry’s Alumni Weekend - an unforgettable celebration of legacy, learning, and lifelong connections. Held annually the first weekend in February, this signature event is one of Alabama’s largest dental gatherings, offering dynamic continuing education sessions, over 60 vendors and sponsors, and countless opportunities to reconnect with classmates and colleagues. From honoring alumni of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s at the Medallion Luncheon to lively evening reunions and a student variety show, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're here to earn CE credits, network with peers, or simply relive cherished memories, Alumni Weekend is where the past meets the future of dentistry. Let’s celebrate our shared journey and the bright road ahead - together.
Interested in exhibiting or partnering with the Alumni Association with a sponsorship?
Contact Charlene Phillips,
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Registration has not opened yet for the 2020 Alumni Weekend. Please check back in October 2019.
Publications produced by the School of Dentistry's Office of Development and Alumni Relations for members of the school's Alumni Association.
Dent Alumni Magazine
The Dent Alumni magazine is mailed out annually in the fall to all active members of the Alumni Association. The publication recaps association events, such as Alumni Weekend, "Meet the Dean" receptions, and many more. Members are kept informed of school news and events, alumni news, including an Alumni Association member spotlight, development and fundraising efforts, and upcoming continuing dental education courses.
Brighter Futures Newsletter
Brighter Futures is a financial and charitable planning guide. This publication provides financial and estate planning pointers for those interested in establishing a planned gift with UAB Dentistry.
The UAB Dentistry Leadership Council is comprised of dental school alumni who are committed to advancing the school's mission of optimizing oral health locally and globally through fundraising initiatives and serving as an advisory board to the dean. With three year terms, the council’s forty-plus members participate in “friend raising” activities, such as hosting receptions across the region, and advocate for the school in a variety of ways.
Formed in 2000 by former dean Dr. Mary Lynne Capilouto, the council played a prominent role in the 1999-2003 School of Dentistry capital campaign, helping the school surpass its $5.3 million goal. During the tenure of Dr. Huw Thomas, who was dean from 2004-2011, the council expanded its membership to thirty-plus members and added a chairperson. The school completed its $7.2 million "Maintaining the Momentum" Campaign (2004-2008), with the majority of private gifts designated for endowments, the specialty programs, and renovations. Under the leadership of Dr. Michael Reddy, dean from 2011-2018, the council helped the school reach unparalleled success with the "Campaign for UAB." With a university-wide goal of $1 billion, the dental school surpassed its $20 million goal by raising more than $25 million. Over the last five years, the school has raised nearly $20 million with the help of the leadership council.
Now under the leadership of Dean Nico Geurs, the council continues to help the school achieve great success. Current fundraising projects include endowed professorships, chairs, scholarships and programs as well as renovations, community outreach, and department initiatives.
2025 Leadership Council
- Dr. Rex Adams (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Kevin Alexander (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Warren W. Arrasmith (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
- Dr. Lana Atchley (General Dentistry)
- Dr. John Barnes (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Kari Bartlett (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Rosalyn Bassett (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Stanley Beard (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Paul Bishop (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Michael Boykin (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Forrest Bryant (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Robert B. Burkhardt (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Bruce E. Camp (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Kim Carr (Pediatric Dentistry)
- Dr. Ben Cumbus (Pediatric Dentistry)
- Dr. Bruce E. Cunningham (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Renee Dyken (Orthodontics)
- Dr. Jason Etherton (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Austyn Grissom (Endodontics)
- Dr. Joel P. Hearn (Endodontics)
- Dr. Bayne Heersink (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Ben Ingram (General Dentistry)
- Dr. William L. Ingram (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Adolphus M. Jackson (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Robert Jones (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Alex Krempa (General Dentistry)
- Dr. James M. Lewis (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Mary Edwards-Long (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Mike Maitre, Jr. (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Leanne McDonald (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Lisa Miller (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
- Dr. Gary Myers (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Daniel M. Pittman III (Periodontology)
- Dr. Clay Davis Reese (General Dentistry)
- Dr. James Shamburger, Chair (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Kevin Sims (Periodontology)
- Dr. Christa Spann (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Heather Thornton (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Shaheen Upton (General Dentistry)
- Dr. Susan Whitt (Orthodontics)
- Dr. Donielle Williams (Pediatric Dentistry)
- Dr. Nicholaas Geurs, Dean (Periodontology)
Every gift from our alumni and friends to the UAB School of Dentistry matters. Whether your gift is large or small, through traditional outlets or non-traditional sources, gifts provide the funding necessary to keep the UAB School of Dentistry at the forefront of excellence in oral healthcare.
