William B. Dragan, founder of Centrix, Inc., a leading manufacturer of dentistry products based in Shelton, CT, has pledged $25,000 for scholarships at the Fones School of Dental Hygiene. Under the grant, Centrix 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.
For 2010-2011, the University of Bridgeport and Fones School recently awarded the latest Centrix scholarship to recipient, Melissa Whiting. Centrix presented the award to Melissa Whiting during a Fones School visit to Centrix on April 26, 2011 in the presence of fellow students and faculty. Melissa is a Connecticut resident and an undergraduate student actively pursuing her Associate degree in dental hygiene. Once she completes her Associate degree, she plans to actively complete her Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Her GPA is 3.761. Melissa was unanimously supported by the faculty to receive this scholarship. She is highly regarded by her peers. She is an excellent student, has a positive outlook on dentistry and dental hygiene and has an outstanding personality. She is very professional and does well clinically and didactically. A team player yet works well independently and is a self-starter.
This is the 2nd annual scholarship award of $1,500 to a deserving student who meets the selection criteria established for the Scholarship. The University of Bridgeport also matched Centrix’s contribution with an additional scholarship award of $1,500 to the student.
The William B. Dragan Scholarship must be used for tuition, books or supplies necessary to complete degree programs in dental hygiene. Matching scholarship awards provided by the University of Bridgeport may be applied to tuition, books, or supplies required for dental hygiene degree programs. Scholarships will only be awarded to students enrolled in dental hygiene degree programs at the University of Bridgeport based on the following criteria: the student must have completed at least 30 semester hours; meet eligibility requirements for financial aid; be a resident of Connecticut, with preference given to a student from the greater Bridgeport area; have a GPA of 3.00 or higher; and demonstrate good behavior and character.
“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. “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.”
“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.