The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry has announced that Jack Zupetz, a third-year dental student, has been awarded the 2025 Dr. Michael Till – Northern Minnesota Dental Inc. Scholarship. Zupetz, the son of Jim and Rae Anne Zupetz of Britt, Minnesota, was selected for his academic excellence and dedication to serving rural communities.

The $5,000 scholarship, funded by Northern Minnesota Dental Inc., supports promising dental students from rural Minnesota with the hope that they will return to practice in outstate areas upon completing their education. The scholarship honors Dr. Michael Till, former Dean of the University’s School of Dentistry, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing the outreach dental clinic at Hibbing Community College in 2002. This clinic now provides essential dental care to thousands of residents in northern Minnesota.

Since its inception in 2004, the Dr. Michael Till – Northern Minnesota Dental Inc. Scholarship program has awarded more than $53,500 to dental students pursuing their professional degrees. Northern Minnesota Dental Inc., founded and operated by a group of Iron Range dentists, is committed to ensuring access to high-quality, affordable dental care while preserving the doctor-patient relationship. Scholarship recipients are recognized for their strong academic performance, passion for dentistry, and commitment to serving the Iron Range communities that help make their education possible.