National Dental Honor Society
Each year, the President is asked to give a few remarks, and I will share just a few brief comments. At nearly 7:00 on a Sunday evening, I think that’s all that anyone would want. Basically, what I’m going to do is . . . give, in essence, a year-end report . . . a State of the Organization Report.
As I stated last year at this time, the strength of our organization is at the local chapter level. As many of you know, a questionnaire was sent to each chapter this past year asking them to describe their unique programs. These were then compiled and sent back to the individual chapters with the hope that we each can learn what others are doing and maybe borrow from each other those good ideas. After reading the surveys, I’m even more impressed with what is going on at the local level . . . the chapters are doing some very, very innovative things, and they serve and honor their current and future members well. Likewise, the National Chapter held a symposium. We just finished about 45 minutes ago. It was the first symposium we have held in years. I hope that many of you were able to attend and found it to be beneficial. I would like to publicly thank first, Ken Kalkwarf for coming up with the idea of the topic . . . certainly a very timely topic. So, Ken, I thank you for this. I also would like to personally and publicly thank Mike Siegel for planning the symposium. Mike, thank you very much. I hope you all enjoyed it. I think it was well received . . . certainly that the room was filled. Again, a very timely topic and I hope you found the symposium that we co-sponsored to be beneficial. As I mentioned, this was co-sponsored with other organizations . . . and it accomplished the following objectives: (1) To provide OKU with more visibility. I think that one of the objectives we have is to give OKU increased visibility among dental education and among other dental circles. The seminar achieved that. (2) To initiate interaction with Sigma Phi Alpha. This was the first coordinated effort that OKU and Sigma Phi Alpha have had together. We hope that this will set a precedent and we can have future projects together. (3) To work more closely with AADS. The Symposium was also cosponsored with the Legal Issues Special Interest Group of AADS. We hope this effort begins a process for cosponsoring future symposia programs with different interest groups or sections of AADS. Again, I hope these goals were accomplished this past year. Additionally, we presented the initial OKU - Stephen Leeper Award for Excellence in Teaching. We hope it will be viewed as the national teaching award for dental education. I think we’re off to a very fine start with that goal.
This past year saw some excellent things accomplished. I hope and I know there will be many more in the future. OKU stands for excellence and we are blessed with excellent future leadership. Thank you for the honor of serving as your President this past year and for the honor of following in the footsteps of Dr. Don Keene, Dr. Bill Kramer, and Dr. Steve Leeper, all fellow Nebraskans. And in keeping with that theme, I will finish by saying, Go OKU and go Big Red. Thank you very much.
Dr. Paul Desjardins, Professor and Associate Dean at UMDNJ Dental School received the first annual Stephen H. Leeper Award for Teaching Excellence. From a field of numerous nominees, Dr. Desjardins was selected for his outstanding contributions as a dental educator and his significant contributions to the educational mission of UMDNJ. In his nomination, Dr. Desjardins was cited for his many accomplishments - among them the implementation of problem based learning, small group teaching, case based learning and expansion of learning "beyond the dental school walls." Dr. Desjardins had been recognized repeatedly at local and national levels for teaching excellence and his major contributions to the advancement of dental education.In response to his award, Dr. Desjardins stated that the award was a great source of pride and satisfaction. He thanked the committee for selecting him and closed with eloquent remarks stressing teaching as a noble profession. Dr. Desjardins said that he found "there is satisfaction and pride in shaping those minds and attitudes and values of our nation’s new dentists." He went on to say that "there is a pride among our students, our faculty and our patients over our achievements and over how we care for patients on a daily basis. There is a pride in doing scholarly work among our faculty - work which increases and improves our body of knowledge."
Incoming President's Message
I am pleased to serve Omicron Kappa Upsilon as the 1998-99 Supreme Chapter President and to share with you the activities that have been outlined by the Supreme Chapter officers for the upcoming year.by Dr. Kenneth L. Kalkwarf, DDS, MS
It was brought to our attention during the 1998 Annual Meeting in Minneapolis that wording designating Omicron Kappa Upsilon as a "Honorary Dental Society" on our membership certificates was technically incorrect. To rectify this situation and bring the wording on the certificate into line with designations in our bylaws, the wording on the certificates will be changed to "Honor Dental Society" starting in 1999.
