William B. Dragan, founder of Centrix, Inc., a leading manufacturer of dentistry products, last spring pledged $25,000 for scholarships at the Fones School of Dental Hygiene. On Friday, he visited the school to personally congratulate student Castelin DeCamps, who was selected to receive the first of the new $1,500 awards.
Named in honor of Dragan, the scholarships will be awarded to one dental hygiene student annually who demonstrates financial need and academic excellence. To qualify for the awards, students also must be residents of Connecticut and must have completed 30 semester hours.
DeCamps, of Bridgeport, is a second year student who will receive her bachelor’s degree in May 2010.
“It is our pleasure to give this scholarship to students of dental hygiene and to increase awareness and prevention of dental diseases,” said Centrix President Bill Dragan, who also attended the event. “My father has contributed to the improvement of dental health throughout his career, both through the company he founded and through his dental practice. It is my hope that the recipients of these William B. Dragan Scholarships will continue in his footsteps of service, to improve the art and profession of dental care.”
Under the grant, the Shelton, Conn., company will fund the endowment over a period of time. In the interim, Centrix and the University of Bridgeport each will award $1,500 scholarships annually for dental hygiene students.
Dr. Dragan founded Centrix in 1970 with the idea of creating products that make dentistry easier. Today, Centrix products are distributed in 53 countries around the world.
“Centrix’s generous gift enables us to reward those students who, by their exemplary work and dedication to the profession of dental hygiene, will be among tomorrow’s best health care providers,” said Fones School Dean Meg Zayan.