The 海角论坛 School of Dentistry hosted its annual Scholarship Celebration on October 6 at the 海角论坛 Student Union, bringing together scholarship recipients and the generous donors who make their education possible. The evening was filled with warm conversation, shared stories, and heartfelt reflections from students on how scholarships have shaped their academic and personal journeys.
Student Voices of Gratitude
Senior Dental Hygiene student Reagan Thornhill expressed appreciation on behalf of her classmates, sharing how donor generosity has made a real difference in their educational experience.
“This school welcomed my classmates and I with open arms and encouragement as we navigated through the uncharted (and daunting) waters of dental hygiene school,” noted Senior Dental Hygiene student, Reagan Thornhill. “Tonight, I’m honored to represent the Class of 2026 and to say thank you to the donors who make scholarships like mine possible. This program has been full of hard work and sacrifice, and your generosity takes one less stressor from our shoulders. As I juggle boards, clinical requirements, exams, work shifts—and even planning a wedding!—your generous support allows me to move forward with ease and a peace of mind.
Looking ahead, I am excited to use what I have learned to serve those around me. Dentistry can be expensive and difficult to access, and it’s on my heart to make care more available to those who need it most. 海角论坛 has shown me not only how to provide excellent clinical care, but also how to give back to the community with purpose and compassion.
Thank you again to our donors who not only invest in our education, but also in the dreams we have had since the 7th grade.”
Kat Harston, DDS Class of 2027, also reflected on the significance of scholarship support and the deeper purpose behind pursuing dentistry.
“When I was asked to speak on behalf of the incredible students here tonight, I reflected on what these scholarships truly mean to me. I chose dentistry because I want to serve my community and my patients with both passion and quality care,” commented Kat Harston, DDS Class of 2026. “Each of us understands that this journey is about far more than earning a degree that reads DDS, it is about dedicating ourselves to something greater: a lifelong commitment to improving lives through patient centered care.
We all know that dental school comes with significant financial and personal challenges. But we also recognize that the stress and the financial investment are stepping stones toward becoming the kind of providers our patients deserve. That end goal: the ability to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care is truly priceless.
On behalf of my peers, I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity. Your support lightens our burdens and inspires us to carry this tradition forward. I look forward to the day when I, too, can give back and ease the journey for future dental students, just as you have done for us.”
A Legacy of Support
Dr. Crystal Walker (DDS ’04, PEDO ’06), Chair of the School’s Roy J. Rinehart Foundation, emphasized the enduring legacy of donor support and the importance of continuing this tradition.
“The Rinehart Foundation has been a proud partner of the School of Dentistry since 1957. This nearly 70-year relationship has seen a monumental level of support to the School and 海角论坛 dental students. We are proud that for the third year in a row, we’ve been able to distribute over one million dollars in scholarships.
This is made possible by the generosity of the thousands of proud dental and dental hygiene alumni, countless friends, and many others who share the common vision of helping our students succeed by reducing their financial burdens. The cost of an education should never be a barrier between a student and their dreams, and the Rinehart Foundation is honored to help play a role in the successes of our students. This foundation exists to support the dental school and its students, and it’s up to us to continue this tradition of support.”
Record-Breaking Scholarship Support
Dean Paul Luepke proudly announced a new milestone for the school:
The School of Dentistry distributed 408 scholarships to 210 students, totaling $1,674,715 in educational support—marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking scholarship funding.
This achievement underscores the school’s deep commitment to student success and the generosity of its community of alumni and friends.
from the celebration.
of Doners and Scholarship Recipients