Six inducted into WVU School of Dentistry Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society
The West Virginia University School of Dentistry has inducted six new members into the Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society in recognition of their significant financial support of the School. A ceremony to mark their induction was held Sept. 26 at Erickson Alumni Center.
This year’s inductees include Dr. Scott Q. Little and Diane Little and four individuals who wish to remain anonymous.
Dr. Little was an orthodontist for nearly 40 years before he and his wife, Diane, retired to Florida. When Dr. Little was living and working in Pennsylvania, he joined the WVU School of Dentistry as a part-time faculty member in the Department of Orthodontics. During his time at WVU working with the residents in the orthodontics advanced education program, Dr. Little built a strong bond with Dr. Peter Ngan. Dr. Ngan’s guidance and encouragement inspired Dr. Little and his wife to establish a fund to support the recruitment and retention of highly qualified orthodontic faculty. They have also supported the School’s extensive expansion and renovation project with a gift to help name the orthodontic clinic in Dr. Ngan’s honor.
The Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society, affectionately known as PALS, was established by the WVU School of Dentistry Leadership Council as a means of recognition and appreciation for loyal financial supporters who are outstanding stewards of the school.
The inaugural induction of PALS members was September 16, 2022, and included qualified donors since the inception of the Leadership Council in 2017. In naming the society, the Council was inspired by the symbolism of the white marble pylons that have graced the entrance of the WVU Health Sciences Center in Morgantown for nearly 70 years.
The pylons, from the Greek root meaning “gateway,” represents each field of the “healing arts,” celebrating accomplishments in dentistry, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. Designed to signify an awareness of the “wholeness” with the healthcare communities of the past, present and future, generations of students have passed through the pylons in pursuit of knowledge and on a quest to help others.
PALS members include:
- Anonymous (4)
- Dr. James P. and Mrs. Dianne Anderson
- Dr. Thomas Arkle III and Dr. Stephanie Chen
- Dr. Byron H. and Mrs. Julia Black
- Dr. Glenn Boyles and Dr. Laura Withers-Boyles
- Dr. William M. Brown, Jr. and Mrs. Jaime Brown
- Dr. James J. and Mrs. Karen Caveney
- Dr. Samuel and Mrs. Lindy Dorn
- Dr. Brett and Mrs. Melanie Eckley
- Dr. David G. and Mrs. Linda Edwards
- Ms. Margaret Epperly
- Dr. Michael and Dr. Carrie Hazey
- Dr. Charles W. and Mrs. Pat Houghton
- Dr. Edward E. Howard
- Dr. Thomas W. Jarrett
- Dr. Lawrence and Mrs. Traci Kalaskey
- Dr. Laura Lineberry and Mr. David Phillips
- Dr. Scott Q. Little and Mrs. Diane Little
- Dr. Robert and Mrs. Lori Martino
- Dr. William H. (Pat) and Mrs. Ellen Mason
- Dr. Moe and Dr. Jennifer Momen
- Dr. Michael R. and Mrs. Emily Munn
- Dr. Mark Ortiz and Dr. Kelley Heal-Ortiz
- Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Renè Pachuta
- Dr. Pranav Patel and Mrs. Shefali Shah
- Dr. Joseph V. and Mrs. Catherine Rice
- Dr. Loring and Mrs. Young Ross
- Dr. Charles and Mrs. Trudy Seita
- Dr. Imad and Mrs. Dana Shammaa
- Dr. David Sheinkopf and Dr. Shelley Weiner
- Dr. E. Ronald and Mrs. Janet Shellenberger
- Dr. Ronnie J. and Mrs. Jade Sparks
- Dr. David C. Spokane and Family
- Dr. John T. and Mrs. Ann Stevens
- Dr. Lorena Surber
- Mrs. Margaret and Mr. Andrew Teeter
- Dr. Vince and Dr. Lauren Veltri
- Dr. Robert L. and Mrs. Rosemary Wanker
- Dr. David and Mrs. Julia Whiston
- Dr. Edward E. White, Jr. and Mrs. Louise White
- Mr. Steven F. White
The ceremony also included the recognition of scholarship donors and student recipients.
This year, the school presented 55 unique scholarships and awards to 75 students.
Alumni and friends considering a gift to the WVU School of Dentistry can provide support through several giving opportunities. The WVU Foundation assists donors interested in annual giving, planned giving, gifts in kind, corporate giving, stocks and securities, memorial donations and matching gifts. Gifts can be made online at give.wvu.edu/dentistry.
For more information, contact Director of Development Dee O’Palko.
Gifts are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
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