EL PASO, TEXAS: A full-ride scholarship for the Hunt School of Dental Medicine has been announced in memory of the late Dr. H.V. Whitehill, a revered endodontist who served the El Paso community for over three decades.
The scholarship, announced during the annual Season of Thanks luncheon hosted by Texas Tech Health El Paso, has been established by Deborah Whitehill, Dr. Whitehill’s widow and a prominent figure in the local dental community, covering four years of tuition and fees for an El Paso student committed to practising in the region.
Addressing the event, Ms Whitehill reflected on her husband’s passion for dentistry and his dedication to the community. “He was creating future dentists by making visits fun for children,” she said, emphasising the importance of continuing his legacy through this initiative.
The luncheon unites community leaders, donors, and scholarship recipients to celebrate the transformative impact of educational support. This scholarship is the first of its kind at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Richard Black, Dean of Texas Tech Health El Paso, lauded the initiative, saying it will have a lasting impact on dental education and health care in the Borderplex region. “This gift ensures that future health care professionals will carry forward a legacy of service and excellence,” he said.
The luncheon also celebrated achievements across Texas Tech Health El Paso’s schools. Joshua Torres, a fourth-year medical student at the Foster School of Medicine, shared his inspiring journey, highlighting how scholarships like the Paul and Alejandra Foster Scholarship helped him focus on his studies and clinical training.
“This support allowed me to dedicate myself fully to becoming the kind of physician I aspire to be,” Torres said, attributing his success to the generosity of donors.
The Season of Thanks celebration underscored the critical role of community support in shaping the next generation of health care leaders while reinforcing Texas Tech Health El Paso’s mission of compassion and gratitude.
