MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Thanks to retired faculty member Don Morrison, D.D.S., and his wife Mary, this winter’s West Virginia University School of Dentistry faculty retreat was a little more fulfilling.
The Morrisons created the Dr. Don and Mary Morrison School of Dentistry Faculty Enhancement Fund to provide support for meal and facility fees at faculty retreats.
After teaching and practicing periodontics at WVU from 1968 until his retirement in 1997, Dr. Morrison felt that faculty should be able to have the kinds of enriching, interactive experiences that WVU provides to students.
“Retreats provide an opportunity for everyone to hear the same information at the same time. This creates better coordination of clinical and educational management within the school. Plus, retreats allow interaction between faculty that is not possible in busy clinics and classrooms,” Morrison said. “Hopefully retired faculty and others will help enlarge the fund.”
Louise Veselicky, D.D.S., interim dean of the School of Dentistry, said, “This gift will allow for critical faculty gatherings through which consensus, educational opportunities, team building and communication can be enhanced – ultimately increasing the quality of all of our programs at the School of Dentistry and beyond.”
The Morrisons still reside in Morgantown where they are active supporters of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, the local Red Cross and Mon-Preston Literacy Volunteers. Don Morrison is a graduate of Drake University, the University of Iowa and Ohio State University. Mary Morrison is a graduate of Drake University and teaches cello and piano through the WVU Community Music Program. She is also on the music staff at Suncrest United Methodist Church and directs the handbell choir.
This gift was made through the WVU Foundation, a private non-profit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University.
Image Caption: Mary Morrison and Don Morrison, D.D.S., pose for a photo with Louise Veselicky, D.D.S., interim dean of the WVU School of Dentistry, in the foyer of the WVU Erickson Alumni Center.
