Outstanding Dental Service Award
Eugene B. Shoemaker, D.D.S., Arts ’83, Dent ’89
Waukesha, Wis.
Eugene Shoemaker, D.D.S., defines success as living the Marquette call to Be The Difference. In addition to treating patients in his general dentistry practice, Gene has spent years supporting fellow dentists in Wisconsin, expanding access to dental care, and providing educational opportunities for students in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he and his wife, Carol, Bus Ad ’86, have lived since 1993.
A longtime leader in the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA), Gene served as president from 2010-2011 and currently sits on the WDA Foundation’s Board of Directors. He has treated patients through the WDA Foundation’s Mission of Mercy Program, which offers charitable dental care to children and adults in Wisconsin. He is known for his efforts in mentoring new dentists and for expanding dental care for special needs patients. He shares his practice with Marquette alumna Kate Gilson, D.D.S, Arts ’96, Dent ’99.
Gene’s generosity also extends beyond dentistry. He is board president for the Waukesha Education Foundation, a charitable organization that raises funds to enrich educational offerings in Waukesha Public Schools.
“Marquette taught me that if you have the opportunity to give back to others and your community, you absolutely should do so,” Gene says, adding that “there is joy in sharing your talents with others.”
A huge Green Bay Packers fan, Gene also takes inspiration from legendary quarterback and coach Bart Starr, not only for his excellence on the field, but also because of “the type of human being he was,” Gene explains. “He always had a heart for those in need.”
Fun Facts:
Name a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how.
Sr. Gloria List, D.D.S., my clinical group leader. She was always very encouraging, calm, caring, and professional with the students. She did a lot to boost students’ confidence as we were learning to become dentists.
What is one of your favorite Marquette memories?
Meeting my wife, Carol, and other lifelong friends. People at Marquette genuinely cared about each other and that was helpful during the stressful times we all had during school.
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