Alexandria, Va., USA – The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is pleased to announce that longtime member Dr. Sheila M. Riggs and Mr. Scott A. Riggs have generously committed a $50,000 estate gift to AADR and become the second members of the AADR Legacy Society. The $50,000 gift is unrestricted in use.
The AADR Legacy Society consists of individuals who have committed future assets, through estate and planned giving, to AADR, thereby ensuring support for future initiatives and growth of the Association. It was established in 2016, thanks to a generous legacy gift from longstanding members Sharon K. Grayden and AADR Past President Stephen C. Bayne.
Dr. Sheila Riggs, an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Department of Primary Dental Care at the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, is recognized as an academic and policy leader with an established record in developing and implementing innovative results through a balanced portfolio of peer-reviewed research and hands-on community engagement. She has navigated a uniquely influential career as a dentist, epidemiologist, academic, corporate executive and policy advocate. Dr. Riggs currently serves on the AADR Development Committee and as Secretary and Councilor of the AADR Minnesota Section.
While Mr. Scott A. Riggs is not in healthcare, he is inspired by the stories Sheila shares about breakthroughs in dental research. "I knew little about the creation of new healthcare knowledge before meeting Sheila,” said Mr. Riggs. “But my eyes have become open to how important it is to effectively improve our nation's health."
“AADR has been the one constant 'home' in my career as a dentist dedicated to an evidence-based approach to improving disease rates and access to care,” said Dr. Riggs. “We are pleased to be able to give back to an organization that has had a profound effect on my personal career and on the dental, oral and craniofacial research community.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Sheila M. Riggs and Mr. Scott A. Riggs for this substantial, charitable gift to the AADR,” said AADR President Mark Herzberg, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. “This gift will enable AADR to continue working towards its mission to drive dental, oral and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being as AADR enters its 50th Anniversary in 2022.”
If you would like more information about giving to the AADR Legacy Society, please see the AADR website or Assistant Director of Strategic Programs Sheri S. Herren at sherren@iadr.org or +1.703.299.8094.
About the American Association for Dental Research
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is a nonprofit organization with over 3,100 individual members in the United States, with a mission to drive dental, oral and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. The AADR is the largest Division of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR). The AADR also manages the activities of FNIDCR. The AADR also manages the activities of FNIDCR. To learn more, visit www.iadr.org/aadr.