The first annual Stephen H. Leeper Award for Teaching Excellence was presented to Dr. Paul Desjardins in 1998. A call for 1999 nominations has recently been sent to each local chapter secretary. Please carefully consider this opportunity to honor a great teacher in our profession.
Two additional awards will be initiated this year by the Supreme Chapter to recognize exceptional accomplishments by faculty and local chapters. The Supreme Chapter’s Craig Fellowship Committee is currently designing the criteria and process for a "Young Faculty Award." The purpose of this award is to replace the American Fund for Dental Health Fellowship Program, formerly sponsored by OKU. The criteria and process will be brought to the Annual Meeting of OKU for discussion and ratification.
The second award, a "Chapter Award", is also being designed by the Craig Fellowship Committee. The plans are to annually recognize a chapter for "creativity in fostering the academic excellence and enhancing the spirit of OKU." It is anticipated that the first "Chapter Award" will be presented at the Vancouver meeting.
Much discussion during the past several years has centered on the definitions of our membership categories. Whether it involves a non-traditional student, a member whose alma mater has closed, or an international student, issues all eventually revolve back to the membership definitions in the Supreme Chapter Bylaws. The Bylaws Committee is presently studying the entire area of membership definitions. Any recommendations they may bring forward will be acted on next March in Vancouver.
As you can see, the Supreme Chapter officers have outlined a very busy year. We look forward to your continuing input as these issues mature through the next several months.
In compliance with Article 4, Section 10 of the Bylaws of the Supreme Chapter, this report is hereby tendered by the Secretary. During 1997, a total of 605 new members were elected to the Supreme Chapter, compared with 564 in 1996. These are subdivided into three areas: 465 alumni were inducted this past year, compared with 444 in 1996; 111 faculty were inducted compared to 92 in 1996; and finally, 29 honorary members were inducted in 1997, compared with 98 in 1996. Forty-seven certificates of life membership were conferred. No certificates of recognition were presented. Five chapters failed to comply with Article 10, Section 7, of the Supreme Chapter Bylaws by failing to pay their dues by December 1, 1997. Six chapters failed to have a delegate at the 1997 Annual Business Meeting. These chapters were notified by letter concerning their absences and were referred to Article 10, Section 7, of the Bylaws regarding possible loss of recognition if their delegate is not present at this meeting.by Dr. Jon Suzuki
The Board held a telephone conference call on Wednesday, October 1, 1997, and as a Board we discussed many issued including, the Leeper Award - the proposed Teaching Award for young dental educators, the OKU Sigma Phi Alpha symposium which was just held next door, and the status of communication with Oral Health America.
President Custer sent a letter to all dental school deans asking for travel support for the OKU delegate to attend this Annual Business Meeting. There was a decrease in the cost of the keys due to changing of manufacturers, and this price reduction was passed on to the local chapters. This report concludes with the Secretary-Treasurer’s annual appeal to all.
Component chapter secretaries are to provide the information necessary for the operations of the central office and maintenance of accurate files. Especially, and most important, are the Necrology files and also annual reports.
Editor’s Report
by Dr. Richard H. Carr
In August, 10,499 copies of the 32nd Volume of the OKU Bulletin were distributed to all component chapter secretaries. This number included 4,211 special issue copies for distribution to first-year students to familiarize them with the purpose and organization of OKU. The total cost of the 1997 bulletin issue was $2,535, as compared to $3,768 for the 1996 edition. Chapters are encouraged to send information for the Bulletin. Every attempt is made is include all items of interest that chapters submit - including pictures of their inductees at the end of the year. Please send items to Richard Carr at the American Association of Dental Schools: 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036-2212.
Omega Omega Chapter - UMDNJ
Establishes Chapter Scholarship Fund
In the summer of 1997, Omega Omega Chapter of OKU hosted an "OKU Golf Classic" at the Cranbury Golf Course in Cranbury, New Jersey. The purpose of this tournament was to raise $20,000 to initiate the Omega Omega Chapter Scholarship Fund. The goal of $20,000 was exceeded as the chapter raised in excess of $25,000. Members of this chapter are rightfully proud of their accomplishment and look forward to future successful events to increase the size of this fund.
