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WVU School of Dentistry honors donors for outstanding support

The West Virginia University School of Dentistry welcomed 13 new members to the Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society during an induction ceremony and scholarship dinner Sept. 27 at Erickson Alumni Center.

Membership in the Society is extended to those who are loyal financial supporters and outstanding stewards of the school, contributing a major gift of $50,000 or more.

The 2024 Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society inductees are Dr. James J. and Karen Caveney, Dr. Brett and Melanie Eckley, Drs. Michael and Carrie Hazey, Dr. Lawrence and Traci Kalaskey, Dr. Mark Ortiz and Dr. Kelley Heal-Ortiz, Dr. Lorena Surber and Drs. Vince and Lauren Veltri.

group of people talking during a reception
Kent Digwe (center), a student in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program, talks with Dr. Moe Momen and Dr. Michael Hazey during the Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society induction reception. (WVU Photo/Davidson Chan)

This year’s celebration included the opportunity for student scholarship recipients to connect with donors and learn about each other’s academic and career journeys. Inductees also received a Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society pin and specially designed keepsake to signify their commitment to the School of Dentistry and advancing its mission.

The Society was founded in 2017, and the inaugural induction of Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society took place in 2022 to celebrate the donors and all who came before them to lead the way for maintaining excellence in education for the oral healthcare profession. Currently, the Society includes 72 members.

Individuals who are interested in supporting the WVU School of Dentistry in a significant way through a major gift should contact Director of Development Karen Coombs.

Photo: WVU School of Dentistry Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society inductees in attendance at the ceremony include (left to right) Dr. Brett Eckley, Dr. Michael Hazey, Dr. Carrie Hazey, Dr. Lorena Surber and Dr. Vince Veltri. (WVU Photo/Davidson Chan)