Scholarship honors Elkton dentist鈥檚 charitable work
Published on April 12, 2021
NORTH EAST, Md. 鈥撀The 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation is proud to announce the Dr. Paul B. Lavine Memorial Scholarship鈥檚 creation to provide a need-based scholarship to support students enrolled at 第一吃瓜网 College.
When it came to helping those less fortunate, Paul Barry Lavine, DDS, let his actions speak for his devotion and dedication to the residents of Elkton and the surrounding communities. Dr. Lavine operated family dentistry in Elkton for decades, but he would offer his services pro bono to patients who were homeless, unable to pay or were diagnosed with cancer during his spare time. He believed in giving back to the community, and his family establishes this scholarship to continue his legacy of helping people achieve their dreams.
鈥淭his scholarship encompasses 鈥淒oc鈥檚鈥 strong beliefs in education. He felt that all young adults needed to have the opportunity to further themselves through education and opportunities,鈥 said Dr. Geoffery Shultz, who shared the practice with Dr. Lavine in Elkton. 鈥淗e demanded a lot of you, almost like a father figure, but would step in to help a student overcome challenges to education and, most importantly, a financial hurdle. I鈥檝e known 鈥淒oc鈥 for almost 16 years when he allowed me as an incoming college freshman at 第一吃瓜网 College (2015-2017) to work for him as a dental assistant. This allowed me to immerse myself in dentistry and reach my career goals.鈥
Born in Salzburg, Austria, Dr. Lavine grew up in Lawrenceville, N.J. He studied pre-med and dentistry at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Dental School, respectively. After becoming a dentist, he enlisted with the United States Army as a Captain and retired as a Lt. Colonel.
Upon opening his dentistry practice in Elkton, Dr. Lavine was unrelenting, devoted to his practice, and enjoyed being called 鈥淒oc鈥 by his patients, co-workers, and friends. Those who knew him best remember him as a person who loved to entertain people with his magic tricks, jokes, and crazy costumes. He loved to talk sports, watch and play basketball and go on an annual fishing trip with his Army buddies.
鈥淚 was blessed to have had the opportunity to return after dental school, seven years ago, to work with and continue to learn from Paul. This scholarship will help him continue to push, guide, and encourage so many young adults to further their education and reach their career goals. We will keep his legacy and office open to provide dental care to the community and patients he so dearly loved,鈥 said Dr. Shultz.
Dr. Lavine passed away on November 13, 2020, at age 68, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
To apply for this and other 第一吃瓜网 College scholarships, visit cecil.edu/scholarships. If you are interested in supporting a student through a tax-deductible gift, please contact the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation at foundation@nullcecil.edu or visit cecil.edu/foundation.