Eighteen dental students, including at least one member from each class, joined faculty for fellowship, fun and competition.
Necrology Report
Beta Chapter, University of Pittsburgh, James W. Smudski, Sidney S. Spatz, and Edmund J. Wilson. Epsilon Chapter, Creighton University, Stanley J. Hansaff and Fred S. Richarson. Alpha Alpha Chapter, University of Nebraska, Wesley C. Berry, Jr. Lambda Lambda Chapter, State University of New York at Buffalo, Theresa Moncalban, Charles Pancow, William Root, and Bernard Wakefield. Theta Kappa Chapter, Louisiana State University, Murray Mathews and Jack Pollack. Zi Omicron Chapter, University of Florida, John F. Butcher and Robert Fox. Omicron Pi Chapter, University of Oklahoma, Earl W. Collard and William C. Hopkins.
The essence of the Craig Fellowship is to foster academic excellence and to foster young faculty and the development of young faculty within our schools. Based upon the premise of the preceding statement, membership of the annual Supreme Chapter business meeting voted to redirect Craig Fellowship Program Funds. The Supreme Chapter charged the Craig Fellowship Committee to:
1. Immediately develop a Chapter of the Year Award to recognize the promotion of academic excellence at the local chapter level, and
2. Develop a process to monetarily recognize the innovative teaching approaches by junior faculty members, including the criteria, the process, and the exact award, and that process will be brought back for this body to approve next year.
As described by President-elect Kalkwarf, the motion directed the Craig Fellowship Committee to immediately establish a mechanism and process for developing a Chapter of the Year Award which would be given to recognize fostering of academic excellence at the local chapter level. We are asking the Craig Fellowship Committee to establish criteria immediately and call for nominees this fall, so that an award may be presented at next year’s annual meeting. The second area approved directs the Craig Fellowship Committee to spend the next year developing criteria for a monetary award to promote and recognize innovative teaching by young faculty members within our schools. That proposal and process comes back to this group next year for final approval.
By-Laws Committee Report
The By-laws Committee reviewed two documents this year at the request of the Board of Directors of the Supreme Chapter. The first document was submitted by Dr. Eugene F. Sandler on behalf of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry (Upsilon Upsilon Chapter). The second document was submitted by Dr. Gary H. Westerman on behalf of the Creighton University School of Dentistry (Epsilon Chapter).by Dr. Michael A. Siegel
These documents represent revisions of the existing by-laws and do not substantially change the documents that are presently in-force. These documents were reviewed and approved by the committee.
I would like to thank Dr. O. Ross Bierne, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental School, University of Washington who is presently serving as Chairman of this Committee. I would also like to thank Dr. Norris O’Dell, University of Georgia, Dr. Ed Hershaft, University of South Carolina and Dr. Gary Westerman, Creighton University who served on the 1997-98 By-Laws Committee.
New Website to be Established for OKU
A new OKU Web presence will soon be established within the existing Website of the American Association of Dental Schools (AADS). It is scheduled to go on-line prior to the annual OKU membership meeting - which coincides with the AADS Annual Session - in Vancouver, BC. AADS staff will design and maintain the new site, as well as update it twice yearly or as needed. Local chapters will be notified as soon as site construction is completed.
Audit Report by Dr. Mike Molvar
After a review of the ledgers and checkbook of the Supreme Chapter, the document, "Statement of Funds," was prepared by Ms. Jan John and Secretary-Treasurer Suzuki with assistance from a local accounting firm. The Auditing Committee reports that there is an accurate accounting of the Collection and disbursement of funds as presented in the ledgers and checkbook of the Supreme Chapter. The ledgers are well maintained and current, with quarterly balances displayed.
