EL PASO, Texas – As the Hunt School of Dental Medicine prepares for its historic first graduation, the GECU Foundation has made a significant contribution to support the next generation of dental professionals. Announcing a generous $325,000 donation on February 18, the GECU Foundation’s gift boosts its total commitment to Texas Tech Health El Paso to $425,000 in 2025. This new contribution will fund scholarships and the dental patient fund, following a $100,000 donation made in January during the Hunt School of Nursing’s White Coat Ceremony.
This latest donation highlights the GECU Foundation’s continued dedication to strengthening the local healthcare workforce and improving access to dental education in the region. The announcement was made at a brunch celebrating the inaugural class of dental students, the Class of 2025, as they approach their historic commencement in May.
The GECU Foundation’s support reflects its long-term belief in the vision and importance of the dental school. Crystal Long, GECU President and CEO, emphasized how the establishment of the Hunt School of Dental Medicine provides an invaluable opportunity for local students to pursue high-quality dental education close to home. “The presence of the school in El Paso and the Borderplex region ensures students can receive top-tier education without leaving their community,” said Long.
Since 2001, GECU and the GECU Foundation have donated more than $900,000 to Texas Tech Health El Paso. This ongoing collaboration has played a vital role in enhancing healthcare access and educational opportunities along the U.S.-Mexico border. Notably, the GECU Foundation’s previous $323,000 gift in 2021 helped establish scholarships for Hunt School of Dental Medicine students.
The school, along with its partners, generates an annual economic impact of over $864 million and supports more than 4,500 jobs in the region, emphasizing the importance of investments that improve the area’s economic, healthcare, and educational systems.
Honoring the Inaugural Class
The brunch also honored the first cohort of dental students, who have navigated the unique challenges of being pioneers in the program. With no upperclassmen to guide them, the Class of 2025 set their own academic and clinical standards, while also fostering a tight-knit community.
“The Hunt School of Dental Medicine’s inaugural class has shown exceptional resilience, leadership, and dedication to our community,” Long remarked. “Investing in their education not only supports their future but also strengthens the future of dental care in our region.”
Three members of this class—Michelle Ortiz, Paulette Ramirez, and Steven Venzor—were the inaugural recipients of GECU Scholarships, and all three have deep ties to El Paso. For Ortiz, dentistry was a family dream. Her mother studied dentistry in Mexico but did not complete her degree. Ortiz’s GECU Scholarship allowed her to pursue her own goal of becoming a dentist and reduce the financial burden of dental school. She plans to serve the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tigua Native American tribe after graduation.
Ramirez, who entered dental school with personal patient experiences and a background as a surgical dental assistant, credits the scholarship for easing the financial strain and allowing her to focus on her education. After completing her studies, Ramirez plans to work in a clinic where she can continue serving her community.
Venzor, who was initially headed to Texas A&M’s dental school, chose Texas Tech Health El Paso after receiving a GECU scholarship. With the scholarship covering almost half of his tuition, he was able to gain extensive clinical experience, including over a dozen endodontic procedures. Venzor will join El Paso Dentistry 4 Kids after graduation, with the goal of becoming a comprehensive general dentist for families in his hometown.
Pioneering Achievement
The Class of 2025 has redefined dental education in West Texas. These 40 pioneering students began treating patients in their first semester, two years earlier than traditional dental programs. Since the opening of the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic in 2021, students have provided over 6,000 low-cost procedures and accumulated nearly 60,000 clinical hours annually.
This inaugural class, composed of 63% multilingual students and 57% first-generation college students, directly addresses the severe shortage of dentists in West Texas, where the dentist-to-population ratio stands at one per 4,840 residents, significantly higher than the national average of one per 1,638.
Ten members of the class have secured competitive post-graduate residencies at prestigious dental schools such as Yale, the University of Washington, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Thanks to the continued support of organizations like the GECU Foundation, the Hunt School of Dental Medicine is shaping the future of dental care in the region and providing students with the resources they need to succeed both academically and professionally.
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