Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez Visits West Coast University

West Coast University’s Orange County campus received a special visit from Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez on Monday, February 11, 2013. WCU’s campus in Anaheim is within California’s 46th District, which Congresswoman Sanchez represents.

Congresswoman Sanchez came to tour West Coast University’s Dental Hygiene Clinic, which offers free dental hygiene services to the community. To date, the Clinic has seen over 3,000 patients and has 3 annual community health fairs, free to the public. The students who provide these services are supervised by registered dental hygienists and dentists. It is West Coast University’s belief that all members of the community should have access to this vital level of care, regardless of income. This visit marked another step in West Coast University’s community outreach efforts aimed at educating legislators and other government officials about the University’s focus on combining high quality education and compassionate community service programs.

On the way to the Dental Hygiene Clinic, Congresswoman Sanchez passed by the General Education labs and had the opportunity to speak to students about their experience at WCU. The congresswoman shook hands with the students and encouraged them to follow their passion in health care.

Debi Gerger, Dean of Dental Hygiene program, had the privilege of giving Congresswoman Sanchez a tour of the Dental Hygiene Clinic, which spans across the 4th floor of the campus, and truly impressed the congresswoman. The Clinic was of particular interest to the congresswoman, who used to be a Dental Assistant. Inside the Clinic, she saw students taking x-rays, and inside the Skills Lab, students were practicing their skills on mannequins. “Being able to share our student learning opportunities both on-campus and off-campus, as well as the many services of our free clinic with one of Orange County’s political leaders was an honor,” said Dean Gerger.

Congresswoman Sanchez seemed very interested in the WCU Clinic, asking how her constituents are made aware of the services the Clinic offers. Looking around the pristine 30-chair, paperless Clinic, Congresswoman Sanchez said in awe, “I’m really amazed at what I’m seeing.”

For more information about Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, please click here. For more information on West Coast University’s no-cost Dental Hygiene Clinic, click here.

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In all the years I have known David, he has never wavered one iota in his passion and commitment in providing exceptional learning opportunities for students. His genuine interest in the success of students has guided the mission of American Career College and West Coast University. In my book, David Pyle is a winner. To this day, I am honored to be associated with him personally.

MARK HACKEN, Retired Health Care Executive
Board of Trustees, West Coast University

As a result of David Pyle’s generosity and compassion, KidWorks is able to reach greater numbers of Santa Ana’s at-risk children and families. David shares our belief that hope is a powerful force that can change lives and help children and families fulfill their dreams of a better life. From our staff, to our board of directors, to the children and families whose lives he helps transform, David has our heartfelt appreciation.

AVA STEAFFENS, President/CEO
KidWorks

I met Mr. Pyle in the summer of 2011, when I had the opportunity to attend WCU’s amazing international studies program at the University of Oxford. I was impressed with the way he went out of his way to meet and get to know the WCU students. Obviously he has a lot of responsibilities to juggle, but he genuinely sought us out and wanted our feedback. It’s clear that he truly cares about students, and that’s reflected in the quality of the programs and campuses WCU offers.

SARA ROCHA, 2011 BSN Graduate
West Coast University

Augie Nieto is a long-time friend of David Pyle. In 2005, Augie was diagnosed with ALS, and he founded Augie’s Quest shortly thereafter. The intention of Augie’s Quest is to raise awareness and fund research for a cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Pyle and Peter Ueberroth, President of the 1984 Summer Olympics, were recently honored by for their support of ALS research. At the annual Tradition of Hope Gala in 2011, Pyle received the Humanitarian Award and Ueberroth received the Robert Ross Founders Award.