Reflections

William C. Brokaw was born in Utica, Ohio, and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. After graduation, he returned home to Oberlin, Ohio, where he joined his father's dental practice. Restless, he entered the Army Dental Corps and worked in New Jersey, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Germany.

Brokaw served in the Army Dental Corps for more than 20 years before joining the faculty at Emory Dental School in Atlanta. He joined the general practice faculty at the VCU School of Dentistry in 1989 and remained on staff until his death on May 23, 1997, at age 57.

Brokaw's enthusiasm for general dentistry earned him many honors, including founding membership of the Certifying Board of General Dentistry, membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon and a consultant position to the Surgeon General of General Dentistry.

Brokaw was committed to helping others and found inspiration in the Jamaica Project. The project provides dental services to the rural population of Trelawny Parish in Jamaica. A passionate supporter of the project, Brokaw devoted his time, talent and funds. He ensured that students gained a positive experience when they participated in annual trips to Jamaica and that underserved Jamaican patients had their dental needs met.

Sonia Brokaw established this fund to honor the memory of her husband. The fund presents an annual award to a third- or fourth-year dental student who has committed significant time, energy and talent to the annual Jamaica trip.