ATSU declares Nov. 19 as Dr. George Blue Spruce Jr. Day

ATSU declares Nov. 19 as Dr. George Blue Spruce Jr. Day

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) formally declared Nov. 19 as Dr. George Blue Spruce Jr. Day, honoring George Blue Spruce Jr., DDS, MPH, assistant dean, American Indian affairs, ATSU-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) for his lifelong dedication to advancing healthcare, education, and opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

On Nov. 19, 2024, current and former faculty, staff, students, and alumni gathered on the Mesa, Arizona, campus for the proclamation ceremony. Speakers included O.T. Wendel, PhD, president, ATSU Arizona & California campuses; Clinton Normore, MBA, chief diversity officer, ATSU; Dougherty Tsalabutie, EdD, MPH, director, National Center for American Indian Health Professions (NCAIHP); and Craig M. Phelps, DO, '84, chancellor, ATSU.

As the first American Indian to graduate from a U.S. dental school, Dr. Blue Spruce has been a trailblazer and beacon of leadership for American Indian and Alaska Native students. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in 1956, Dr. Blue Spruce would go on to hold the distinguished rank of Assistant Surgeon General, dedicating over 30 years of service to clinical and administrative roles within the U.S. Navy and U.S. Public Health Service.

Dr. Blue Spruce also founded the Society of American Indian Dentists in 1990, serving as its president for 16 years. He began his professional career with ATSU in 2005, and in Sept. 2024 was inducted as a fellow in the American College of Dentists. In addition he has received numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement award from the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, the Alumni Achievement Citation from Creighton University, and an induction into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.

This proclamation will further recognize his outstanding contributions to dentistry, public health, and the American Indian community.