BUSDM Summer Faculty-Staff Meeting
The dental school held its biannual faculty-staff meeting Tuesday to honor outstanding faculty and staff, offer an update on the accreditation process, and share some insights into the state of dental education in North America.
McManama, Mollica, Ruffin honored evening of faculty-staff meeting
Full from a hearty outdoor barbecue, meeting attendees filled the dental school cafeteria for a cake and champagne reception celebrating Dr. Carl McManama, winner of Boston University’s highest teaching honors, the Metcalf Award and Prize.
After the reception, Dean Frankl presented the SDM Community Awards for Excellence in Demonstrating Flexibility in Times of Change.
Sylvia Ruffin, records coordinator for the dental school’s records room, garnered the staff award for Community Excellence. Known for her ability to make order out of chaos, her flexibility, and her warm personality, Sylvia has been with BUSDM since 1998 when she was a patient coordinator. She has been a positive, industrious presence ever since.
“Along with Sylvia’s strong administrative skills,” said Dean Frankl, “she continually exhibits a cheerful, outgoing manner and gladly assists students when they require help.”
The faculty recipient of the Community Award for Excellence, Dr. Steven Mollica, joined the Department of Prosthodontics in 1993 as a clinical instructor in the Predoctoral Prosthodontic laboratory. He emerged as a strong team player, an advocate for students and patients, and someone who seeks a positive and pragmatic solution to difficult problems. Still in the preclinical program, Mollica teaches both Operative Dentistry and Fixed Prosthodontics, participates in the Fixed Simulation Program, and assists students who need remediation.
Said Dean Frankl: “Steve is always willing to go the extra mile. But most of all, he has endless patience, and provides clear guidance to his students, which has made him a respected mentor, colleague, and friend.”
These exceptional people faced stiff competition for the Community Award for Excellence. Fellow nominees included: