Press Release
Pecina Donates $300,000 to Dental Wing
South Bend dentist Dr. Roger S. Pecina has donated $300,000 to the new dental education wing at Indiana University South Bend that will be located in the renovated Education and Arts Building.
In recognition of his donation the dental education academic and clinical spaces will be named the Roger S. Pecina Dental Educational Clinic and Afdent Classrooms. Dr. Pecina’s gift is part of a $1 million campaign launched by IU South Bend to equip the dental hygiene wing with the educational tools and technology needed by today’s students studying oral health.
“Dr. Pecina’s generosity will help IU South Bend enhance the education and skills of the next generation of dental hygienists,” said Doug McMillen, interim dean of the School of Health Sciences at IU South Bend.
“I feel blessed to be able to help further the opportunities for young people to become involved in dentistry,” said Dr. Pecina. “The services available to our community will be outstanding.”
IU South Bend has provided quality education for dental hygienists for more than 40 years. Each year IU South Bend accepts and graduates approximately 30 students from the dental hygiene program. About 60 percent of dental hygienists in the area are graduates of IU South Bend. The dental clinic also provides low cost oral health care to local residents in need. Services include cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays and sealants. This program provides students with hands-on experience and fills an important need in the community. The clinic treats more than 2,500 patients a year.
The $22 million renovation of the Education and Arts Building is scheduled to be completed next summer and open for classes in fall 2013. In addition to the dental education program, the building will house the School of Education and fine arts programs from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts.
The campaign for the dental education wing continues under the leadership of local dentists Dr. Bill Gitlin and Dr. Harvey Weingarten. If you are interested in making a contribution please contact Anne McGraw in the Development Office at IU South Bend at admcgraw@iusb.edu or 574-520-4801.
