Dr. Ronald Uppleger and Dr. Katherine Solomich both graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School, with Dr. Solomich in 2006, and Dr. Uppleger earlier, in 1974. It was there the father and daughter discovered their love of learning. They both enjoyed science and the arts. Dr. Uppleger went onto Michigan State University for 3 years and was accepted early into the University of Michigan School of Dentistry based on his grades and his dental exam scores. This allowed him to start his career at age 24. His daughter, Dr. Katherine Solomich (nee Uppleger) went on to graduate from Western Michigan University with 2 degrees. She was recognized by graduating Magna Cum Laude. From there she went on to the number one Dental School in the USA, the University of Michigan. It was a proud day for the Uppleger family when Dr. Uppleger was permitted to place the Doctorial stole upon Dr. Katherine at her graduation at the University of Michigan ceremony.
In 1984 Dr. Uppleger opened Uppleger Dental, after graduating from the University of Michigan with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. He went on to many post doctorial programs including The Pankey Institute, Kois Center for Dental Excellence, and received a fellowship in dental implants from The International Congress of Oral Implantology. Dr. Katherine Solomich joined her father in 2015 at Uppleger Dental, also graduating with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan. In 2011, the practice opened a new, state of the art office which was custom designed to provide optimal patient care in an all digital and paperless practice. Both Dr. Solomich and Dr. Uppleger are committed to excellence, which in turn, delivers the best results for their patients.
The GPPSS Impact
Both Father and Daughter credit much of their success to the lessons learned during their time at Grosse Pointe North. Dr. Uppleger learned teamwork and hard work from his participation in football and track. Dr. Solomich also acquired knowledge of teamwork from her participation in soccer and cross country. Mr. Cooper, the cross country coach and Jodie Jackson-Randazzo, the soccer coach, who encouraged her to strive for personal excellence.
When asked if they had one piece of advice for students today, the response came quickly to them: “Believe in yourself. Find a mentor to help guide you. Always ask questions. The road to success will have a few bumps, stay steady.” Dr. Uppleger and Dr. Solomich are as committed as they come, and continue to keep Grosse Pointe’s smiles bright.
Want to Nominate Someone to be Profiled?
As part of this year's celebration of 100 years of educational excellence at Grosse Pointe Public Schools, we are partnering with the district to profile 100 alumni from our illustrious first century.
Are you or someone you know interested in being profiled in a story that will be distributed district-wide across various social media and news platforms?
Start by nominating yourself or someone you know here.
