Commencement Holds Special Significance for Many

On Friday, May 19, 2012, GSDM honored new graduates at the School’s 48th annual Convocation. The late afternoon ceremony boasted approximately 190 DMD and 77 post-doctoral student participants.

Dean of Marsh Chapel Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill began the ceremony with an invocation. Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter followed by welcoming the graduating students, family and friends, and faculty and staff adding, “The DMD Class of 2012 holds a very special meaning to me since you began your dental education at the same time that I was appointed Dean of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. I have watched you and your classmates grow into confident, competent dental professionals and I am delighted to share this special occasion with you as you receive your degrees.”

Attendees were also treated this year to two student speeches by co-Valedictorians Jun Hyuk Hwang and Jaeseop Lee. The duo also spent time honoring the parents and family members who had traveled internationally to share in their achievement.

Said Lee, “I am truly honored and grateful to be standing here. It has been a tough journey for all of us. After going through Dental School, I can confidently say that there isn’t anything that we cannot overcome. Maybe this may have been the School’s intention all along. I hope we remember only the good things, are strong, challenge ourselves, and make BU proud.”

Said Hwang, “Dentistry is now part of our identity. We have been through a lot and only those who went through this program truly understand what it means and what it takes to become a dentist. Being part of this very special class has been an honor, and a privilege, and it is with my deepest and most sincere feeling that I congratulate you all in this remarkable accomplishment.”

The Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to two outstanding faculty members during the ceremony: Professor of Periodontology & Oral Biology and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Cataldo Leone and BUSM Assistant Professor of Microbiology Dr. Stephanie M. Oberhaus.

Said Dr. Leone, “It is truly an honor to receive the Spencer N. Frankl Award for Teaching. Spencer Frankl was the School’s previous Dean and it was he who recruited me here to BU.” He continued, “Dr. Frankl is no longer with us, and the graduates unfortunately never got to know him. But, I share with you that he was a true role model; a good Dean, a good dentist, a good husband, a good father, a good grandfather; he was, simply stated, a good man. I humbly accept this award in his name.”

Dr. Oberhaus said to the graduates: “This award is one of the many reasons why you are graduating from a totally awesome dental school. Teaching is valued here. I didn’t know Dean Frankl well, but I am well aware of his legacy and commitment to education that continues to inspire and guide us. The best thing about being a teacher is learning from your students and colleagues, so I would like to thank you for everything you have taught me and for this wonderful award.”

2012 Commencement Speaker Dr. Dushanka Kleinman, was then introduced to the audience. Dr. Kleinman is a proud alum, having earned her Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study and Masters of Science in Dentistry in Dental Public Health at GSDM.

Said Kleinman to the graduates: “You have taken good advantage of your time here and you are adding to the legacy of this School. You have shown your commitment to population health—two-thirds of the pre-doctoral class volunteered for community outreach events (beyond the mandatory ones)—which is the highest percent for any class to date! You reflect your commitment to global health and leadership by who you are—the graduating classes represent 30 countries including the US. And, you are on your way to life-long learning with 30% of you continuing to advanced education.”

She continued, “It is clear that you are a class with heart and soul and a class that can and will make a difference worldwide. Soon you will be off with diplomas and certificates in hand, but before you go, I would like to leave you with three thoughts: First, health is more than health care. Second, quality of care is more than technical excellence. And finally, leadership is more than taking charge. Congratulations graduates and thank you for letting me join you on this special day!”

Following Dr. Kleinman’s speech, Class of 2012 President Alisun Kovach, Vice President Shivali Gohel, AS Class of 2012 President Sathvik Seshadri and AS Vice President Puneet Arora ascended the stage to present the 2012 Class Gift.

Added Dean Hutter, “On behalf of all the faculty, staff, and students both present and future, I want to thank the members of the 2012 Class for contributing to this very special gift to our School. Words cannot describe the significance of this gift and what it means to me and our School. You have now set a precedent for future classes to emulate and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Dean Hutter also thanked Ronald Weissman PROS 77, CEO and Founder of Gentle Dental Associates and a valued member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, for the generosity he has shown in matching the contributions that came forth from the DMD and AS Classes of 2012.

The graduates of 2012 then walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. In a new and special element of the ceremony, members of the GSDM alumni were brought up on stage to present diplomas to their graduating relatives. Presenters included Cheryl Ullman ENDO 80, who presented to her son Charles Ullman DMD 12; Douglas Conn ENDO 95, who presented to his son Jason Conn DMD 10, ENDO 12; Araxi Yetenekian-Gettas DMD 86, who presented to her nephew Joseph Kabakhian DMD 12; Debra Pan DMD 01, who presented to her niece and nephew, Sarah and Michael Courtney, both DMD 12; Ping Kang Cheng PROS 80, DMD 83, who presented to his son Jared Cheng DMD 12; Mathi Theva DMD 90, who presented to her son Jay Theva DMD 12; and Jack Bednar ORTHO 75, who presented to his daughter Katy Bednar DMD 12.

Following this Dean Hutter lead the class in reciting the Oath of the Class of 2012 and brought the ceremony to a close, adding, “By receiving your degrees and certificates, you have earned the chance to uphold our, and now your School’s values and have a positive impact on the dental profession. Whether you remain in Boston, the United States, or return to your home country to continue your professional career, I know you will continue to give back to your communities. On behalf of the entire faculty, staff, alumni and student body of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, I congratulate you on your tremendous achievement.”

Photos from the reception following Commencement are available on facebook and flickr.