The Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) dental school has received a $5.1 million gift from the late Wilbur Van Zile, DDS, professor emeritus and the first graduate residency program director for the OHSU School of Dentistry Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS).
The bequest from the Van Zile estate is the largest private donation in the dental school's 112-year history.
Beginning in the fall of 2011, the dental school will select up to four OMFS residents each year to receive a Wilbur N. and Ruth H. Van Zile Scholarship, which will fund all the tuition charges for the OMFS advanced specialty program curriculum. If funds remain after the OMFS resident scholarships are awarded, the bequest allows the School of Dentistry to award additional scholarships to third- and fourth-year dental students, with preference given to dental students interested in and pursuing oral and maxillofacial surgery training.
"This bequest creates an unprecedented opportunity to attract and support the students with the highest potential to enrich our student body and enhance oral surgical patient care," OHSU Foundation President Allan Price said.
