He is a doctor, a dean, and an Army general, but to many people, Robert B. Shira (D.D.S. ’32) is so much more.

On October 15, 2000 , in Chicago , a Hall of Fame Dinner was held for Dr. Shira. This was the first International Hall of Fame Installation that was not a memorial. Shira was present with his family to receive the accolades of dentistry’s dignitaries from all generations from all over the world. Many came forward to take the opportunity to tell Shira how much they appreciated his career achievements for dentistry and what he meant personally in their lives.

Hall of Fame Chairman and past PFA President H. Raymond Klein opened the procedings with a history of the Hall of Fame and its venues. President Fred Halik presented the Hall of Fame plaque, for the first time ever, to the recipient himself.

John Haynes, (D.D.S. ‘60) professor and chair of pediatric dentistry, called Shira “a true innovator and leader, and he continues in that role today. He is a person that has really became involved with dentistry and education.”

To Shira, his achievements were what he expected of himself; to do less would have compromised his own standards. To him, this was not great, but what he needed to do. To the rest of dentistry, he is a giant among dentists and his fellow man.