Treasurer’s Report
The Statement of Funds reads that the net worth of the Supreme Chapter is $50,717.13. This is an increase from last year’s net worth of $40,705.46. The change in funds available was an increase of $10,011.67, part of this is due to the discontinuation of contributions to the Craig Fund of the American Fund for Dental Health.
Nominating Committee by Dr. Kenneth Kalkwarf
Dr. Ross Beirne of the University of Washington School of Dentistry was nominated to be incoming Vice President of the Supreme Chapter. Dr. Michael Siegel was nominated to be President-elect, and Dr. Kenneth Kalkwarf was nominated as President. Dr. Jon Suzuki was nominated to continue as Secretary-Treasurer.
These nominations were sustained and no additional nominations were made from the floor. The aforementioned individuals were unanimously approved by the membership.
Call for Nominations
The Supreme Chapter is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2nd Annual Omicron Kappa Upsilon Stephen H. Leeper Award for Teaching Excellence.As stated, each school is to develop its own nominating process. A nominee is to be approved by both the dean of the dental school and the president of the OKU component chapter. Contact local chapter officers for specific nomination guidelines and criteria for this award.
To avoid any potential conflict of interest issues, nominees will not be accepted from schools represented on the selection committee. Last year the selection committee was from the University of Nebraska, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the University of Maryland, and the University of Pittsburgh. The 1998/99 selection committee will include individuals from: the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the University of Washington, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Michigan. Nominations from schools represented on the 1998/99 selection committee will not be considered for the 1998/99 award.
Please submit your nominations by December 15, 1998 to the following:
Supreme Chapter Omicron Kappa Upsilon
c/o Jan John
UNMC College of Dentistry
40th and Holdrege Streets
Lincoln, NE 68583-0740
Leeper Award Selection Committee 1998-99
Dr. Ross Beirne - University of Washington(Chair)
Dr. Paul Desjardins - New Jersey (1998 Recipient)
Dr. Thomas Green - Michigan
Dr. Robert Probst - Oklahoma
Prepared by Dr. Jon Suzuki
December 31, 1997
| Statement of Funds | 12-31-97 | 12-31-96 |
| Assets: | ||
| Petty Cash | $19.57 | $19.57 |
| Cash on Deposit, FirsTier | 35,686.69 | 21,125.51 |
| Transmatic Account, 1st Federal | 1,713.86 | 1,680.01 |
| Treasury Bill, 1st Federal | 19,157.01 | 18,204.47 |
| Office Equipment (net accumulated depreciation) | 0.00 | 75.90 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $56,577.13 | $41,105.46 |
| Due to AFDC (Craig Fund) | (5860.00) | (400.00) |
| NET ASSETS | $50,717.13 | $40,705.46 |
| Net Worth: | ||
| Beginning Balance | $40,705.46 | $30,004.28 |
| Change in Funds Available (see below) | 10,011.67 | 10,701.18 |
| $50,717.13 | $40,705.46 | |
| Statement of Changes in Fund Balance | ||
| Sources of Funds: | ||
| Chapter Dues | $6,450.00 | $6,750.00 |
| Membership keys, pins, fees and certificates | 28,507.00 | 28,471.55 |
| Miscellaneous Income | 0.00 | 50.00 |
| Interest Income - NOW ($376.72) | ||
| Transmatic Account ($33.85) | ||
| T.Bill ($952.54) | 1,363.11 | 1,275.07 |
| $36,320.11 | $36,546.62 | |
| Uses of Funds: | ||
| Certificates, keys & pins | $10,865.12 | $10,553.30 |
| Miscellaneous Expenditures | 2,669.85 | 2,619.02 |
| Secretary’s Office Expense | 6,204.12 | 5,657.46 |
| Executive Committee Expense | 2,786.63 | 3,017.50 |
| Bulletin Expense | 2,535.41 | 3,284.76 |
| Depreciation Expense | 75.90 | 151.75 |
| OKU Meeting Expense | 1,171.41 | 561.65 |
| $26,308.44 | $25,845.44 | |
| CHANGE IN FUNDS AVAILABLE (see above) |
10,011.67 | 10,701.18 |
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Dee Bogetti, Web Development and DesignCopyright 2000 Omicron Kappa Upsilon
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