The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association has established the Scott and Susan Huffman Endowed Scholarship Fund, named in honor of their executive director, J. Scott Huffman, and his wife Susan.

The announcement was made by Dr. Bruce Camp, association president, during the group’s annual Alumni Weekend. In an interesting twist, it came as a surprise to Scott Huffman, who usually coordinates the establishment of endowments.

Dr. Stanley Beard, former association president and current Leadership Council member, worked with the university’s advancement office to establish the fund without Huffman’s knowledge. He said that the members wanted to honor Huffman for his years of dedicated service to the association and his wife, Susan, for her loyalty and support – and they wanted it to be a surprise.

“Scott Huffman has an innate ability to make everyone feel that they are his best friend, and rightly so – as he has been a best friend for the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association,” said Beard. “His gift of commanding benevolence for dentistry from dental professionals proudly displays the generosity of our profession which Scott has evoked from each of us. He, his wife, and his entire team are the true treasures of our Alumni Association.”

Huffman, who also serves as the school’s executive director of development, said, “Susan and I thoroughly enjoy our interactions with alumni. I am proud to be affiliated with the School of Dentistry and our great alumni association. Knowing everyone has really enriched our lives.”

Huffman will ultimately determine the scholarship’s focus and criteria. Beard, who has raised more than half of the $25K-plus goal, challenges others to give to help fully fund the scholarship.

To make a gift, click here.