House of Delegates Installs New Officers
The House of Delegates (HOD) met for its Second Session on Sunday. The HOD discussed the proposed amended resolutions that the Reference Committees presented.

In addition, then-AGD President Vincent C. Mayher, Jr., DMD, MAGD, passed the gavel to AGD President Paula S. Jones, DDS, FAGD. Dr. Jones is the first female president in AGD history! In addition, Dr. Mayher installed the other officers of the 2008-2009 Executive Committee, including the newly-elected Vice President Fares M. Elias, DDS, FAGD, re-elected Treasurer Jeffrey S. Cole, DDS, MBA, FAGD, and re-elected Editor Roger S. Winland, DDS, MS, MAGD.

Pictures Now Available
The many sights and images from the Annual Meeting can be viewed and purchased at http://www.rcphotopro.com/index.php/client_gateway/, then enter the password  “AGD2008” to view the photos.  There is a link for the Convocation shots and one for the Annual Meeting events and activities.

Convocation Celebrates Success
Saturday was a day for recognizing those who have worked hard to achieve the Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR), Mastership (MAGD), Fellowship (FAGD). In addition, Henry A. Gremillion, DDS, MAGD, received the Thaddeus V. Weclew Award.

The family-friendly Walt Disney World® venue attracted a very large crowd of families, friends, and loved ones to celebrate the awardees’ successes. This year, 25 LLSR recipients, 85 MAGD awardees, and 212 FAGD awardees walked across the stage. After snapping photographs with their families and friends, the awardees celebrated at several receptions hosted by different regions.

Closing General Session Empowers Attendees
Saturday’s Closing General Session featured Lou Holtz, famed football coach, author, and ESPN sports analyst. Holtz welcomed attendees by thanking them for their work and the value they add to people’s lives through their work in the dental profession. He told stories about his experiences as a coach, as a father, and as a husband, and offered advice about ways to improve attitudes and outlooks at work and in everyday life.

Following his speech, Holtz drew an extremely large crowd into the Exhibit Hall, where he signed copies of his book, Wins, Losses and Lessons. More than one hundred members enjoyed the opportunity to purchase Holtz’ book and speak with him personally to share their memories of his leadership as a coach. Holtz took time to speak with each attendee, even posing for photographs with those who requested them. Many told him that his words inspired them to be better dentists when they return to their offices on Monday.
Watch the session!