FLINT, Michigan – A Flint-area dentist – who becomes the first African-American president of the American Dental Association this year – will deliver a commencement address this spring to graduates at his alma mater University of Michigan.

Dr. Raymond Gist, who grew up in Flint where his father was a janitor at General Motors and his mother was a maid, will speak about hard work May 7 at the UM School of Dentistry commencement.

Gist, who lives in Grand Blanc but practices in Flint, told UM that he was inspired to pursue his future career as a fifth grade student at Fairview Elementary School in Flint by teacher Odell Broadway.

“No matter what I did, Mrs. Broadway always had something good to say about my work in the classroom,” he told the university. “Her support and praise, along with that of my parents, were great motivators.”

Gist was also president of the Michigan Dental Association in 2003 when he was featured in UM's School of Dentistry alumni magazine, DentalUM.

“Our students, alumni, and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry are honored to have Dr. Gist deliver the 2010 commencement address,” UM Dean Peter Polverini said in a UM release.

“He is truly among the University’s ‘leaders and best.’ His commitment to the profession and the practice of dentistry are reflected in the critical issues he targets – access to care, diversity within our profession and advocacy. He is a role model for all.”

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