Embracing the Powers of Philanthropy: Dental Faculty Creates Legacy Through Giving

When John M. Powers, PhD, joined UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, he was already a seasoned scientist with 24 years of experience at the University of Michigan. With a desire to expand his career through leadership, teaching, and research, Powers joined the School of Dentistry faculty in 1988, where he has built lasting professional and philanthropic legacies.

“At UTHealth Houston, I have had the opportunity to work with exceptional students, faculty, and dental experts from around the world,” Powers says. “Many of my colleagues and graduates have become lifelong friends.”

For more than 31 years, Powers worked to advance research on oral biomaterials and enhance the programmatic offerings at the School of Dentistry. Among his many accomplishments, the creation of the Houston Biomaterials Research Center—now known as the Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics—stands out as a career highlight for Powers, now Professor Emeritus at the School of Dentistry.

“When the Houston Biomaterials Research Center was approved in 1994, we began providing research opportunities to dental students, residents, and faculty at the school,” Powers says. “Over time, the center expanded, and it has accomplished great things in oral biomaterials research.”

Beyond his dedication to research and teaching, he and Susan, his wife, also built a philanthropic legacy at the School of Dentistry.

“Susan and I believe that giving back and generosity are an important part of life,” Powers says.

The couple began a tradition of giving in 1999 when they established the John M. and Susan M. Powers Dental Student Research Fund. Over the years, they expanded this tradition by endowing the John M. Powers, PhD, Professorship in Oral Biomaterials.

Most recently, the couple enhanced their previous generosity through a blended gift—a combination of an estate commitment and a current-use gift—that will support the Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics, expand their previous endowments, and help advance research and education at the School of Dentistry.

“Through this gift, I wanted to recognize the contributions of my colleagues and friends, including Dr. Rade Paravina, Director of the Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics, and Dean John Valenza,” Powers says. “I am very proud of Dr. Paravina, and I want to support Dean Valenza’s vision for the school.”

The current-use gift will have an immediate impact at the School of Dentistry, while the Powers’ estate commitment will provide resources for years to come. In honor of their generosity, the school is renaming the center as the John M. Powers, PhD, Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics.

“This is a very cool recognition!” Powers says. “I hope that others who have benefited from their experiences at the School of Dentistry will continue to help the school grow.”