Honoring a Family Tradition of Dentistry

The Nassimbene family has deep ties to dentistry in Colorado. Jack Nassimbene, DDS, and Leo Nassimbene, DDS, MSD, third generation Coloradans, advocated tirelessly at the local and state dental association levels and state legislative levels for the creation of a dental school in Colorado. They were instrumental, along with the dental associations, in raising the funds needed to establish the institution that became known as the CU School of Dental Medicine, which welcomed its first class of students in 1973.

Leo Nassimbene, DDS, MSD, and Don Nassimbene, DDS

Dr. Jack Nassimbene rallied support from peers and family alike, and his passion for dentistry was infectious — he inspired four family members to pursue dental careers: his sister, Jean, and three cousins — Leo, Don and Ray Nassimbene. Between them, they represent more than 250 years of experience in the field.

Don Nassimbene, along with his brother, Leo, and cousins, made the decision to honor their family’s longstanding history and tradition of dentistry, while also supporting those entering the field. In 2019, Don established and funded the Nassimbene Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at the CU School of Dental Medicine, providing valuable resources to support the careers of aspiring young dentists for generations to come.

Jack Nassimbene (center) and Leo Nassimbene (back right) with Colorado Dental Association officers

The decision has been worthwhile and fulfilling, said Don, whose late son, Brad Nassimbene, graduated from the CU School of Dental Medicine in 1999 and later joined him in his Colorado practice. “It’s a challenge for dental students to afford their education, with the burden of student loans. Scholarships help remove some of the financial pressure on students and provide the resources they need to focus on their studies.”

Leo said he feels lucky for the support he had during his own educational journey. “When I was in dental school, my brother and I had a father who could afford to put us through,” he said. “Today, students owe so much. If scholarships can help them along – then that’s a wonderful thing.”

The inaugural recipient of the Nassimbene Family Endowed Scholarship is first-year dental student, Patrick Murphy. “I could not be more grateful and proud to be this year’s recipient. It is great to feel the unwavering support and a sense of community here at the dental school,” he said.

The Nassimbene family’s legacy will live on at the CU School of Dental Medicine, and their aspiration to support student success will make a lasting impact in the lives of future dental leaders and the patients they will serve.

Patrick said, “I look forward to being able to give back someday, just as the Nassimbene family has done. It is through the generosity of benefactors like them, that our world becomes a better place.”

Web extras available on full version