Dental School Inauguration

October is historically a 'Homecoming' month, and boy, did we 'do Homecoming' this October!  First it was KHS Homecoming weekend, then Truman Homecoming weekend, then finally ATSU Homecoming weekend (although they call it Founders Day weekend).  We wrapped up a month of homecoming celebrations in fine form.  :)

Thursday morning was the Inauguration Ceremony for the Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health (MOSDOH).  You may remember a bit about how this all came about from previous posts... specifically "A Hallelujah Day" and Ground breaking celebration.  To see it all come to fruition on this glorious blue-sky morning was literally a dream (or many dreams!) come true!  We were honored to be there (although we had no idea we would have seats on the front row!  We would have dressed better had we known!)   :)

The ceremony included two songs from The MEDleys, ATSU's student singing group - one of which was Shenandoah, Daddy's favorite!  The dear and wonderful Dr. George Blue-Spruce gave the blessing.  I had the honor of meeting him back in 2010 while visiting the ATSU campus in Mesa, AZ and was so glad to get the chance to visit with him again, even briefly.  He is an incredible man.

The MEDleys

Dr. Halliday and Dr. Blue-Spruce - two fine men.

The wonderful Dr. George Blue-Spruce

Dr. Halliday, dean of MOSDOH, shared a wonderful story about a commemorative coin that was given to each person in attendance that morning.

Dr. Chris Halliday

Then there was a genuine surprise.  I had just videoed The MEDleys singing Shenandoah so had my camera out.  President Phelps asked Mama and Daddy to stand and I thought it seemed like 'something' might be about to happen, so I started my camera going again.  :)  And good thing!  I was able to catch this... the announcement that the lobby of the MOSDOH building is being named in honor of Daddy AND Mama.  Truly lovely.  :)

Daddy and Mama in front of the beautiful new MOSDOH building

It was a terrific morning of celebration and we enjoyed sharing the time with so many wonderful folks. Especially happy to be with these two.

Here is a wonderful video clip from our local newspaper showcasing the newly constructed, world class dental school.



And here is a link to the newspaper article itself.

Then on Friday Daddy was honored with the KCOM Living Tribute award.  What a weekend!

Additionally, KCOM Alumni have commissioned a portrait to be painted of Daddy.  The artist was here in town last week to meet with Daddy and take photos to use as the guide for the portrait.  I can't wait to see it when it is completed!  (although it will be hard to beat the beautiful smile and blue sky in his Truman portrait!!)  :)

Below are several photos from the morning, but you can see all of my photos and a couple of video clips by clicking here.

before the ceremony - it was COLD!!

Hard to believe we were 'turning the dirt' on this very spot just 1 1/2 years ago!

Laura, Marvin, Jonathan and Jackson

Marvin, Mama and Virginia

Larry, Daddy and Mama

beautiful photo of the MOSDOH building

Laura, Marvin, Mama, and Daddy

The great John B. and Mama - love this fella!  :)

John, Mama, Daddy and Rebecca

Mama, Daddy and President Phelps

I love this photo of Daddy...  :)

Daddy, Mama and Marvin with the MOSDOH building behind them.