I’M NOT SURE WHY, but when summer turns to fall and the heat finally relents to cool autumn days, a wave of nostalgia flows through me. I am taken back to my high school, college and especially dental school days. Those dental school days I’m reminded of are now more than 20 years ago, the early days of internet and cellphones. I remember filling out financial aid forms, taking out loans and lamenting the high cost of higher education. When I received word I had been given a Rinehart scholarship my first semester at UMKC SOD, I was surprised and thankful. The alumni fund certainly eased my burden, and I was touched by the generosity. And then I think about the plight of dental students today, especially in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. My burden 20 years ago seems minuscule compared with that of the current student. As many of you know, the amount of dental student debt is staggering. The pandemic has only increased the stress and burden on current students. The Roy J. Rinehart Foundation mission is to support these students, in addition to faculty and staff, through scholarships, endowments and professional development.

An example of this support is the Student and Staff Emergency Fund, which has been set up recently with the goal to help students and staff in emergency situations where they are experiencing financial hardship. Through this fund, I am proud to say that the foundation helped many students during this difficult time. Fourth-year dental students were unable to start work because of postponed board exams, and many other students who had jobs during school were unable to work those jobs because of the pandemic. The stories I have read on the applications are heart-wrenching and I am glad the school has this avenue to support its students.

I encourage all of you, as I do this time of year, to take a step back to your college days and remember what it was like to be a student. The roller-coaster ride of highs and lows, the fun and the stress. And remember those who helped and guided you through mentorship and generosity. Obviously, the current students need our help now, more than ever. Thank you from the Rinehart Committee, the staff and especially the students at UMKC SOD!

Dr. David Suchman (DDS ’00)
Chair, Rinehart Foundation