Peers applaud pioneering professionals
A pair of pioneering professionals shared the spotlight on Friday night, Sept. 19, at the 2014 Alumni of Distinction awards evening, the annual celebration of excellence at the University of Manitoba’s College of Dentistry.
Dr. William (Bill) Christie
Dr. William (Bill) Christie and Ms. Sheryl Feller are the 2014 recipients of one of the province’s most prestigious awards in the oral health community. Both have enjoyed long and well-rounded careers that have had considerable impact on their respective professions.
“The criteria of the Alumni of Distinction award calls for exemplary service to the profession and the community and our recipients this year clearly have achieved this, and then some,” says Kyle Gauthier, president of the University of Manitoba Dental Alumni Association, co-sponsor of the event along with the College of Dentistry.
Christie’s long and distinguished career covers virtually every aspect of the oral health care, in addition to a volume of service within the broader community. His professional service includes extensive involvement in many high profile oral health organizations including the International College of Dentists. For well over 30 years, the member of the college’s Class of 1964 served as senior editor of several significant oral health publications in the province.
“Bill’s contributions are lengthy and well documented,” says Anthony Iacopino, Dean, College of Dentistry, “and he has certainly earned the respect and admiration of his peers throughout his great career.”
Sheryl Feller
A long-time educator, administrator, management consultant and clinical practitioner, Sheryl Feller set several benchmarks both for women and dental hygiene professionals in Manitoba. She was the first woman in Manitoba to earn the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation and the first to serve as President of a provincial institute of CMC consultants. She is also the recipient of two entrepreneurship awards from Women Business Owners of Manitoba and the Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Dental Hygienists’ Association. Feller is a gold medal graduate of the School of Dental Hygiene (1970).
“Sheryl is an awesome example of how far your career can progress if you explore the opportunities that come from education and dedication,” says professor Mary Bertone, director of the school.
Dr. Christie and Ms. Feller were presented with their Alumni of Distinction honours on Friday, September 19 at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg. The evening included a tribute to Dr. Christie’s Class of 1964 who marked their Golden Anniversary of graduation at this prestigious event.