Prairie View A&M University recently mourned the loss of one of its brightest and productive graduates, Mina Rosenthall-Eames.
Eames, 31, the first graduate of the university’s Undergraduate Medical Academy in 2006, was fatally shot in Houston by her estranged husband Clifton Eames, 35, on Monday, Aug. 20. Eames was in her second year of enrollment at the University of Texas Dental Branch.
“Mina was the first student I met March 15, 2004, my first day as director of the Undergraduate Medical Academy,” said Dr. Dennis Daniels. “And from that day until the day of her graduation in 2006, it was rare that we did not stop to talk about her academic progression.”
Eames, who has been described as a pioneer and inspiration to her fellow classmates, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
“From an academic perspective, she was an excellent student. She was dedicated, hardworking and always looking for opportunities to improve herself,” said Daniels.
Daniels believes Eames leaves behind a legacy of community focus, humor and professionalism. “Just enough won’t do. The standard really is excellence,” he continued.
Eames, who planned to become an orthodontist, worked as a dental assistant during college.
According to Catherine M. Flaitz, dean of the University of Texas Dental Branch, an endowment fund will be created in honor of Eames that will address oral health disparities in at-risk women and children.
Funeral services were held Saturday Aug. 25, with approximately 300 people in
attendance.
When asked about his best memory of Eames, Daniels said, “Her smile. Her smile that communicated warmth. A smile that communicated ‘we’re gonna get it done,’ a smile that communicated ‘no problem is too big that if we work together we won’t achieve it.’ Nothing is too big.