Page 27 - Dentistry Magazine 2021

Alumni and Development 27
ALUMNI AND DEVELOPMENT
ACTING DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Emily Best
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Erin Strong Elliott
The School of Dentistry held its annual Summer Celebration of Donors virtually this year, allowing for a special presentation from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Members of the President’s Club enjoyed Raptors of the Midwest, a celebration of Minnesota’s owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures.
Get to know SODAS Board President Chad Rasmussen
Dentistry Magazine spoke with Chad Rasmussen, DDS ’99, president of the School of Dentistry Alumni Society Board, to learn how being involved with the School has impacted his work and his life.
Why did you decide to volunteer with SODAS?
Although monetary contributions to the university are critically important to fulfilling its mission, I was looking for another opportunity to be a little more hands-on on with my involvement. I had been away from the school for a number of years and wanted to make some personal connections with the current faculty, students, and other like-minded volunteers who were interested in giving back to the School. Shortly after moving back to Minnesota from Washington, DC, I saw an email asking for SODAS board volunteers. It seemed like the perfect fit.
How have you—and SODAS—maintained connections throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?
It’s interesting that my desire to make personal connections turned into making virtual connec- tions! The board itself is pretty close-knit, and we’ve gotten to know each other really well over the years of serving together. This was a huge advantage when, like the rest of the world and
the school itself, the board quickly learned the intricacies of Zoom. Many of our activities, like Cap and Gown fundraising and the dental hygiene mentorship program, continued unimpeded. Others we needed to convert to virtual, either holding them over Zoom or through recorded activities. We’re thankful to our dedicated board members who put in such great effort to continue to provide Alumni Weekend activities and to recognize Dr. Angie Rake and Ms. Lesley Tuomi as this year’s Distinguished Alumni. Unfortunately, many of our hands-on activities with the students, including our Lunch and Learns and Dinners with Doctors, were casualties of social distancing mandates. However, we made progress on new initiatives during the pandemic, including an alumni directory that will make it easier for alumni to connect with current students.
How has serving on the SODAS Board been impactful for you?
In my personal journey, I have dedicated this phase of my career to students—specifically their learning, opportunities, engagement and wellness. I’m honored to have been able to serve as the chair of the student programming committee for the past few years. Pre-pandemic, the Board put together a multi-specialty alumni panel Lunch and Learn on applying to residency programs. Being on the student programming committee allowed me to work closely with incredibly hard-working dental therapy, dental hygiene and DDS students. These dedicated individuals are selected through an application process, serve as full members of the SODAS Board and volunteer their time while maintaining all their other responsibilities. I can say our school’s legacy is in remarkable hands with our current student leaders.
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