Leaving a Legacy: Dr. Ronald and Barbara Winder

For 35 years, Dr. Ronald and Barbara Winder of Tulsa have been devoted supporters of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

“We believe in giving back. It is an important part of our lives to help others,” said Dr. Winder. “The opportunity to be involved in dentistry has provided so much to us that we feel an obligation to help those who will be replacing us.”

The Winders have faithfully donated to the scholarship that bears their name since 1998, and they have both chosen to establish planned gifts that will benefit the OU College of Dentistry. Since the scholarship was created, over 20 dental students have been awarded the Dr. Ronald and Barbara Winder Scholarship.

“Planned giving provides us the opportunity to make a large one-time donation that will likely have a significant impact on the college," said Dr. Winder. We made this decision about 10 years ago when revising our wills and trusts, and realizing it was time to make some end-of-life decisions. Planned giving allows us the flexibility to give to the College of Dentistry without the concern of needing the resources in the future. Life expectancy is an unknown for all of us, and this allows us peace of mind in planning our future.”

Dr. Winder completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma and received his doctor of surgery degree from Baylor in 1973. He established his dental practice in Tulsa, where he served the community for 44 years until his retirement in 2018. Throughout his career, Dr. Winder stayed connected with the OU College of Dentistry, especially the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, by teaching in the clinic for several years and giving lectures to junior dental students.

“I have always thought it important that Oklahoma have an excellent dental program that can provide well-trained dentists and dental hygienists to our state,” said Dr. Winder. “Teaching and attending lectures at the school has enhanced my own lifelong learning.”

Barbara has also been an enthusiastic supporter of and advocate for the College of Dentistry over the past several decades. Barbara is an OU graduate with a degree in education, and has a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. She is passionate about education as well as access to health care in Oklahoma.

“In the short time that I have known Ron and Barbara, I have come to appreciate the genuine passion they have for the profession of dentistry and their love for the state,” said Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean. “Ron travelled from Tulsa to Oklahoma City once a month to teach in the pediatric clinic and supported students through the scholarship set up by him and his wife. Barbara wholeheartedly supported his endeavors. As a successful businesswoman herself, Barbara joined Ron in his financial support of the school and its various missions. Their generous gift will significantly impact the future of dentistry.

"On behalf of the OU College of Dentistry, I am grateful for the generous support Dr. and Mrs. Winder have provided throughout the years. Their contributions have provided scholarships to well-deserving dental students, which helps to ease the financial burden of attending dental school. By providing a planned gift in their estate, Dr. and Mrs. Winder are leaving a lasting legacy that will impact countless students for generations to come.”

To learn more about how you can leave a legacy with the OU College of Dentistry, Taylor Lingle, Sr. director of development, at taylor-lingle@ouhsc.edu.

Delta Dental of Oklahoma Provides a Cumulative $1 Million in Scholarships to OU College of Dentistry

Delta Dental of Oklahoma and the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation awarded $108,000 in scholarships to 15 students for the 2021-2022 academic year.

The awarding of this year’s scholarships equates to a cumulative amount of more than $1 million in scholarships received by dental students at the college over the past 20 years from Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its foundation. This is also the first year scholarships from Delta Dental of Oklahoma are being awarded to dental hygiene students.

“For more than 20 years, Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its foundation have been incredible supporters of the University of Oklahoma and the College of Dentistry,” said Amy Noah, vice president and chief advancement officer for the OU Foundation. “Their continued generosity and desire to invest in the future of our students is truly admirable, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated partner.”

Last year marked a major milestone as the 20th year of the Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its foundation’s annual scholarship program. Established in 2001, the program provides scholarships to well-deserving dental and dental hygiene students planning to practice within Oklahoma after graduation.

“The college is grateful to Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its foundation for their incredible generosity,” said Paul M.

Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean. “Without their support, so many of our college’s programs would cease to exist. Similarly, the scholarships awarded to our dental and dental hygiene students help to significantly offset the rising cost of dental school and help to equip our students with the skills needed to serve their patients.”

Students who received a scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year include:

• Carley Abbott, DS3 (Noble, Oklahoma)

• Conner Brasher, DS4 (Edmond, Oklahoma)

• Britney Brzoticky, DH2, (Weatherford, Oklahoma)

• Madison Campbell, DS4 (Alva, Oklahoma)

• Emily Forthun, DH2 (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

• Tanna Heddlesten, DS2 (McAlester, Oklahoma)

• Jack Koszykowski, DS2 (Oologah, Oklahoma)

• Alissa Meadows, DH2 (Edmond, Oklahoma)

• Lauren Means, DS4 (Lawton, Oklahoma)

• Zane Mills, DS2 (Sedan, Kansas)

• Preston Patrick, DS2 (Tahlequah, Oklahoma)

• Chelsea Saffo, DS2 (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma)

• Meghan Souders, DH2 (Tulsa, Oklahoma)

• Thanh Truong, DS4 (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma)

• Teresa Vu, DS3 (Wewoka, Oklahoma)