Blanche (Lawson) Riordan  
Blanche (Lawson) Riordan
Soulmate: Donald Stolz
Children: Jeannine Laughlin, 38, Waukee, IA; Tony Riordan, 36, Ames, IA; Beth Thede, 34, Lakeville, MN. Six grandchildren.
Family is my greatest accomplishment. Experiencing and seeing my children graduate from college and receive honors are my most rewarding experiences!
WORK: My first job after graduation from the University of Iowa, School of Dental Hygiene was in Lincoln, NE, as a private practice hygienist for Dr. Kenneth Christensen. My own practice- general dentistry, pediatric, periodontal, oral surgery. Through my profession I have been involved in: Education- faculty- Foothill College- Los Altos Hills, CA, (adjunct to University of California Dental School, San Francisco, CA) and Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, IA. Public Health; State of New Hampshire, Department of Public Health, New Hampshire Schools Dental Health& Prevention programs; California- San Mateo Co. - Dental Health Programs (geriatrics & schools); State of Iowa- Dept. of Public Health- Dental Health Programs;
1996- graduated magna cum laude -Upper Iowa University- B.S. in Psychology. Am I retired? NO! I work 1 day(at least) a week in a private dental office. Will I ever retire? Probably never. There are too many opportunities for providing services, plus the knowledge and growth received through involvement.
Significant Events: California Dental Hygienist of the Year - recognition for service and contributions to the Hoopa Indians and Reservation in Northern California through Flying Samaritans. Sumter Arnim Award- recognition for research and education in dentistry
Japanese Exchange Committee- traveled to Yamanashi, Japan to organize and establish exchange studies for students between Yamanashi Prefixture and Des Moines Area Community Colleges dental hygiene programs. This is presently an on-going student exchange.
INTERESTS: I love to ski. I hike- have climbed many mountains including Longs Peak in Colorado, in the Swiss Alps and Shoshenko,Japan. Traveling is probably my greatest hobby.
I have done Home Stays In Switzerland and Japan. Hosted exchange students from France and Japan. My travels include: All but a few East coast states in the continental US, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong, China, (including climbing the Great Wall, Beijing, and Badaling) Japan, (Mt. Fuji), Greece, the Mediteranean Isles of Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Mykynos, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Jamaica, Virgin Islands and Australia, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. This year I plan to go to Alaska and Russia. Gardening (in my spare time)
Playing with and being involved with my grandchildren (and their activities). Volunteer work for civic, church and professional associations.
REFLECTIONS:
I wouldn't change a thing about my life. I feel that everything has and will happen for a reason unknown by us. I have wonderful memories, and wonderful friends that make up those memories. I believe my travels and outreach through "involvements" in my life, has afforded me many friendships, thus personal wealth.