$24.9M raised–a celebration of giving
Annual event brings together donors, faculty, and students to celebrate historic fundraising milestones and investment in dental education
Driven by a record-breaking $24.9 million in donor support over the past two fiscal years, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine celebrated the transformative power of philanthropy at its annual gathering on Aug. 6 at Glidden House. The event brought together alumni, faculty, donors and 18 student scholarship recipients to showcase how strategic giving is expanding financial aid, funding student research and bringing state-of-the-art clinical technology to the school.
In his State of the School address, Interim Dean, Dale Baur, DDS (DEN ’80), emphasized how technological advancement is shaping modern dental education.
“While the foundation of dentistry remains the same, how students learn and practice has evolved significantly,” Dale A. Baur said. “Advanced technology now provides earlier, clearer feedback, helping students build strong habits from the start. We continue to invest in state-of-the-art technology. Our clinics are now equipped with intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM systems, 3D printers and soon milling machines, all complemented by advanced simulation that sharpens skills and prepares students for modern practice.”
Baur reflected on a year of momentum at the dental school, noting that its strength stems from its students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, as well as a shared purpose of patient care and community service.
Carolyn Gordon, associate dean of development and alumni relations, shared the dental school's fundraising milestones. Philanthropic gifts reached $9,015,337 in fiscal year 2025 and $15,941,430 in fiscal year 2026.
Donors in attendance whose newly endowed funds have strengthened specialized dental departments, seeded research and increased accessibility through financial aid:
- Gerald A. and Charlene A. Ferretti: Dr. Gerald A. and Charlene A. Ferretti Special Needs Fund—expanding clinical access and specialized care capabilities.
- Theresa Roma Jasinevicius, DDS, MEd (DEN '74, '76) and Dainius D. Degesys, DDS (DEN '73): The Drs. T. Roma Jasinevicius and Dainius D. Degesys Educational Research Fund—advancing student academic research.
- Lisa A. Alvetro-Rossman, DDS, MSD (DEN '93) and Thomas Rossman: Lisa Alvetro-Rossman, DDS, MSD Technology Endowment Fund for Orthodontics—supporting digital orthodontic care.
- Andre Mickel, DDS (DEN '91, '94): The Dr. Andre Mickel Endowed Fund in Endodontics—established in honor of Mickel receiving the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award through contributions from numerous supporters.
- Col. Thomas Dundon, DDS (DEN '86) and Linda Dundon: Bequest expectancy-endowment student scholarships—ensuring long-term scholarship support.
The event also recognized annual giving donors for meeting immediate school needs. Featured speakers included class leaders Mario Pavicic (DEN '92) and Katherine Raymond (DEN '92), who shared the inspiration behind creating the Class of 1992 Scholarship.
"I thought how great it was that we had an opportunity to do what I consider one of our greatest professional responsibilities: care for the next generations of dental professionals," Raymond said. "Reading updates on our scholarship recipients, we have a lot to be excited about when it comes to the future of our profession. I can say with certainty that dentistry is in good hands, and I am proud to support the Class of 1992 Scholarship Fund."
Attendees also heard from twin sisters Abby and Paige Siener, members of the Class of 2029, who spoke about their shared journey toward becoming dentists and the encouragement scholarship assistance has brought to their education.
Spotlight on Student Research
During the event, Baur highlighted the vital role of student research at the School of Dental Medicine by sharing a video presentation.
“While clinical excellence often takes center stage in dental education, the work happening in our student labs is the quiet engine powering the future of oral health care,” Baur noted. “Yet, as critical as student research is to the future of our profession, it is also an area that often goes under-recognized and underfunded. Endowing research stipends and funding student travel to national conferences requires dedicated resources.”
