The 275 members of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Class of 2019 arrived for commencement in a rainstorm, shielding themselves with umbrellas or holding their gowns over their heads. Once safely under the preparation tent, they straightened their caps and hoods, as water dripped off the sides of the tent. Puddles began to form on the side of Malvern Field, and staff opened umbrellas in preparation for the processional.
But at the last second, the rain abated, and the Class of 2019 trooped into the Boston University Track and Tennis Center, a sea of red and black under overcast skies. Dr. Carl McManama, chief marshal and a professor in the Department of General Dentistry, then called the convocation to order before Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter initiated the proceedings of the 2019 GSDM Commencement Convocation.
“No matter what the weather is outside, the sun is always shining inside for our Convocation,” Hutter said in his opening remarks.
In total, 200 predoctoral students and 75 postdoctoral residents and postgraduate students received their degrees and certificates on Friday, May 17, 2019, during the Henry M Goldman School of Dental Medicine Commencement Convocation Ceremony.
The ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem by Alicia Tavares DMD 18. Reverend Dr. Robert A. Hill, University chaplain and dean of Boston University’s Marsh Chapel, then provided the invocation.
During his opening remarks, Dean Hutter touched upon the achievements of the Class of 2019, a lengthy and impressive resume of accomplishment that includes international travel, community service, leadership, research and academic success.
“I have watched you and your classmates grow into confident, competent dental and oral healthcare professionals,” Hutter said. “You should all feel very proud to be a member of such a prestigious graduating class.”
Valedictorians Kinjal D. Patel DMD AS 19 and Erica Janik DMD 19 drew laughs, mainly from classmates, as they touched upon the trials and tribulations of dental school, from study guides to “stab lab.”
“Thank you to my fellow classmates for being part of this journey,” Patel said as she reminisced on her time in the DMD Advanced Standing program.
Janik commended her fellow students for their hard work.
“Today, we graduate doctors, full of the knowledge and responsibility that comes with being a DMD. … be proud of this moment,” Janik said. “Take it all in. You deserve it!”
Spencer N. Frankl Excellence in Teaching Award recipient Dr. Gail McCausland, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Periodontology and clinical director of the Advanced Education Program in Periodontology, commended the graduating class for their dedication to their studies.
“No one walking across the stage in a few minutes ended up here by accident,” McCausland said.
“You may not have known what you were getting into when you arrived, but you quickly realized that nothing was going to be handed to you, and that if you were going to make it you were going to have to work harder than you ever had before—so by sitting here today you have probably accomplished one of the hardest things you will ever do in your life.”
Keynote speaker David Lustbader CAS 86 DMD 86, clinical instructor in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and chair of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board, spoke to the graduates about their future in the oral health field.
“You are entering truly the greatest profession in the world,” Lustbader told the graduates. “It will allow you unprecedented growth and freedom. It will allow you the honor of caring for your patients—they will place their trust in you. It is an awesome responsibility, one that you must cherish every day.”
Speeches concluded, cheers and applause echoed through the venue as students, residents, faculty, staff, family and friends watched with pride as the graduates crossed the stage to receive their Certificates of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) and diplomas.
The Class of 2019 then recited the Professional Oath, pledging themselves to “the service of humanity, my patients, my community, and my profession.”
In closing, Dean Hutter spoke of the bond formed between classmates during their time at GSDM.
“As you look beside you, behind you, and in front of you – realize that these special individuals have been your support, your comrades, your colleagues, your friends and your family for the time of your tenure at Boston University,” he said.
“Protect them – stay close to them – the experiences you have shared will remain with you for the rest of your lives; You will always be a graduate of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.”
The ceremony ended with a benediction from Reverend Hill. As the newly minted graduates strode out of the Track and Tennis Center, clutching diplomas, they found themselves under bright blue skies. The rain had gone away, and the sun was shining for the Class of 2019.
To see photos from the event, click here.