Editing staff and publisher

President's Message, Volume 4 "Nothing is permanent but change." Sounds like something Yogi Berra would say, but the Greek philosopher Heraclitus beat him to it by about 2,500 years. There are many changes evident at UMDNJ, NJDS, and the Dental Alumni Association worth mentioning. First, Stuart D. Cook, M.D., is the new president of UMDNJ. Dr. Cook has a calming, caring, and committed presence that instills confidence that UMDNJ will continue its rise into the upper echelons of American universities. The Dental Alumni Association welcomes Dr. Cook and is confident that the excellent relationship we have enjoyed for the past 26 years with the University president will not only continue but will be enhanced. We wish Dr. Cook good fortune in his new position. We all will benefit from his success. Meanwhile, the following respected NJDS faculty members are retiring or significantly cutting back their time at the school: Drs. Gordon Chaney, Al Ford, William Nicholas ('66), Gerald Mohl ('66), Armand Ricciardelli ('66), and Harris Silverstein. We wish them happiness and good health. I've noticed another change. Our alumni have become more involved in Association activities, shown an increased interest in the Association's mission and goals, and have helped establish the Association as an influential entity within both the University and organized dentistry. While we have made significant strides in these areas, we still encourage all alumni to join with their classmates to strengthen the Dental Alumni Association. There is also change ahead for the Dental Alumni Association. In June, new officers will be inducted: Dr. Peter DeSciscio ('85), president; Dr. Mimi Vella ('63), president-elect; and Dr. Kim Fenesy ('86), vice president. A new secretary/treasurer will be elected. New bylaws of the Association are being developed. Please take time to consider the new bylaws and the nominees presented to you. Both shape the direction of your Association. Finally, I'd like to thank you for allowing me to serve as your president. This Association has thrived these past months through the efforts of many people. A special "thank you" to Dr. Art Crosta ('67); Dr. Mimi Vella ('63); Dr. Celi Ziemba ('89); Ms. Carolyn Dennis-Phillips; and Dean Robert Saporito. Also, a very special THANK YOU to my wife, Debbie, who has endured more than she needed to during my tenure. At a particularly difficult time, when asked "How's Debbie," my response would be, "I don't know. I think she's left me, but I haven't been home to find out." Good luck, much success, health, and happiness!   Joseph A. Battaglia, D.M.D. ('79), President, New Jersey Dental School Alumni Association   (Go back to the top)