International College of Dentists 
Minutes - International Council Meeting 
Friday 15 June, 2001 

Addendum 1: 

Dear Colleagues and Honored Guests,

The Chicago meetings seem to have taken place just a few short months ago... Hardly enough time to fully ponder some of the important decisions taken there, let alone advance all of the challenging objectives of the College in a substantial way. Yet, I would suggest, advances were made thanks, in no small measure, to the leadership of our President, to the dedicated work of our Secretary-General and the staff at Head Office, and to the spirited and generous contributions of so many individuals around this table and the many more who could not be here today.

One only has to cast a quick glance at what has been accomplished over the past year, either by thumbing through the Newsletter, or reading the various Section Reports, or again simply exchanging information amongst our colleagues, to realize that our College has made a difference, in so many different ways, and in so many different places. That in itself is most gratifying and encouraging. And that, I may suggest, is what we are all about...

Our numbers have increased with the addition of many new and younger faces within our international fellowship ranks. And this was achieved, I would venture to say, without diluting or compromising the very high standards expected for membership in this preeminent organization. While I fully realize that this may be preaching to the converted here, I believe it's worth re-emphasizing that this latter requirement, along with our tangible actions, remains one of the most singularly important characteristics necessary for the continued enviable status and relevance of our College. It is truly what sustains this organization and contributes to its worldwide standing and reputation, as originally conceived by our founding fathers over 80 years ago.

In the final analysis, it is our people and our deeds that make this College what it is.

The rest is purely housekeeping!...

And since that subject has been brought up, I believe that we have kept a relatively tidy and clean house during the past year, for the most part anyway. Admittedly, some residual dust has accumulated from our last meeting, but as indicated by our President, we should be able to clean that up during this current session....

We have witnessed good progress on the Globe. I know we can make it even better, even more interesting and useful, and with the assistance and guidance of our veteran editor, I'm confident that we will.

We have moved forward on the Constitution and By-Laws, and will hopefully -wrap up that exercise during our deliberations today.

We have a Mission Statement, and an appropriate Motto to reflect the College's current focus and thrust. (Incidentally, I would like to commend our current as well as our former Secretaries-General for incorporating those items so eloquently and professionally within our official College letterhead and our History, respectively. Well done indeed!... And similar kudos apply to our Constitution Committee for their foresight and vision in this regard). Having said that, we do have to discuss "the way of the future" for our College, pursuant to the motion submitted by our colleagues from South America. In that vein, it is admittedly somewhat disappointing to read only three responses in our Council Book regarding this fundamental question, despite the full two years provided to think about it and contribute some meaningful input.

Our Chairman has mentioned a number of other areas of achievement since our last discussions. For the sake of brevity, I will not repeat them here. Suffice it to say that we did have the opportunity to meet in Toronto this past April to consider contractual issues relating to the tenure of our Secretary-General. This was done in a very cordial atmosphere, and the results will be presented later during our deliberations. While on the subject of our annual meeting in Toronto, both Master Fellow Marshall and I would like to thank President Schoessler and Secretary-General Bob Brady, as well as Past-President of Section 1, Fellow Manny Michaels, for attending our Canadian Section convocation, and sharing so freely their wisdom and experience. Your presence and thoughtful contributions were very much appreciated by our Board of Regents, by our new inductees, and by all of our Fellows, and we thank you for taking the time and making the effort.

Before closing, I do believe that there are a few issues which should attract Council's attention on this occasion ... Issues such as Executive succession, responsible fiscal management and the process and cost of doing business, the matter of South Africa, options available to maintain and enhance the continued relevance of the College, as well as its future growth and development. These are a few items which have been brought to my attention, and which, I would submit, require consideration at one point or another by this Council.

It has been another productive year, but there is a lot more to be done. Hopefully, we will get some of that work accomplished here today.

That concludes my report, Mr. Chairman. And, with your permission, I would like to submit it for the record. 

Victor J. Lanctis,
2002 President
International College of Dentists

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