Donor Impact, Student Success: The 2024–25 Scholarship Ceremony

Event photo gallery on Flickr

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the UCLA School of Dentistry held its annual Scholarship Ceremony in Covel Commons’ Grand Horizon Ballroom, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and donors in a heartfelt celebration of scholarship, leadership, and the transformative power of philanthropy.

Nearly half a million dollars was awarded to 106 D.D.S. candidates – representing almost a quarter of the School of Dentistry’s student body – across 30 unique scholarships, many of which are funded in perpetuity and named for distinguished alumni. Twenty-three of these future oral healthcare leaders earned multiple scholarships.

While UCLA strives to make a four-year dental education an outstanding value relative to its academic peers – with the lowest-cost tuition among California’s six dental schools – these annual awards combined with nearly $4M in financial from outside sources help alleviate individual student burden and debt.

The program began with a buffet lunch and informal networking, offering students and donors the opportunity to connect and share their respective journeys in dentistry.

Guests were welcomed by Director of Development Esmeralda Garcia, who recognized the many hands that made the event possible—from the planning committee to the faculty-led Scholarship Committee.

Dean Paul Krebsbach then delivered an inspiring introduction, emphasizing the critical role of private support in dental education. “As state funding continues to decline, it’s your generosity that ensures our students can focus on becoming the leaders and innovators our communities need.”

The event’s featured benefactor speaker, Dr. Ron Mito, needed no introduction to most in the room. A 1976 School of Dentistry graduate who held full-time faculty and administrative positions for more than 30 years, Dr. Mito continues to serve as Special Assistant to Dean Krebsbach.
 

“When I pondered the word ‘philanthropy,’ I thought of these three words: Gratitude, Impact, and Future,” said Dr. Mito, whose colleagues created an endowed scholarship in his name honoring demonstrated excellence in professionalism, leadership, and service upon his retirement in 2017.

“My giving began soon after graduating. Just like a savings account, you can start small and grow over time—consistency is the key to long-term impact,” he added, in a message to those in the audience who will one day be successful practitioners.

Student speaker Honesty Boone, D.D.S. ’27, shared poignant remarks, underscoring how scholarships have empowered her and her peers to pursue their dreams with purpose and confidence. She shared a deeply personal story, centered on her uncle’s wish to recapture his smile with a new set of dentures, even as he battled terminal cancer. That experience inspired her to help others through a career in dentistry.

The centerpiece of the afternoon was the presentation of awards MC’d by Associate Dean of Student Services Dr. Steve Lee and Clinical Professor Dr. Christine Quinn. Donors and student scholarship recipients met face-to-face to exchange congratulations and commemorate the moment with photos in front of the School’s signature backdrop.

Dean Krebsbach closed the event with a message of gratitude and hope: “When you give to UCLA Dentistry, you’re helping us transform how dentistry is taught and practiced. Together, we’re shaping the future—one student at a time.”