Honoring a Friend
While serving in the U.S. Navy, Brian Chase became friends with Shane Epperson, whose dream was to attend the School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio after completing his military career.
After Epperson’s death at age 21, Chase decided to honor his friend’s memory by donating $10,000 to create the Shane Epperson Memorial Scholarship. Each year a scholarship is awarded to a Texas dental student who is a current or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“The scholarship is a great way to keep Shane’s memory alive while helping deserving students earn their dental degrees,” he said.
Chase travels to San Antonio once a year for a private scholarship reception. This year Chase met Patricia Mendiola, a second-year dental student who served in the Air Force. Mendiola is the 2019 scholarship recipient. He also met 2017 scholarship recipient Zeki Abdulaali, a fourth-year dental student who served in the U.S. Army. Abdulaali, Class of 2020 president, gave the address this year at Welcome to the Profession.
For information on creating a scholarship to honor a friend, family member, mentor or other special person, please contact Amanda Liccione at 210-567-6536 or liccione@uthscsa.edu.
