In Memoriam

Ms. E. Jane Ammee

Ms. E. Jane Amme passed away peacefully on July 9, 2021. Ms. Ammee attended the University of Iowa and graduated from the dental hygiene program in 1957. Before starting her career at the college in 1976, she worked as a dental hygienist in Jacksonville, Florida. She served the college faithfully and retired as professor emeritus in 2007. She could not stay in retirement for long and quickly came back to the college as a part-time faculty member and officially retired in 2017. Ms. Amme will be remembered as a beloved faculty member who left a mark on all of those that she mentored in her career, including those in periodontics.

Mark Andregg, D.D.S. Mark Andregg, D.D.S., along with his beloved wife and son, passed away on April, 23, 2021 in a plane crash. He was born in Hays, Kansas, on Sept. 7, 1965. Dr. Andregg was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and later went on to the University of Missouri-Kansas City to earn his dental degree and then Northwestern University in Chicago to receive his orthodontic degree. He was an outstanding orthodontist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Him and his family are greatly missed by those who knew them.

Dr. Ramiz Cohlmia Sr.

Ramiz “Ray” Cohlmia, D.D.S., passed away peacefully on April 28, 2021. He was born July 13, 1929 in Gate, Oklahoma. From 1951 to 1953, Dr. Cohlmia served as a corporal in the U.S. Army. After serving in the Army, he attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and later graduated from Baylor Dental School in 1959. Dr. Cohlmia moved to Oklahoma City, where he started his private practice and retired at the age of 87. He was married to the love of his life, Sameera Shadid, for 62 years. Dr. Cohlmia was an active member in the dental community, serving on multiple different societies and associations.

William Croom, D.D.S. On Dec. 25, 2021, we lost a beloved faculty member, William Croom, D.D.S. Dr. Croom, a clinical professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, was a highly respected faculty member of the OU College of Dentistry. He joined the college in 2009 after 37 years in private practice. A kind, compassionate, and gentle soul, he was much loved by the faculty, staff, students and residents who were fortunate to work with him over during his seven years at the school.

Dr. Steve Sullivan, chair of the Department of Surgical Sciences, described Dr. Croom as a “consummate professional and gentleman. He loved his family, his profession… and the students he had the pleasure of teaching. He was a great friend who will be genuinely missed.”

Donald Welk, D.D.S. Donald Welk, D.D.S., passed away on Jan. 7, 2022. Dr. Welk was a founding faculty member of the OU College of Dentistry, joining the faculty on Feb. 1, 1971. During his tenure, he served as chair of Restorative Dentistry. He retired on Feb. 1, 2001, at which time he was granted the honorable title of professor emeritus. For many years after his retirement, Dr. Welk continued to work as a dentist with the Indian Health Service in Talihina, Oklahoma.

Upon hearing of his passing, Dean Emeritus Stephen Young said, “He was instrumental in developing the college’s curriculum and establishing a culture of excellence. He also played a major role in recruiting amazing faculty. Dr. Welk was also known to be a highly talented dentist, a well-respected colleague and faculty member, and a friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him!”