At the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, we celebrate alumni whose careers embody service, leadership and compassion. One such alumnus is Dr. William R. Chase, a member of the Dental Class of 1972 and the 2024 recipient of the Alumni Achievement Spirit Award for the School of Dentistry.
Raised in Adrian, Michigan, Chase’s path to dentistry was shaped by personal trials. After losing his father to a long illness, he became determined to pursue a career in the health professions. He studied at Adrian College before enrolling at the University of Detroit School of Dentistry, where he graduated in 1972. Among his classmates, Chase found a sense of family — and soon after graduation, a deeper calling to volunteerism.
Chase’s first volunteer trip, organized through the Detroit Dental Clinic Club, took him to Belgium to teach westernized dentistry. That experience ignited a lifelong commitment to humanitarian work. Over the course of 25 years and 13 missions, he treated more than 10,000 patients — many displaced by war, poverty and hunger — in locations ranging from Palawan to Brazil. One clinic in Brazil even bears his name in recognition of his dedication.
While many of his efforts focused overseas, Chase also served communities at home. He often funded missions himself and approached each opportunity as both a caregiver and a teacher. His story reflects the enduring impact of dentistry when paired with compassion and service.
Chase’s influence extends far beyond the clinic. He served as President of the Michigan Dental Association and held leadership positions across organized dentistry. For more than 50 years, he has been a devoted Rotarian, using the organization as a platform to promote service and teach leadership skills. His work within Rotary International continues to inspire others to lead with purpose
A believer in the power of understanding, Chase has long championed diversity, equity and inclusion. He often emphasizes that the more we know about different cultures, values and orientations, the closer we come to building an accepting world guided by facts rather than fear. His philosophy of fearless living has encouraged others to seize opportunities and embrace change.
Dr. William Chase’s life story weaves together philanthropy, leadership and compassion. His legacy lies not only in the thousands of patients he has cared for, but also in the countless colleagues, students and Rotarians he has inspired. His example reminds us that true success is measured not only by professional accomplishments but by the difference made in the lives of others.
Congratulations to Dr. Chase on receiving the 2024 Alumni Achievement Spirit Award. We are honored to celebrate his remarkable journey as part of the Detroit Mercy Dental community.