We strive daily to realize our mission to unite donor passions with school priorities. We respect the rights of our donors to keep their gifts private and personal information private.
For more information on all giving opportunities and funds, please contact our office.
Ways to Give
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Cash
A gift of cash, in the form of a check, is always appreciated, and don’t forget the gift is tax deductible in the year it’s made.
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Closely Held Stocks and Bonds
Non-publicly traded stocks (closely held company or family business) may be the best option for you, because it represents your largest asset and it produces little or no income. Gifts of long term appreciated closely held securities also generate a double tax benefit. You receive a current income tax deduction for the gift’s market value and avoid tax on the capital gains.
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Pledges
Contribution plans over a period of up to five years are welcome and encouraged especially for the created of named endowment funds.
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Endowment
Endowed funds are essentially savings accounts from which only the annual earning may be spent for the specified purpose. The principal of the gift is never spent. Donors may create a new endowment with a gift of $10,000 or more and may name the fund.
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Bequest
You may create a bequest under your will. A bequest allows you to maintain control and use of the assets earned during your lifetime. It is also flexible. The bequest can be structured as a specific dollar amount, a percentage of the estate assets or a specific asset. Ask you attorney or financial advisor to help guide you to ensure that this gift meets your personal and charitable goals.
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Other
Other options for giving, such as the remainder interest in a home or farm, an insurance policy, tangible personal property, such as collectibles, art or jewelry, intellectual property, and a charitable gift annuity also exist.
Giving Opportunities
Through your generosity, you are part of the legacy of touching lives and maintaining the school’s margin of excellence. Below are a few examples of the many configurations that a gift to the UAB School of Dentistry can take.
Endowed Chair - $1,500,000
An endowed chair is among the most prestigious and meaningful gifts that can be made to or accepted by an academic institution. An endowed chair may support a faculty member’s salary, or other expenses as the endowment agreement permits.
Endowed Professorship - $500,000
This type of endowment provides income that may be used for a portion of the salary and fringe benefits of the holder, who may also use the honorary title associated with the professorship.
Endowed Visiting Professorship - $250,000
This endowment brings a visiting professor to UAB Dentistry. This distinguished lecturer comes to UAB with skills and knowledge from another arena to share with peers on our campus.
Endowed Research Fund - $100,000
Endowed research funds provide income to support research in the discipline or area of interest as stipulated in the agreement with the donor.
Endowed Lectureship - $75,000
An endowed lectureship is used to bring a distinguished scholar to the UAB Dentistry each year to lecture on a particular subject or in a specific discipline.
Endowed Scholarship - $25,000
Scholarships may be endowed with a minimum gift of $25,000. Some matching funds may be available. For more information, contact the Development and Alumni Office at (205) 975-1207.
Endowed Program Support Fund - $25,000
An endowed program support fund may be designated to benefit one of our departments or programs. Fund may be used for general support, purchase equipment or supplies, student awards, or other expenses as the endowment agreement permits. An endowed support fund may also be converted in the future to a professorship or chair.
Prosthodontic Clinic - $25,000
In May of 2019, renovations began on the Prosthodontics Clinic. Housed in the former Endodontics Clinic space on the fourth floor, the Prosthodontics Clinic will be refurbished with modern equipment and facilities, including new cabinetry, new flooring, a new stabilization area, updated x-ray equipment and more. A plaque recognizing the donor or someone the donor wishes to honor will be prominently displayed in an operatory once at least fifty percent of the donation has been made.
Comprehensive Care Clinic - $12,500
The School’s main general dentistry clinic underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2018. There are a limited number of naming opportunities available for Comprehensive Care Clinic operatories. A plaque recognizing the donor or someone the donor wishes to honor will be prominently displayed in an operatory once at least fifty percent of the donation has been made.
Capital Improvements
The School is continually improving its physical structure and technology. There are a variety of school-wide and departmental renovation projects you may choose to support.
Student Excellence Fund
The Student Excellence Fund allows the UABSOD to give our students the extra assistance that takes their education above and beyond the basics provided by tuition and fees. The fund may be used to support student enrichment activities such as scholarships, student travel, equipment and supply purchases, student awards, guest speakers, technology needs, and other general support that enriches the overall student experience.
