Introducing the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

We are pleased to announce significant new funding for Dentistry at Western. Seymour Schulich, philanthropist, entrepreneur and benefactor of the medical school has directed $3 million to support ongoing annual scholarships for students in the undergraduate Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program and the renovation of the main adult Dental Clinic.

The $3 million for Dentistry is part of $4 million brought forward from funds originally to be received by bequest from Mr. Schulich. In recognition of this new support for Dentistry and Mr. Schulich's total gift of $26 million, The University of Western Ontario has decided to permanently name the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at Western the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

The funding will enhance our ability to attract the best and brightest dental students, regardless of financial circumstances. In total, $2 million will be endowed to support 15 annual scholarships of $10,000 each to students in the DDS program, based on financial need. The first scholarships will be available in September 2007 to first-year students. (Please check back for the application form.)

$1 million will support the renovation of the Dental Clinic and complete the installation of 85 new operating suites. Western's President and the Dean's Office have committed an additional $300,000 each to satisfy the Campaign goal for the Clinic. The renovation will improve upon our outstanding clinical experience for students and will provide a comfortable, inviting environment for patients where students will acces the latest technology and equipment for treatment.

The remaining $1 million brought forward from the bequest will be endowed to support awards for teaching excellence across Medicine and Dentistry.

No academic, structural or administrative changes will be made with the name change. Dentistry will continue to have a Director who will serve as Associate Dean. All programs and clinics will continue in accordance with Dentistry's strategic plan.

Western has been seeking a donor to name the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry since 1998. In 2004, Mr. Schulich stepped forward with $26 million, largely to support medical students and graduate students in medical science. At that time, the medical school was renamed the "Schulich School of Medicine".

In developing our relationship with Mr. Schulich, he has come to better understand the nature of our merged organization and our need to support another important group of future health professionals - our dental students. He has also made a commitment to the quality of teaching through the Schulich Educator Awards. By mutual agreement, it was decided to go back to the original intention: to name Medicine and Dentistry as one entity. Faculty and student leaders in both Medicine and Dentistry were consulted and unanimously supported this recommendation.

We are encouraged by our ongoing partnership with Mr. Schulich. His generosity will ensure the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry continues the tradition of excellence begun more than 120 years ago at Western, and continues to develop tomorrow's leaders who will shape the future of health care.