House Resolution 31

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DR. ROBERT T. RAGAN AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON RECEIVING THE WILLIAM JOHN GIES AWARD.

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert T. Ragan of Cleveland, Mississippi, was named the 2004 recipient of the William John Gies Award by the American College of Dentists; and

WHEREAS, the College's highest honor which recognizes Fellows who have made unique and exceptional contributions to advancing the dental profession society, Dr. Ragan, who has practiced dentistry over the course of forty years, distinguished himself in a variety of ways in order to be named recipient; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ragan completed undergraduate studies at the University of Mississippi in 1960 and received his dental degree in 1964 at the Loyola New Orleans School of Dentistry, after which he spent two years as a captain in the Dental Corps of the United States Air Force, and upon the completion his military obligation, opened a private practice in Cleveland; and

WHEREAS, having been elected to all the offices that can be held in the Mississippi Dental Association, as well as the offices of president of both American College of Dentists and the Foundation, Dr. Ragan's leadership, achievements and exceptional contributions have had a significant and positive impact on dentistry, dental ethics and ethical practice, his community and his country; and

WHEREAS, with his keen interests in dental ethics, Dr. Ragan has spent his talents helping formulate and establish the ethics seminar for students at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, and the profound success of the ethics program has spawned similar programs at the University of Florida, Indiana University and the State University of New York; and

WHEREAS, not only has he made significant contributions to dentistry, but to his community as well, actively participating in enriching his community by serving as president of numerous organization, including: the Cleveland Rotary Club, the Cleveland Crosstie Arts Council, the Delta Aquatic Club and the Bolivar County Alumni Association of the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi recognizes such outgoing professionals as Dr. Ragan, whose consistent resourcefulness to all of his professional and allied associations is held in high esteem, not only by his colleagues, but also his friends and business associates:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the outstanding career accomplishments of Dr. Robert Ragan, congratulate him upon being named recipient of the William John Gies Award and extend are heartiest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Ragan and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.