The Kottemann Gallery of Dentistry, featuring historic dental artifacts and exhibits on the UIC College of Dentistry's impact on the history of dentistry, opens this month with a reception and remarks by Sylvia Manning, UIC chancellor; Bruce Graham, dean of the College; Sid Micek, president of the University of Illinois Foundation; and George and Norma Kottemann, the gallery's benefactors.

Friday Oct. 27 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

UIC College of Dentistry 801 S. Paulina St., Room 511

Occupying a 1,000-square-foot space on the fifth floor of the UIC College of Dentistry, the Kottemann Gallery features graphics and exhibits demonstrating the college's historical role in advancing the dental profession, as well as displays on current research initiatives and clinical advances.

"This gallery demonstrates to all that the UIC College of Dentistry is not just any dental school, but a research, teaching and public service institution that has and will have a significant impact on dentistry throughout the world," said Bruce S. Graham, dean of the college. "It will be vital to our recruitment of faculty, students and donors, and gives us a new, attractive space for meetings, lectures and social gatherings."

"In its first half-century, the college attracted some of dentistry's top research and teaching leaders, like Dr. Isaac Schour and Dr. Allan G. Brodie," said Mark J. Valentino, assistant dean for advancement and alumni affairs. "These names in dentistry are like the names Washington and Jefferson in government and politics."

The Kottemann Gallery was created largely thanks to a gift of more than $200,000 from George Kottemann, a UIC College of Dentistry alumnus, and his wife, Norma.