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The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) celebrated the start of the fall 2021 semester during its annual Welcome Fair held Thursday, Aug. 12 in the newly opened Advanced Care Clinic building, which also features a student lounge, workout facility and student lockers.

SIU SDM students were treated to boxed lunches, games and t-shirts. They also had the opportunity to learn about available student support resources while visiting with Edwardsville campus representatives from Campus Recreation, Health Service, Counseling Services, Student Affairs and the Police Department.

“I’m excited to start this journey,” first year student Skylar Freeman, of Flora, shared. “I was nervous coming in, but everyone has welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve already started to learn the basics of dentistry. As first years, we’re excited to be in this beautiful space. The student lounge gives us a great place to get to know each other, hang out and do homework.”

“Our students go to school Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and spend a lot of time in our simulation lab and clinic,” explained Angela Pritchett, SIU SDM Director of admissions and student services. “Our newly reopened student lounge has computers, a ping pong table, and a pool table for students to unwind and relax during their breaks. We also gave our first and second-year students a new locker space, allowing them more room for storing and organizing their equipment.”

During the Welcome Event, SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook and Alton Mayor David Goins handed out free Oreo and Cookie Dough Blizzards® from Dairy Queen.

“This campus is a jewel for our community,” said Goins, an Alton native. “It was once one of our best kept secrets, but is no longer a secret due to its popularity and status as one of the best dental schools in the state and country. We’re proud to have this school in Alton, and I’m proud to be a part of this event while meeting the students.”

As students enjoyed the free refreshments, they expressed excitement for the year ahead.

“It feels good to be a fourth-year student,” shared Chino Erokwu, of Cleveland. “This new space is beautiful. It’s important to have a space like this, as we missed out on it last year due to COVID. We can finally gather and get to know each other better once more.”

“I’m excited to get started with the new year in a space like this,” added third-year Mohammad Doulea, of Oak Lawn. “COVID had an impact on us all, and we weren’t able to gather in a space like this. I’m looking forward to being back here fulltime.”

“As first years, we utilize this facility more than anyone else,” added Shara Harkless, of St. Louis. “We all get together in the student lounge for our online courses and spend lunchtime down here. I’m loving my time at SIU SDM so far.”

Photos: SIU SDM fourth-year students (L-R) Anastasia Kozal and Miranda Richards enjoy a sweet treat in the new student lounge on campus.

Alton Mayor David Goins offers greetings and a free Dairy Queen Blizzard® to second-year student Courtney Chapman.

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook greets first-year SIU SDM student Shara Harkless during the Welcome Event on the Alton campus.