When Dan Dymerski reminisces about his time as a member of the UNMC College of Dentistry Dental Class of 1972, he distinctly remembers how he felt right after he graduated.
"I was very confident in myself and my skills. If you did the work that was asked of you, the faculty and staff made sure you succeeded," Dan said. "The College of Dentistry has always had a reputation for how well they prepare students for dental careers, which is one reason why I’m proud to be a graduate."
His time at the College of Dentistry prepared Dan for a wonderful, rewarding dental career.
After graduating, Dan and his wife, Sharon, moved back to Colorado, where they grew up. Dan started his career at a private practice in Denver. After one year, he bought an office suite below the practice and spent the next 35 years doing what he loved.
The Dymerskis established a scholarship that is given to one student that they stay in touch with throughout the student's time in dental school and after graduation.
"It’s fulfilling to be able to follow a student through their educational journey and see how our support is helping them achieve their dreams," Dan said.
Their current scholarship recipient, Amanda, is a fourth-year student. Dan and Sharon visit with Amanda on the phone and receive letters from her.
"It's fun to hear how school is going for her. We hope to be able to meet with Amanda in person soon," Dan said. "It’s rewarding to be able to help a dental student offset some of her educational expenses."
Dan says Sharon, a retired schoolteacher who taught French in Lincoln, Brainard, Neb., and Denver, is the inspiration behind why they give.
"Sharon is a real giving person. She thinks more about other people than herself," Dan said. "And I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t experienced the college's supportive learning environment, so I am happy to give back."
By helping Amanda achieve her dream of attending dental school, the Dymerskis have a part in helping her make great memories during her time at the college, just as Dan did.
"I often think about when my classmates and I were nervous and were hurrying to get things finished. One of our professors would say "slow it down and dentistry will be good for you." Dentistry was good for me, and I feel very thankful for the start the College of Dentistry gave me," Dan said.
Dan's other favorite memories involve his classmates.
"Our class had many memorable personalities. With only 50 students, you get to know everyone very well. When you sit next to the same people for the first couple years, that's when friendships develop," he said.
Dan also vividly remembers the excitement of attending Husker football games.
"Spending Saturday afternoons at Memorial Stadium was really overwhelmingly exciting. There was so much activity around the campus and the city. I can still remember the marching band marching across campus to the stadium," he said.
Creating a scholarship has been very rewarding for the Dymerskis and has allowed them a unique opportunity to support the future of dentistry.
"I have fond memories of my time at dental school and I don't hear that a lot from other dentists," Dan said. "When I think about the college, I always have a smile on my face and I'm reminded of how proud I am to be a College of Dentistry graduate."