This is a bittersweet time as I approach retirement and say goodbye to my Pitt family. As I reflect on the past 35 years of teaching at my alma mater, I realize how fortunate I was to have had a career that I enjoyed, suited my personality, and brought me satisfaction, professionally and personally.
First, I thank my pediatric dental department family. I am appreciative of the two chairs that I served, Drs. Robert Rapp and Dennis Ranalli, who supported me in developing my expertise in pediatric dentistry and giving me opportunities to grow and eventually lead the department. I am thankful for all the talented faculty, both full-time and part-time, that I worked with in the clinic, laughed, and sometimes cried with over the years. I was quite fortunate to have dedicated staff who worked together as a team. We organized so many Give Kids A Smile Days, trained so many students and residents to work with dental assistants, and kept the day-to-day activities on track. The pediatric dental residents brought me much joy. Teaching the residents and launching them into their careers were very satisfying.
Second, a special thanks to my Pitt Dental Medicine family. I thank the dental school for giving me the opportunity to train for my career and to my 1980 classmates. In my 35 years at the school, I served Deans Suzuki, Braun, and Costello, and Interim Dean Oakley. All these leaders helped me when I needed support and worked together to advance the dental school’s initiatives. In addition, there were many faculty and staff who assisted the department and will not be forgotten for their assistance.
On Friday, September 29 from 3:30 to 5pm in the Salk Atrium, there will be a farewell reception where you are invited to attend. Please RSVP at this link by September 18.
I am keeping my Pitt email so you also may contact me. I would love to hear from you. H2P!