Dean Hutter congratulates the Class of 2015
On Friday, May 15, 2015 190 pre-doctoral students and 88 post-doctoral residents received their degrees at the 2015 Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Convocation, held at the Walter Brown Arena.
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter began the ceremony by introducing himself and welcoming graduates, family and friends, faculty and staff, alumni, and other distinguished guests. He then introduced Dean of Marsh Chapel Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill, who offered his guidance with an invocation.
After the invocation, Dean Hutter made a special announcement that GSDM had received a bequest of more than 3 million dollars from the estate of the late, beloved faculty member, Dr. Oreste Zanni. Dr. Zanni suffered a heart attack in the Post-doctoral Periodontal Patient Treatment Center on July 15, 2013. Dean Hutter said, “Dr. Zanni was a well-respected and award winning faculty member who died doing what he loved most—teaching students and residents and caring for patients.” He then informed the audience that this most generous bequest will be used in the following two ways:
- The establishment of an endowed full scholarship in Dr. Zanni’s name for a Resident enrolled in the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Periodontics; and
- That the Post-doctoral Periodontal Patient Treatment Center in the new Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Clinical Facility be named “The Dr. Oreste Zanni Post-doctoral Periodontic Patient Treatment Center.”
To the graduates, Dean Hutter said, “You entered the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine with eagerness and aspirations to excel as dentists and oral healthcare professionals. You have studied hard. You have formed strong friendships that will last throughout your personal and professional lives. You have experienced both challenging times and exciting times, and I know that when you look back on your experiences at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, it will be these good times and the superb education that you received that will stand out in your minds.”
Dean Hutter then introduced the valedictorian of the two-year DMD Advanced Standing Program Ms. Na Wei and the valedictorian of the four-year DMD Program, Ms. Keely Matheson.
In her valedictorian address, Matheson thanked the School’s staff, faculty, and administration, who helped navigate the students’ path through dental education and ended her address saying, “Thank you to all of our patients for having the faith and yes, sometimes the courage to grant us the honor of being their dentists.” She continued, “And to that one faculty member, that I know we have all had, who restored your faith in yourself after a bad day in clinic or motivated you to keep going, thank you for your unwavering support.”
Wei acknowledged GSDM and thanked the Faculty and Staff for giving the graduates the chance to accomplish their dream and concluded saying, “Now we will leave school and make different career choices. No matter what you do, you will definitely face more obstacles in the way of chasing your dream.” She continued, “Please believe in yourself and your power. Please also remember you still represent GSDM and should make the right choices.”
Boston University Dean of Students Mr. Kenneth Elmore, Esq., who refers to himself as an artist interested in issues surrounding community development and social justice, delivered the keynote address. He praised the students for their dedication to community service—specifically for participating in Art Days and Beacon Hill Lobby Day. Dean Elmore then highlighted the importance of integrating art and science into daily life.
The Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented during the ceremony to Professor in the Departments of Molecular & Cell Biology and Periodontology and Goldman Distinguished Scientist Dr. Frank Oppenheim. The award honors GSDM’s Dean Spencer N. Frankl who, for more than 40 years—30 of which he served as Dean—provided the leadership and vision that shaped the School. Each year, this award recognizes one faculty member who has shown similar dedication to supporting the school’s mission.
DMD Class of 2015 President Ms. Michelle Dube and AS Class of 2015 President Mr. Azeez Gaurav Swarup presented the 2015 Class Gift to Dean Hutter. The Class of 2015 reached 66 percent participation and a Class Gift totaling $4,661.15, the highest amount to date donated to the School by the graduating class.
Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Dr. John Guarente, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Cataldo Leone, Alumni Association President and Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Bing Liu, Professor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Carl McManama each gave $220 for a total of $1,100 in support of the DMD students’ share of the Class Gift. Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Sepideh Novid generously gave $1,640 in support of the Advanced Standing students’ share of the Class Gift.
Collectively, student and faculty donations toward the Class Gift totaled $7,561.15.
Dean Hutter said, “Thank you very much Michelle and Azeez, and on behalf of all the faculty, staff, and students both present and future, I want to thank the members of the 2015 Class for contributing to this very special gift to our school.”
The 2015 pre- and post-doctoral graduates each then made the momentous march across the stage to receive their diplomas, degrees, and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study. Each of the students were greeted on the stage by Dean Hutter who presented them with their much coveted degree.
Dean Hutter then led the Class of 2015 in a recitation of the Professional Oath. Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill closed the 2015 GSDM Convocation with a benediction.