24 November 2025

---

Philanthropy in action: Scholarships empower future dental professionals

---

On Friday, November 7, 2025, more than 150 donors, students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis to celebrate student achievement and present scholarships—an occasion Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch described as a “wonderful union of philanthropy, scholarship, and service.”

Two new scholarships—the John and Lisa Hoffman Dental Scholarship and the Steven L. Hodges, DDS, Dental Scholarship—were among the 41 scholarships awarded to 62 students, totaling $226,000 in support. Dr. Sylvia Frazier-Bowers extended special thanks to the scholarship selection committee, which included Dr. Christine Downey, Dr. Vinicius Dutra, Melissa Evans, Sydney Reynoso, Dr. Priya Thomas, and Dr. Chandler Walker. Dr. Laura Romito, Professor Twyla Rader, and Melissa Evans facilitated the evening’s award presentations, while Dean Murdoch-Kinch and Dr. Frazier-Bowers conveyed the awards on stage.

“When our students aren’t in classes, labs, or clinics, they’re studying, attending review sessions, preparing for exams—or volunteering. Their rigorous and demanding schedule is why most cannot afford the time to take on regular, part-time jobs outside of school,” Murdoch-Kinch said, addressing donors in the room. “Your generosity helps them overcome financial barriers that might otherwise prevent them from pursuing a dental career. It also helps keep them in school—and sets them up for success. For this, we thank you.”

Students echoed that sentiment.

“This scholarship definitely eases some of the financial burden of dental school,” noted second-year DDS student Whitley Barkman, who received the Dr. James J. Fritts Predoctoral Dental Scholarship. “As most know, the cost of dental school is intimidating. Having some help in the financial department is always a bonus.”

Dental hygiene student Mercedeez Schultz received two scholarships during the event: the A. Rebekah Fisk Memorial Scholarship and the Elizabeth A. Huges Memorial Scholarship.

“These scholarships will allow me to focus more fully on my coursework, clinical training, and patient care without the added stress of financing my education,” Schultz shared. “They will help cover essential expenses such as tuition, clinical supplies, and board preparation materials.”

In her event remarks, Murdoch-Kinch noted that donor-funded scholarships often perpetuate a cycle of giving: “Through your support and example, you’re laying the foundation for students to pay it forward—building a cycle of giving back and inspiring the next generation of donors. The legacy of your impact multiplies through those you’ve helped today and those your scholarships will support in the future.”

This rang true for third-year DDS student Revati Suryawanshi, who received the Walter Ching Memorial Scholarship.

“This award means a great deal to me—not only because it helps ease the financial challenges of dental school, but because it reminds me that hard work and perseverance are recognized and supported by such a generous community,” she said. “It reminds me of the importance of giving back—something I strive to do throughout my professional life as a dentist.”

Schultz agreed, noting, “The investment in students such as myself helps shape the next generation of dental professionals, and it inspires me to one day give back in the same way.”

All three students thanked donors, sharing that these awards provide not only financial relief but also motivation and inspiration to succeed.

“This encouragement strengthens my determination to keep growing as a compassionate and community-oriented leader,” Suryawanshi said.

Author: Laura Klaum

Source: https://dentistry.iu.edu/