Dear friends and fellow alumni,
Though we may not have met before, we share a connection to the UT Orthodontics Department at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Dentistry - or the Dental Branch for some of us. We are writing to you as former or current board members of the Alumni Association and The Orthodontic Foundation, as well as current faculty under the leadership of the fabulous Dr. Jeryl English.
You may have heard that Jerry is retiring in January 2023 after serving as our Chairman since September 2001. His more than twenty years of leadership follows the legacy of Dr. AP Westfall, who founded the department in 1956 and served as chair through 1973, and Dr. Dan C. West, who served in the department under Dr. Westfall and then as chair from 1973 to 1995.
In recognition of the department's reputation he has expanded over the last two decades, we are fundraising for a Texas-sized gift to show Jerry our gratitude for his many years of service. Upon retirement, both Drs. Westfall and West received automobiles as a token of appreciation from the alumni. As Dr. English is always a traditionalist, we have decided to continue this custom and our goal is to purchase his choice of a Lexus RX350. To meet this goal, we are hoping to collect $75,000 from our alumni and friends. Any funds received beyond this amount will be given to Dr. English when he receives the keys to his car.
Donations may be made in full or separated into automatic monthly payments. If you would prefer to pay via check, they may be addressed to Jeryl English and mailed to: Jerry English, care of Ellis Moon Orthodontics at 2015 E. Broadway Street, Suite A, Pearland, Texas 77581. To help meet our goal, a suggested donation amount is $1,000 per graduate under Dr. English, but feel free to give as you feel led and are financially able. We are asking for all submissions to be made by Thanksgiving on November 24, 2022 to provide time to acquire the vehicle. Please note that since the direct beneficiary of your donation is an individual and not a charitable organization, donations will not be tax deductible.
A cocktail reception will be held in honor of Dr. English on the evening of February 3, 2023 directly following the Dan West Century Club meeting, thanking him for his many years of service. Tickets may be purchased when registering for the meeting; registration and Century Club dues will be posted at a later date. We hope to see you in February and at our other alumni gatherings!
Please feel free to email the committee at DrEnglish@orthoalumni.com if you have any questions or plan on making a contribution after Thanksgiving. These emails will be received by the planning committee; if you would like to reach out to Dr. English, please contact him directly through the department.
With fond memories of residency,
Randy Ellis, Class of 1998
Ben Cozad, Class of 2013
Audrey Moon, Class of 2014
Lacey Harris, Class of 2015
