Page 27 - Dentistry Magazine 2022

UPDATES
Development and Alumni 27
ALUMNI AND DEVELOPMENT
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Emily Best, MPA
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Erin Elliott, MPA
The School of Dentistry celebrated its second in-person Alumni Weekend in September—the first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Message from Chief Development Officer Emily Best, MPA
Emily Best, MPA, was named Chief Development Officer for the School of Dentistry on January 18, 2022. She took on the role with 21 years of experience at the University of Minnesota, 14 of which are at the School of Dentistry. Best provides an update on the Office of Development’s priorities.
The number one question I get from donors and alumni is, “How are the students?” I am able to answer confidently, using adjectives like resilient, inspiring and dedicated.
This is also true of our faculty, staff, alumni and donors.
The community that encompasses the School of Dentistry is all of these things, and so much more.
It’s no surprise, then, that in 2021 we wrapped up the Driven. campaign and launched right into our Learners to Leaders: Drive for School of Dentistry Students campaign. Our goal is to raise $1 million in support of our students. The debt they carry after graduation can significantly influence where they choose to practice, which inhibits our efforts to address the access to care concerns the state of Minnesota faces. If we can lessen their load, make it just a little easier to pay for dental school, we can ensure that future oral health care providers are making practice choices based on passion, not debt. If you would like to hear more about this campaign, I’d be more than happy to talk with you about it. I am only a phone call away.
In addition to our scholarship campaign, we’re also focused on increasing support for our faculty. Endowed funds like professorships and chairs not only provide prestige to the holder, funding for research and education related activities, but they elevate the profile of the school among peer institutions. The school is fortunate enough to have matching funds available to establish new professorships and chairs. Once again, give me a call if you want to know more!
I am inspired every day by the generosity of our donors, many of whom are alumni and remember well their dental school experiences. They know the obstacles and the barriers
our students, faculty and researchers face. They also know the rewarding career that awaits new graduates. It is my absolute privilege to lead the Development and Alumni Relations team for the School of Dentistry, where helping you make a lasting impact on your alma mater and Minnesota’s only dental school is our number-one priority.
All the best,
Emily A. Best, MPA
Chief Development Officer
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