Dr. George Stookey, professor emeritus, has been awarded the IU Bicentennial Medal.
Dr. Stookey received all of his education at Indiana University, including a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1957, MSD in preventive dentistry in 1962, and PhD in dental sciences in 1971. He began his career in an IUSD lab in the 1950s, earning one dollar an hour testing the fluoride formulation that became the active ingredient in Crest® toothpaste. In 1981, Dr. Stookey became the director of IUSD’s Oral Health Research Institute (OHRI), IUSD’s research facility created in 1968 with the patent royalties from Crest®. Under Dr. Stookey’s guidance, OHRI earned its reputation as a global innovator and leader in preventive dentistry research and oral health care product testing. His dedication to oral health earned him a global reputation as a pioneer in preventive dentistry, recognition as an Indiana University dean and distinguished professor, and led to his acquisition of a life sciences research company to develop new technologies for the early detection of dental decay. In 2017, he was bestowed with the William J. Gies Award, dentistry’s preeminent recognition, for his innovation in dental education.
The Bicentennial Medal is awarded to organizations and individuals who, through their personal, professional, artistic, or philanthropic efforts, have broadened the reach of Indiana University around the state, nation, and world. The medals themselves are unique, made from materials salvaged from bells that hung in the Student Building on the IU Bloomington campus. Those receiving the Bicentennial Medal are put forth as models for future students, faculty, alumni, and organizations to emulate as IU enters its third century.