The late longtime Galesburg dentist Kandy Sayrs is creating opportunities for the next generation of dental professionals, even after her passing. Sayers died on March 20 at the age of 61 following a brief illness. But Carl Sandburg College has announced a $100,000 gift that Sayrs left to the Carl Sandburg College Foundation that will be used to support Sandburg students becoming dental hygienists. Sayrs long was a champion of Sandburg's dental program, known to sit for multi-hour student cleanings at the downtown annex. Stacy Kosier, coordinator and assistant professor of Sandburg's dental program said, "She understood how hard it is for our students to find patients," adding that she "think(s) she felt that was just something she could give back to her profession." Chief Advancement Officer Eric Johnson says Sayrs' gift has created an opportunity to lessen the cost barrier for current and future students who pursue a career in dental hygiene. Johnso
Dr. Kandy Sayrs, Galesburg's first female dentist and well-known for specializing in children's and senior citizen's dentistry, has died. Dr. Sayrs passed away at home Sunday following a short illness at the age of 61 Sayrs retired from practice in 2019. She was a graduate of both Galesburg High School and Knox College, before she obtained a doctorate of dental surgery from University of Illinois College of Dentistry in Chicago. While in dental school, Sayrs was awarded the Delta Sigma Delta National Dental Fraternity Award for the highest academic achievement in her graduating class. Sayrs worked in Edwardsville for 2 and a half years before returning home to open her own practice in 1989, becoming Galesburg's first female dentist. Her obituary from Hinchliff-Pearson-West says that Kandy will also be remembered for her love of animals. Visitation for Dr. Kandy Sayrs will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral serv