Long-Serving Orthodontic Faculty Surprised at NESO Meeting Reception

A GSDM Orthodontic Alumni Reception was held on November 11, during the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists (NESO) Annual Meeting, at the Boston Marriott Copley Place.

As an added twist to the Reception, the Department surprised four of their long-standing faculty members: Drs. Kenneth Drizen, Victor Dietz, Michael Blau, and John Bednar, with Anthony A. Gianelly Lifetime Awards for Excellence in Teaching. All four of the honored faculty members have taught for more than 35 years. A short video presentation was shown, highlighting their accomplishments and backgrounds. Then they were each presented with their awards and a book of photos and letters from alumni.

Also at the Reception, Dr. James Ackerman, a long-time acquaintance of Dr. Anthony Gianelly, gave a presentation about Dr. Gianelly and Dr. George Gildea, a member of the orthodontic faculty from 1967-2004, who passed away in 2009, was honorably mentioned. 

More than 140 people attended the event including alumni, faculty, staff, and students, as well as the awardees’ family members. Mrs. Gianelly and her daughter, Lisa, also attended and everyone was pleased to see them. Attendees received a gift of a flash drive pre-loaded with publications authored by Dr. Gianelly.

“Last Friday was a magical evening for BU Orthodontics,” said Chair & Anthony A. Gianelly Professor in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics and Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Dr. Leslie Will. “It was an emotional evening and clearly demonstrated the close family feeling that pervades our Department. Even newcomers were caught up in the infectious atmosphere. We certainly have a Department to be proud of, and I am pleased to be a part of this.”

Photos are available on facebook and flickr.