The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on January 19 passed a resolution recognizing “unselfish dedicated commitment, leadership, and volunteerism as demonstrated by the Dental Student Council and other dental student organizations of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in its service of oral health care to the underserved and undocumented children of the State of Illinois.”
“This was the first time in University history that student organizations were honored by the Board of Trustees,” said Dean Bruce Graham.
The resolution commended the students for engaging in volunteer efforts such as formal dances; bake, Valentines’ candy, and doll sales; auctions; and forays into the community to raise money for the College’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry’s Associated Care Fund.
The Board’s resolution said it “recognizes and commends the UIC College of Dentistry Dental Student Council and its related student organizations for their stellar example of student volunteerism that contributes to a vital campus life, to a meaningful educational experience, and to a better society.”
A representative from each of the College’s ten student organizations and from each class year attended the Board of Trustees meeting.
In October 2005, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn gave official State of Illinois recognition to the students’ efforts in a similar resolution.