Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine Dean Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS, her siblings and their families have fully endowed a scholarship honoring their mother, Margaret Montante, and inspiring future dentists to compassionately serve their communities.  

The Margaret W. Montante Memorial Scholarship has been a meaningful expression of care and commitment, sustained annually for more than a decade, Assistant Vice President of Development Leah Schueler, EdD, said at the College of Dental Medicine’s Honors Day in April 2026.  

Now, through the leadership and generosity of Dean Andrews, Copeland Andrews, and Mary and David Woulf, this scholarship has been endowed in memory of Margaret Montante—a woman whose legacy clearly lives on through their actions, Schueler said. This transition from annual support to a permanent endowment ensures that deserving students will benefit not just today, but in perpetuity. It is a profound and forward-looking gift—one that will transform lives, year after year.  

“What makes this commitment especially meaningful is the spirit behind it. The Andrews and Woulf families have demonstrated a deep belief in humanistic care, in the power of community, and in advancing the well-being of women and children through dentistry and service. Their values align seamlessly with the mission of Western University of Health Sciences and the College of Dental Medicine,” Schueler said. “Because of their vision, future students will not only receive financial support—they will be reminded that their work matters, that compassion is essential, and that they are part of a legacy rooted in service and dignity.”  

Margaret Montante was a registered nurse and a consummate professional, Andrews said.  

“Her dedication to giving back to others was demonstrated by her unwavering service to her patients, her community, her church, and most importantly, to her family. In the ’60s when I was growing up, it was unusual for a mother of five to work and raise children, but she did both extremely well,” Andrews said. “She inspired my desire to become a health professional as well as three of her grandchildren. Upon her passing, my siblings and I desired to spread her passion for serving others through a scholarship.”  

The 2026 recipient of the Margaret W. Montante Scholarship is someone who consistently demonstrated commitment not only to her own success, but also to serving those around her, Andrews said.  

“Her goal is to serve as a positive example for women in her community and to dedicate her career to working with underserved and disadvantaged populations,” Andrews said. “As a future dentist, she intends to use her education, skills and cultural competence to provide compassionate care to individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Dental school has reinforced for her that dentistry is far more than procedures, it’s about people, mentorship and service.”  

The 2026 recipient of the Margaret W. Montante Award is CDM graduate Netaliya Zora, DMD ’26. She is Chaldean from Iraq and came to the U.S. at age 13.  

“I just had a dream of becoming a dentist and inspiring other Chaldean women in my community to fulfill their dreams,” said Zora, adding that she appreciates the creation of this scholarship. “It’s so nice because it inspires other women to fulfill their dreams and never stop even when you have to sometimes overcome certain traditions. It’s just so great.”