Lasting Impressions | Fall 2015

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 35 Retirement never stopped Seymour (Sy) Oliet, D.D.S., from seeking another challenge. A plan to start the first new dental school in the United States in 25 years was just the kind of opportunity he embraced. Oliet, who was appointed the founding dean of Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine (CDM), passed away on August 26, 2015. He was 88 years old. During his five-year tenure at NSU CDM, Oliet established a reputation for community involvement and visionary leadership that propelled the fledgling college. Following his retirement as CDM dean and until his passing, Oliet continued teaching and mentoring endodontic residents as a pro- fessor in the graduate program. Oliet is fondly remembered by faculty members, who recall that he used some unconventional techniques to recruit them. Former student Steven M. Kelner, D.M.D., M.S., remembers that Oliet told him that he needed to come to the CDM “so I could be a better son and be closer to my mother in Florida.” To others, “Dr. Oliet took the approach of ‘What? Retire? You still have much to contribute to dental education and the profession,’ ” said Kelner, now associate dean of Institutional Affairs at the CDM. Colleagues and former students agreed that Oliet was a man to whom it was difficult to say no. Adam Stabholz, D.M.D., a former student and now dean of Hebrew Univer- sity, Jerusalem, said: “Dr. Sy Oliet was a great man with a golden heart—kind, generous with his knowledge, and always ready to help, often going beyond the call of duty for others.” Peter Keller, D.D.S., executive associate dean for finances and administration at the CDM, remembered Oliet’s caring demeanor. “Once you spent time with Dr. Oliet, you had a lifelong friend who could never do enough for you,” Keller said. “Sy was a visionary clinician, academic, and leader in the dental industry whose work had a tremendous impact on the oral health community. He leaves behind an impres- sive legacy founded on his passion for education,” wrote Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer of Henry Schein. Raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Oliet spent most of his adult life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1949 and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery with distinction from the University of Penn- sylvania in 1953. He was a prolific researcher and author, a teacher, and a practicing endodontist. He served on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he was instrumental in establish- ing the school’s department of endodontics and post- graduate program in endodontics. After his retirement, he was named as a professor emeritus of the School of Dental Medicine. Oliet published articles, mentored many endodontic residents, and cared for patients in his three successful endodontic practices in the Philadelphia area. “Dr. Oliet was a true pioneer in den- tal education and the specialty of end- odontics,” said Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., the third and current dean of NSU’s CDM. Oliet’s involvement with NSU began in 1994, when he was called out of retirement by Arnold Melnick, D.O., M.Sc., who became the founding dean of NSU’s College of Osteopathic Med- icine. Melnick asked Oliet to chair a committee to discuss starting a new dental school at NSU. Immediately, Oliet began setting up committees, identifying benchmarks, and learning about the oral health needs in South Florida. NSU’s Board of Trustees voted to approve a College of Dental Medicine in March 1996. Oliet was appointed as dean. The CDM opened in 1997. Past president of the American Association of Endodon- tists (AAE), Oliet was the recipient of the AAE’s Edgar D. Coolidge Award in 2008, among his many honors. His contributions continue at the CDM. The Dr. Seymour Oliet Scholarship Fund has been established at NSU CDM in his memory and to honor his commitment to dental education. “A scholarship will allow future dentists to honor the legacy of Dr. Oliet at the college he helped establish,” said Niessen. Donations may be sent to the Division of Advancement and Community Relations, Nova Southeastern University, Health Professions Division, Terry Building 1518, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314-7796. Oliet is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Sherry Oliet; a son, Eric Oliet, and his wife, Mary; a daughter, Amy Heller, and her husband, David Heller; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to Sherry Oliet c/o Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Department of Endodontics, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33328-2018. u Seymour Oliet, seated, with his predecessor Robert Uchin and current dean Linda Niessen