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This fund was created to ensure financial stability and growth for the specialty's certifying board. |
What is the Bowers Fund?
The Gerald M. Bowers Endowment Fund for the ABP was created to ensure financial stability and growth for the specialty's certifying board. Launched in 2001, the goal is to raise $1.5 million in five years.
Interest from the endowment will be used to enhance the board's testing capabilities, extend certifying opportunities to a larger pool of applicants, and pursue other activities that strengthen the specialty by encouraging periodontists to pursue board certification.
Can you tell me more about Gerald M. Bowers?
By naming its newly launched $1.5 million endowment campaign fund after Gerald M. Bowers, the AAP Board recognized one of periodontology's greatest figures. Well-known for his unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, Dr. Bowers received the Gold Medal Award in 1992 and the Master Clinician Award in 2000. He is also a tireless worker on behalf of the Academy where he has worked on numerous committees, in workshops, and as past director and chairman of the American Board of Periodontology. In addition, Dr. Bowers extended his efforts to include service on ADA commissions and councils.
Dr. Bowers retired from the Naval Dental Corps in 1974 as a captain. He then became professor and director of the postgraduate program in periodontics at the University of Maryland until his retirement in 1998.
"Certification is the embodiment of professional excellence. To have my name associated with a campaign that directly supports board certification is truly an honor," says Dr. Bowers. "So many of my colleagues are equally qualified for such an honor, so it is with tremendous gratitude and humility that I receive the recognition. My hope is that the campaign meets-and exceeds-its goals, thereby ensuring that ABP certification continues to exemplify the quality of care periodontology stands for."
Are pledges recognized at different levels?
Yes. Individual 5-year pledges are recognized at the following levels:
Diamond ($25,000 and more)
Amethyst ($10,000-$24,999)
Sapphire ($5000-$9999)
Ruby ($1000-$4999)
Supporter ($999 and less)
Corporate 5-year pledges are recognized at these levels:
Diamond ($250,000 and more)
Amethyst ($100,000-$249,999)
Sapphire ($50,000-$999,999)
Ruby ($25,000-$49,999)
Supporter ($24,999 and less)
Do I need to write a check right now?
No. You may make a pledge and write a check at a later date. We will send you a reminder upon receipt of your pledge. Or, you may activate your pledge with a check or a charge to your Visa/MasterCard account. You will then be notified annually for the next four years regarding your annual pledge amount due. Some members prefer to fulfill their pledge at once, with their initial gift.
In addition, planned gifts can be designated to the Bowers fund. These gifts will be recognized in the Visionary Society as well.
Gerald M. Bowers Fund Commitment Form
Visionary Society Commitment Form
What recognition do I receive as a Bowers Fund donor?
Your name will appear in the roster of donors published periodically in Periospectives Magazine, the Academy's website, and in the Foundation annual report. We will recognize you in complete accordance with your wishes
All donors to the fund will receive a specially designed gold lapel pin.
Where can I obtain additional information?
If you would like more information about the Gerald M. Bowers Endowment Fund for the ABP or additional copies of the pledge form to share with family and colleagues, please contact:
Robert Vitas
Executive Director
American Academy of Periodontology Foundation
737 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 800-282-4867, ext. 3256 or 312-573-3256
Private fax: 312-787-3983
Email: bob@perio.org