Commencement Marks the Beginning of a New Chapter for Graduating Students
Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM) Commencement honored new graduates who received DMD and advanced degrees at the school’s 44th commencement May 18 at the Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center.
Approximately 262 students participated in BUGSDM’s afternoon ceremony, including 90 who received a doctorate in dental medicine (DMD) and one student who was awarded a DScD in pediatric dentistry. An additional 171 BUGSDM students are expected to complete their programs and receive degrees in September.
Dean ad interim Jeffrey Hutter began the ceremony by encouraging the graduates to uphold the values of BUGSDM and to have a positive impact on the dental profession. "Your education does not end here; you will continue to learn about the ever-changing profession of dentistry throughout your careers," said Dr. Hutter. "Through practice and research, you will make contributions to the future of the profession."
Commencement speaker David Federick PROS 72 MSD 72 , highlighted the significant role that BUGSDM can continue to play in the lives of graduates even after their formal education is completed. "Today each of you become an important part of a very special alliance as a Boston University alumnus," Dr. Federick said. "Welcome to the Boston University family with all of the pride, status, benefits, and requirements of a life-time membership."
The Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented during the ceremony to Clinical Associate Professor of General Dentistry and Director of the Predoctoral Preclinical Remediation Program Debra Hong Pan. The award honors BUGSDM’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 our school’s mission.
"Dr. Pan has distinguished herself over the past number of years by virtually single-handedly successfully addressing one of our most difficult academic challenges: how to help students who are struggling in preclinical dental sciences to become equipped to proceed onto the next phase of their academic progression and to succeed," said Dr. Hutter. "She gently and firmly guides, directs, mentors, supports, encourages, and teaches those students who are not yet ready to move on to acquire the necessary skills, tools, techniques, behaviors, and attitudes to achieve competence."
Dr. Pan was both honored and overjoyed to receive the award. She graciously thanked all those that have supported her and also congratulated the graduates adding, "It is my hope that our paths will cross again throughout the future years and I look forward to learning of your accomplishments both personally and professionally."
Dr. Hutter closed the ceremony with a final message for the graduates. "On behalf of the entire BUGSDM family, I sincerely wish you the best of success, health, and happiness. Thank you for allowing BUGSDM to be a part of your lives."
Photos from Commencement are available on BUGSDM’s flickr account. You must have full web access to view these photos.