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Remembering a friendship that spanned decades Gainer’s dedication to her profession to be remembered
Remembering a friendship that spanned decades
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Judy Clarke (DH ’87, BSc DH ‘04) was a dental hygiene student when she first met Margaret (Marg) Wilson (DH ’71, Bed, MEd) in 1985. Little did they know at the time that this would mark the beginning of a 30-year-long beautiful friendship.
“Marg was a thoughtful, giving and compassionate friend. She was an amazing instructor,” says Clarke, adding it was Wilson who got her first involved in volunteering in a multitude of various local, provincial and national dental hygiene organizations and events. “For each organization I was involved in, Marg supported me along the way. This part of my dental hygiene career has been remarkable and I truly believe it would not have happened without Marg starting it off for me.”
So, when Clarke, a regular donor to the Dental Hygiene Alumni Chapter Student Bursary program, decided to setup an award, she could not think of anyone better to name it after.
In honour of her friend who passed away in 2017, Clarke created the Margaret Wilson Memorial Award in Dental Hygiene. This annual award will be awarded to the student in the final year of a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene who demonstrates leadership, community engagement, and is involved in extracurricular activities – all pillars of Wilson’s career as a dental hygienist and instructor.
“I wanted to continue to give back in more ways and the award is one such way. I have been blessed to have had an amazing career as a graduate of the program and I am honoured to have met people who started out as classmates and instructors and who are now colleagues and friends,” says Clarke. “I want the students to know that graduates of this program are proud U of A graduates. Dental hygiene is a fulfilling and rewarding career and we are willing to support the students who are carrying the profession forward.”
Wilson’s commitment to the dental hygiene profession is embedded deep in to the roots of the School of Dentistry. Known for always being involved in many aspects of the profession, naming the award after her just seemed right. Wilson was a volunteer, clinical professor and advocate.
Her students witnessed a caring person and educator who treated students with respect and compassion. She was able to make very intimidating experiences less threatening through her openness, professionalism and wacky sense of humour. And, for that, her students and colleagues remember her with great fondness says Clarke.
“Marg was a caring and loving friend who by just being around enriched my life and she was loved, and is missed by all those who were close to her,” says Clarke. “She was a true professional who committed her career to advancing our profession. Her leadership was an invaluable asset, her dedication and devotion unquestionable.”
Remembering a friendship that spanned decades
Margaret Wilson
Judy Clarke
