Father Figure, God Figure

by Dr. Barry Ruchlin

Dr. Powell is probably one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. At the time I was in school he was the dental school. He was a father figure, a god figure, somebody to be feared as well as respected. He was very stern, but fair. He set the parameters and standards, and if you worked within them you had no problems. The standards and parameters never varied. He was straightforward. If you were outside them, then you'd expect to have some problems.

There was a tradition at the Dental School at that time that I don't believe exists anymore. Dr. Powell would invite four of the dental seniors to accompany him on a day of golf at his country club with several of the other professors. When I received the invitation I was extremely delighted and very proud. I remember it to be a very fine day, and it really was a lot of fun. Afterwards we had a chance to have some drinks with Dr. Powell and the faculty, and really were able to get to know him a little bit in a relaxed atmosphere. It was a very special day and it was something that I will always remember. I actually felt that I "arrived" at that time.

I've spoken to a number of grads over the years and he has had a profound and positive effect on the great majority of them.