Brauers Present Portrait of Dean Brauer to School
The Brauer Hall entrance foyer was the setting for a very special event on Oct. 3: Dr. Jim Brauer, DDS Class of 1962 and the son of Dean John C. Brauer, traveled with his wife, Beverly, from their California home to present one of his mother’s favorite portraits of Dean Brauer to the School.
Dean John N. Williams stands with Dr. Jim Brauer and his wife, Beverly. The Brauers travelled from California to present a “family favorite” portrait of Dean John C. Brauer to the School of Dentistry.
Dean John N. Williams and Dr. Brauer spoke to a group of 50 School faculty, staff, students and alumni who had gathered in the sunny foyer for a ceremony honoring the Brauers’ gift. Some in attendance gave their own personal comments on Dean Brauer’s influence. Dean Williams and Dr. Brauer then unveiled the portrait to loud applause, and a reception followed.
The watercolor portrait, featuring vibrant yellow, blue and red, speaks to Dean Brauer’s personality, said his son.
“When he walked into a room, there was something different about the room. He had such intelligence and charisma. He got more than his share.”
Dean Brauer led the School of Dentistry with remarkable vision, attention to excellence and a determination that this School would also generate knowledge to contribute to the world’s understanding of oral health, Dean Williams said.
“There are many people within our School community, some of whom were present for this joyful ceremony, who knew Dean Brauer personally and counted him a crucial mentor in their careers. This was, truly, a very special day in the life of our School, one that we will remember for a long time.”
Dean Brauer led the School of Dentistry from 1950 through 1966. During his service as the School’s first dean, he guided the School through tremendous change, including significant increases in student enrollment, the creation of buildings serving education and research missions and the establishment of the Dental Faculty Practice. Dean Brauer passed away in April 1971.
The portrait will replace a smaller portrait currently installed in the foyer.
