The UNMC College of Dentistry, the state’s oldest and largest publicly supported dental college, is celebrating its 125th Anniversary during Alumni Reunion Weekend today and Saturday in Lincoln. More than 400 guests are expected.
The college, the Dental Alumni Board and the UNMC Alumni Association will welcome alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends to Lincoln for this special weekend.
The 125th celebration event will be held this evening (Oct. 4) at the Embassy Suites by Hilton-Lincoln. This event will feature food, beverages, award presentations, honor class recognition, musical entertainment from two live acts, dancing and a special program to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the college.
Live music will be presented by Emil & Dariel, as seen on America’s Got Talent, playing rock cello and Lincoln’s own The Raw Nerve, including four Nebraska dentists and a full horn section.
The College of Dentistry Alumni Association will honor the following individuals at the celebration:
- Thomas F. Alexander, DDS ’10, Alumni Achievement Award
- Brett S. Thomsen, DDS ’92, Distinguished Service Award
- Paul A. Hansen, DDS ’75, Outstanding Educator Award
- Jessica A. Meeske, DDS, Honorary Life Membership Award
- Gwen L. Hlava, RDH ’72, in celebration of her retirement from the college after more than 50 years with the dental hygiene program.
In addition, the event will commemorate the college’s 125 years of educating oral health professionals. A total of 66% of all Nebraska dentists are UNMC graduates.
On Saturday, some alumni will tailgate and attend the Nebraska Cornhuskers football game against Rutgers.