Dean Elham Emami has much to be proud of when reflecting on her first five-year term as head of the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences.
Under her leadership, the Faculty has maintained its strong community presence, enhanced its research performance and capacity, and changed its name to better reflect its innovative curriculum – a change that “communicates the important role we play in health and research,” says Dean Emami.
Recently reappointed for a second five-year term, Emami has yet another accomplishment to add to her list: she’s confirmed that she’s leaving a legacy gift – a gift in her will – in support of her Faculty. She is McGill’s first female dean – and the second dean after Robert Leckey, Dean of Law – to do so.
“I’m very happy to be the first woman dean at McGill to support my faculty in this way,” says Emami. “As dean I’ve become more and more aware of the needs of my students and faculty, and how important this kind of gift planning is to the continuity of our work.”
Dean Emami is an internationally recognized clinician-scientist whose research interests include prosthodontics, dental health care among rural and remote populations, and the impact of oral health on general health. She worked with remote populations in her native Iran before earning a master’s degree from the Université de Montréal (UdeM) as well as a PhD from UdeM and McGill.
Many people and experiences inspired Dean Emami’s philanthropy: her father, who was generous throughout his life; former dean Dr. Kenneth Bentley, who led the Faculty from 1977-87 and has a legacy gift of his own; and her strong desire to see both McGill and the Faculty thrive.
We at McGill have a history of excellence, and my hope is that my gift will help it continue. I know every gift – no matter how small – is helpful in advancing our mission.”
Emami hopes her fellow McGill faculty will consider leaving a legacy gift of their own to the university, encouraging deans to “take the lead and sow the seeds that others have put in place.”
“Legacy giving has the power to transform our students, advance our science and research, and better serve the public. I hope my fellow faculty members will continue this tradition.”
Support McGill’s Third Century. Leave a legacy gift today.