How an “unforgettable” interview led to a dream career and a meaningful gift for the future

By Scott Little, ’81 DDS

I grew up in western Pennsylvania and attended a small branch of the University of Pittsburgh. When I decided to apply to dental school it seemed logical for me to apply to schools on the East Coast. Schools like Pitt, Georgetown, Temple, Maryland, and NYU were logical choices. A local orthodontist who was familiar with Ohio State suggested that I apply there as well.

I had already interviewed at three schools when I was invited for an interview in Columbus. Ohio State was about a four-and-a-half hour drive from my home, west on Route 70. When the day of my interview came, I had two circumstances to deal with: I had to drive in one of the worst snowstorms of that year, and I had a severe head cold—the type that seems to take over your entire face.

My strategy was to take my cold medication early in the morning to help me deal with the long drive. I would take a second dose near the time of my interview to help avoid being overcome by symptoms while communicating to the committee. 

When I entered Postle Hall, I was immediately impressed. As I was taken on my tour, I noticed that the building was much newer than the facilities I had seen during my interviews at the other schools. When I was shown the two large lecture rooms, I had already decided I wanted to attend Ohio State. 

The interview began well enough, but after about five minutes the combined action of my nervous system and the medication began to take effect. As I attempted to answer questions, my mouth became devoid of any moisture. My upper lip became adherent to the labial surfaces of my teeth and my tongue began to cleave to the roof of my mouth. After struggling through several sentences, I said something that sounded like, " Duthingi gunave a gring uv wanner?!" (Translation: Do you think I can have a drink of water?!) 

“The day that we completed our gift was one of the happiest days of my life. I felt a certain reconciliation and a continued pride. We hope that our support will help the school continue to provide a superior education for future dental professionals.” — Scott Little, ’81 DDS

Dr. Wendell Lotz, who was sitting immediately to my right and had the closest view of the occurring meltdown, stood up so rapidly that his legs pounded against the bottom of the conference table. As I gratefully clutched the glass of water and experienced its relief, I concluded that this was probably the last time I would ever see the dental school at Ohio State. 

When I received my acceptance letter a few weeks later, I could only assume that I had left an unforgettable impression. Nearly 43 years later, I know that attending Ohio State was one of the most important blessings of my life. I always had confidence that I had attended one of the finest institutions in the country. 

For nearly 20 years now I have needed to wear a hat for protection and warmth. Most typically it is an Ohio State hat. It elicits a response almost everywhere I go. I continue to be grateful for my education. I want Ohio State to continue to be seen as one of the finest dental colleges in the country. A new facility has been necessary and overdue. 

This past December, my wife and I made the largest charitable commitment of our lives to the college. We hope that it can help a new generation of students. I admit that I had to coach myself towards this. The day that we completed our gift was one of the happiest days of my life. I felt a certain reconciliation and a continued pride. We hope that our support will help the school continue to provide a superior education for future dental professionals.

I am now a Pennsylvanian transplanted to the state of Florida. Regardless of where I am, I always know that I was blessed to become a Buckeye.