Reflections from Our Retirees

A collective 178 years of experience and dedication to the UCLA School of Dentistry were celebrated during a send-off for seven retiring faculty and staff members on June 26.

"The School of Dentistry is grateful for the faculty and staff who have dedicated so many years of service to support our students and patients," said Dorothy Tu, associate dean for finance and administration. "It was especially touching to have so many members of our School community in attendance, showing their gratitude to retiring colleagues."

Spanning academic, clinical, and administrative units, each of our retirees shared a career highlight or favorite moment at the School. We wish them all the best as they enter this new and exciting chapter of their lives!

Sylvia Aquino | Registered Dental Assistant, Center for Esthetic Dentistry | 20 years of service
My most vivid memory was when I got to see postgrad and master ceramics faces graduating from the Center for Esthetic Dentistry. I was happy and content to see that they accomplished what they came here for.

Russell E. Christensen, D.D.S., M.S. | Associate Professor, Oral Pathology | 48 years of service
My most memorable times were the years of active learning sessions. We sent four UCLA students to Oral Pathology programs and more than those to externships. I watched the amazing learning curve achieved by most of the students during those years. I heard from so many who said they were far, far ahead of all their fellow residents. That makes a career in academics a heartwarming experience.

Lorena De La Torre | Registered Dental Assistant, Pediatric Dentistry | 34 years of service
I created many beautiful memories here, it would be very difficult to pick one. All I can say Is that working in Pediatric Dentistry has kept me young at heart all these years!

Gary Herman, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. | Lecturer, Interdisciplinary Dentistry | 28 years of service
When I first came back to UCLA as Dental Alumni Association president, and got to reacquaint myself with people like Henry Cherrick, Bob Wolcott, and Russ Christiansen and realized I wanted to become a faculty member at some time in the future. Turned out to be about five years later!

Stacie McGovern | Dental Assistant, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | 16 years of service
In 2008 when I transferred to the Faculty Group I was very sad and happy at the same time, being able to continue as part of the UCLA dental school family. There were also our study nights for the CALAOMS [California Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery] assistant finals. We had to score high because Dr. [Alan] Felsenfeld was one of our instructors!

Pat Rowley | Human Resources Analyst | 15 years of service
In 2013 Cindy Kogure and I both received the School of Dentistry’s Outstanding Staff Member of the Year Award. It was a delightful surprise that I enjoyed receiving from my peers and sharing with Cindy.

Elizabeth Wilcox | Registered Dental Assistant, Center for Esthetic Dentistry | 17 years of service
The years seem to have flown by with so many memorable experiences with my co-workers, directors, faculty, ceramists, and many many postgraduates over the years. We had such an amazing time – and at times challenging – but we went through it and now for the next journey to begin. Thank you, UCLA CED!