The purpose of the "Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence" is to recognize junior dental student who has demonstrated scholarship, character, and the potential promise for advancement of dentistry and service to humanity as shown by Dr. William S. Kramer's dedication to his profession, his specialty, and the principles and ideals of Omicron Kappa Upsilon.

About Dr. Kramer

Dr. Kramer's career was primarily in dental education where he served as Chairman of the Department of Pedodontics at the University of Nebraska. His activities in Pediatric Dentistry included service on the American Board of Pedodontics as an examiner (1962-1969) and as Executive-Secretary (1973-1982). He served the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on the Board of Directors (1971-1974), (1977-1981), and as President (1978-1979). He published multiple articles and lectured extensively in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Dr. Kramer retired from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1988.  Dr. Kramer also served Omicron Kappa Upsilon for over 25 years – 17 of which were as an officer.  Dr. Kramer served as president of the Supreme Chapter from 1969-70 and as secretary-treasurer from 1971-1986, the longest term of office since the founding of this society in 1914.

Selection

Each component chapter will elect one student per calendar year for the "Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence". The student will be selected based on scholarship at the completion of two full years of academic dental study, as well as character and potential promise for future advancement of the profession of dentistry and service to humanity. A two-thirds affirmative vote of the faculty members of the component chapter will be necessary for selection. The method of balloting shall be determined by the component chapter.

Award and Presentation 

The award will be an appropriately engraved OKU certificate with component chapter and student’s name engraved on the certificate.  The award will arrive unframed.  There is NO required fee for the Kramer Award.  

 

Method of presentation will be left to the component chapter, but should be in an appropriate and sophisticated manner recognizing the ideas embodied by Dr. William S. Kramer (e.g. annual convocation ceremony). It is encouraged that the component chapter read the purpose of the award and a brief synopsis of Dr. Kramer's career and contributions to dentistry and Omicron Kappa Upsilon at the award ceremony.