School of Dentistry Award Recipients

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN DENTISTRY AWARD

Daniel J. D'Angelo, D.D.S., Arts '67, Dent '71

Milwaukee

For some, retirement is a time to slow down. For Dan, it’s been an opportunity to redirect his focus. A specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dan retired from private practice in 2013 when diagnosed with early Parkinson’s disease. Today he focuses his energy in dental care through volunteerism and as an adjunct associate professor at the Marquette University School of Dentistry.

Dan’s ties to Marquette are strong. He met his wife, Patty Jones D’Angelo, Bus Ad ’67, Law ’82, at a Marquette picnic more than 50 years ago.

Throughout his educational experiences and his dental career, the Marquette mission has been influential.

“Marquette's emphasis on excellence, faith, leadership and service impressed upon me the value and responsibility of volunteerism,” says Dan.

The Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic is a testament to Dan’s commitment to provide care for the underserved and uninsured. He, along with his dental community, co-founded a nonprofit clinic that serves primarily low-income Waukesha County residents. In 2015 the clinic provided over $2.5 million in dental care with more than 10,000 appointments. Five thousand children call the WCCDC their dental home.

After receiving his degree from the School of Dentistry in 1971, Dan served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force until 1974. He received his specialty training from the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in 1977, and was awarded a master’s in bioethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2003.

“Throughout my career and my retirement, I have endeavored to follow the Marquette mission in all facets of my life by volunteering in such diverse areas as coaching, teaching, committee memberships and board positions,” he says.

Fun Facts:
Someone (past or present) with whom you'd like to have dinner: I would love to have dinner with President Barack and Michelle Obama. I have the upmost respect and admiration for both of them.

Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how: Of the many faculty members that I had contact with while attending MUSOD, Dr. Jerry Zeibert had the greatest impact on me with his exemplary professionalism and integrity. His kind and thoughtful approach to teaching has influenced and continues to influence my relationship with peers, patients, staff and students.”

A favorite Marquette memory: My favorite Marquette memory is the Welcome Week Picnic in 1963 when I met Patty Jones. Over 50 years later, Patty Jones D'Angelo is still my best Marquette memory.

What this Marquette University Alumni National Award means to you: The Marquette University Alumni National Award is meaningful to me because it is a recognition from my peers that acknowledges the fulfillment of the Marquette mission through not only my efforts but also through the efforts and dedication of all of the communities in which I have served. I am honored and humbled by this award.