Joy White Fund
Since establishing the Joy B. White Benevolent Fund in 1988, the Alumni Association has been able to assist numerous students and their families who face crisis situations and emergencies. The Fund is named in memory of Joy White, who passed away while she was a student at the UAB School of Dentistry. Learn more about the Joy B. White Benevolent Fund.
Gift Societies
- The Volker Society – Lifetime giving of $100,000 and above
- The Greer Society- Lifetime giving or annual gifts of $50,000 to $99,999
- 1948 Society – Lifetime giving or annual gifts of $25,000 to $49,999
- Founder’s Society – Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999
- Dean’s Partner – Gifts of $1,000 to $9,999
- White Coat Society – Gifts of $500 to $999
- D.M.D. Society – Gifts of $100 to $499
Member Benefits
- Invitations to alumni and school events
- Alumni Office assistance
- Membership in the UAB National Alumni Society
- Travel and scholarship support of current dental students
Membership Categories for Annual Dues
- $100 – Standard Membership
- $100 – Alumni By Choice Membership
- $50 – Young Membership (graduates 2-5 years out)
- $50 – Retired Membership (graduates 70 years or older who no longer hold a license)
- D.M.D. graduates receive complimentary membership for their first year after graduating
Alumni Awards
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Fuller Award
2024 Recipient – Dr. George P. Petznick ('63)
Executive Council
- Dr. Clay Wright, President
- Dr. Kyle Trammell, President Elect
- Dr. Melodie Jones, Vice President
- Dr. Parrish King, Secretary/Treasurer, Past President
- Dr. Day Gates III, District 1 Representative
- Dr. Beth Davis, District 1 Associate Representative
- Dr. Leigh Anne Nevins, District 2 Representative
- Dr. Heather Thornton, District 2 Associate Representative
- Dr. Michelle Dandridge, District 3 Representative
- Dr. Wade Whatley, District 3 Associate Representative
- Dr. Keith Miller, District 4 Representative
- Dr. Lori M. Gearhart, District 4 Associate Representative
- Dr. Michael Maddox, District 5 Representative
- Dr. Deborah S. Bishop, District 5 Associate Representative
- Dr. Paul Diaz, District 6 Representative
- Dr. John Carlson, District 6 Associate Representative
- Dr. Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, District 7 Representative
- Dr. Kenneth Liu, District 7 Associate Representative
- Dr. Stacey Gardner, District 8 Representative
- Dr. Doug Sittason, District 8 Associate Representative
- Dr. Michael Edwards, District 9 Representative
- Dr. Robert Gamotis, District 9 Associate Representative
- Dr. Teresa Johns, Florida Representative
- Dr. Timothy G. Herring, Florida Associate Representative
- Dr. Jeffery A. Kendrick, Georgia Representative
- Dr. Kumar J. Patel, Georgia Associate Representative
- Dr. Eric Herrington, Mississippi Representative
- Dr. Mark Williams, Mississippi Associate Representative
- Dr. Barry Langley, Alumni By Choice Representative
- Dr. Kent Palcanis, Alumni By Choice Associate Representative
- Dr. Nico Geurs, Dean
Join us for Alumni Weekend 2026
Reconnect with classmates, earn CE credits, and celebrate at the Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel, Feb. 5–8. Don’t miss this chance to learn, network, and reminisce!
Click here: Register for Alumni Weekend 2026
Welcome to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Our office supports the UAB School of Dentistry and the University of Alabama School of Dentistry Alumni Association. We help advance the school's vision and mission while serving alumni, students, and donors. Our team coordinates the school’s fundraising initiatives, provides Alumni Association member services, manages Alumni Association special events and publications, and supports other Alumni Association and School of Dentistry initiatives. We hope you will enjoy learning more about our activities and reading the latest alumni news -- and then join us for our upcoming events!
We are thankful to the many individuals, corporations and organizations that help to create the margin of excellence which has made our school great.
About Us
Events
Contact Us
Stephen P. Abernathy, M.A.
Senior Director of Development II
Executive Director, School of Dentistry Alumni Association
SDB 214
Office number:(205) 934-3601
Cell number: (205) 799-2372
Kerry Chesnut
Director of Development
SDB 219
(205) 975-0228
Ben Moffatt
Assistant Director of Development
SDB 106A
(205) 934-0236
Charlene Phillips
Development & Alumni Relations Coordinator
SDB 212
(205) 975-1207
Cherri West
Alumni Affairs Specialist
SDB 205
(205) 996-6786