2nd Annual Alumni Dental Prom raises funds for student scholarships

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry successfully held the 2nd annual Alumni Dental Prom in the spring. The event saw attendees gather to share memories, connect with colleagues, and raise $6,000 towards student scholarships.

Held at Nouveau Antique Art Bar on April 11, the prom featured live music, silent auction items, and a lavish atmosphere to host the fellowship of School of Dentistry graduates. Silent auction items ranged from Astros tickets to Kendra Scott jewelry.

“We hope to grow this endowment for these scholarships, and allow our current students to really feel the benefits of the relief of financial burden from dental school,” said Sarah Flores-Lewis, student and alumni relations coordinator, and organizer of the event.

 “Our aim next year is to offer scholarships individually to both dental students and dental hygiene students. By our alumni giving back, they’re helping the students whose shoes they’ve previously been in. Every dollar counts, and this already means so much to students.”

With the funds raised from last year’s prom, the PACE Center established the PACE Alumni Success Scholarship, awarded to a student who exemplifies outstanding teamwork, clinical excellence, ethical conduct, and leadership qualities essential for the successful practice of dentistry or dental hygiene.

The inaugural scholarship recipient was Ava Chaparro of the Dental Class of 2028. The first-year dental student was recognized during the prom.

“I’m super humbled to be the first recipient of this scholarship,” Chaparro said. “I’m blessed to be here and appreciative of every single moment I have to make this world a better place. It’s my hope to give back like School of Dentistry alumni have to create this very scholarship.”

Graduates young and old in attendance had the opportunity to share some of their most cherished memories from school and reminisced on their educational experience and how those experiences have shaped their professional careers.

At the end of the evening, it was announced that attendees collectively met the scholarship fundraising goal of $5,000. Funds raised from the prom will be awarded to current students throughout the upcoming academic year.

The Third Annual Alumni Dental Prom is set to take place next spring.

Donations to UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry can be made at Go.uth.edu/SODDonation.