Dawson Announces Winner of 2024 Peter E. Dawson Legacy Scholarship
Olga Lorenzo, D4 Student at Rutgers University, Awarded Prestigious Scholarship
St. Petersburg, FL – August 15, 2024 – The Dawson Academy is proud to announce the winner of the inaugural Peter E. Dawson Legacy Scholarship: Olga Lorenzo, a D4 student at Rutgers University. This prestigious scholarship recognizes her outstanding commitment to advancing excellence in restorative dentistry.
The Peter E. Dawson Legacy Scholarship was established to empower D4 dental students with a passion for restorative, prosthodontic, functional, and cosmetic dentistry. As the first recipient, Olga Lorenzo has demonstrated exceptional dedication to these fields, embodying the values and spirit of Dawson Academy.
Carrie Botsford, President of The Dawson Academy, expressed her excitement in announcing Olga’s achievement:
“Olga, I am absolutely delighted to share this exciting news with you—congratulations! 🎉 Our Scholarship Committee unanimously agreed that your application was exceptional, making you the deserving winner of the Peter E. Dawson Legacy Scholarship! Your dedication and commitment truly stood out and perfectly align with everything we envision in our scholarship recipient. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you have rightfully earned through your hard work, passion, and dedication to the field of dentistry. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!”
Dr. Pio Modi, Dawson Senior Faculty, also praised Olga’s contributions:
“Her video was incredible and showed how passionate she was about wanting to be a part of the Dawson journey. Plus, the amount she wants to give back to her community and her volunteer work is both impressive and commendable.”
Reflecting on her win, Olga Lorenzo shared:
What does winning this scholarship mean for you personally?
“Winning this scholarship has profoundly empowered me to pursue my larger goals, even when they seem out of reach. I’m incredibly grateful to the scholarship committee for recognizing my dedication and commitment to dentistry and patient care, and believing in my potential. My journey through dentistry has been anything but straightforward, and navigating this career can sometimes breed self-doubt. However, this opportunity has reinforced my belief that I am exactly where I’m meant to be and that my greater purpose is just beginning to unfold.”
What are you most looking forward to within our Core Curriculum?
“I look forward to learning from some of the brightest minds in dentistry in a more personal and focused setting. Occlusion, with its complexity and often debated aspects, especially interests me, and I’m excited about the opportunity to deeply explore this topic and enhance my foundational understanding. I’m enthusiastic about every aspect of the core curriculum and can’t wait to start on this advanced learning journey.”
How will this opportunity shape your dental career?
“Winning this scholarship has given me access to valuable knowledge and tools that could significantly accelerate my career, which may have otherwise taken much longer due to the high costs of top-tier continuing education. The mini-residency will undoubtedly shape me into a more skilled dental professional, boosting my confidence and enhancing my ability to deliver exceptional care to my patients. I believe that, 20 years from now, I’ll look back on this opportunity as a pivotal and defining moment in my career. I am truly grateful and thrilled about this opportunity.”
Lastly, is there anyone you want to thank?
“My family and close friends have been an invaluable support system throughout my dental education and as I begin my career as a dentist. I am especially grateful to my mother, who has been my lifelong cheerleader and my greatest mentor in dentistry. My husband, Jo, has been my rock throughout my educational journey, offering unwavering dedication, love, and support. I also want to thank my little girl, Florence, whose presence motivates me to strive for excellence each day.”
As the scholarship winner, Olga Lorenzo will receive complimentary enrollment in The Dawson Academy’s renowned 7-part Core Curriculum series, valued at over $30,000. This opportunity will allow her to gain invaluable education in advanced dental practices and benefit from mentorship from Dawson Faculty members.
The scholarship’s aim is not only to support the financial aspects of continuing dental education but also to connect recipients with a network of experienced professionals who are committed to the legacy of Peter E. Dawson’s dedication to advancing dental care.
Applications Open for 2025 Scholarship
The Dawson Academy is now accepting applications for the 2025 Peter E. Dawson Legacy Scholarship. All D4 dental students graduating and licensed by May 2025, with a strong commitment to learning “A Better Way,” are encouraged to apply. This scholarship provides a chance to join a prestigious legacy, receive over $30,000 in dental CE, and connect with mentors and professionals across the nation.
For more information and to apply, visit The Dawson Academy’s Scholarship Page.
