“An Adventure to be Lived:” GSDM Commencement 2025 Reflects on Current Achievements and Prophesizes Bright Futures
About 300 students and residents were recognized for fulfilling their degree and certificate programs during the 2025 Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Commencement Convocation Ceremony the Boston University Track and Tennis Center on Friday, May 16.
The theme of the event was simple, but powerful: Appreciate the past, live in the present, and plan for fulfilling futures.
The day started with lots of eager chatter, earnest selfies, and an electrified atmosphere. As the graduates processed in to “Pomp and Circumstance,” their biggest fans—their family and friends—showed their support with cardboard cutouts of graduates’ faces, fist bumps, and a lot of cheerful noise.
In his welcoming remarks, Dean Cataldo Leone applauded the Class of 2025‘s dedication to professional and personal excellence. He urged the graduates to focus on what they have learned and on how they have grown, and to hold on to their curiosity mindset for the rest of their careers.
“Your time at GSDM has been incredible and we truly have been enriched by your presence,” Leone said. “You leave us as you came in—intelligent, talented, and dedicated individuals—but with considerably more knowledge, skills, and values than on day one. We thank you for letting us travel along with you on that journey.”
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, former principal deputy director of the national institutes of health (NIH), deputy ethics counselor of the agency, acting NIH director, director of the national institute of dental and craniofacial research, among other affiliations.
Tabak gave the Class of 2025 three key pieces of advice that he believed all recent dental school graduates should know. He told them that they don’t have to be the smartest person in any given room—but they should always surround themselves with smart people. He also advised the graduates to take “intellectual risks” and to stay up to date on the latest biomedical findings.
“Look for ways to stretch beyond your comfort zone–carefully consider the option that potentially opens the greatest number of new doors for you,” Tabak said. “That approach may lead you to amazing, unexpected, new opportunities.”
The other speakers at Commencement were the DMD Advanced Standing and DMD valedictorians—for which, remarkably, there were two two-way ties. Dr. Jose Divo DMD AS 2025 and Dr. Lyn Hajjar ORTHO 23 DMD AS 25 represented the Advanced Standing class, and Michael Badaoui DMD 25 and Benjamin Affenito DMD 25 represented the DMD class.
Hajjar delivered remarks on her and Divo’s behalf, sharing that she came to GSDM five years ago for her orthodontics residency with no intention of staying on to then complete the Advanced Standing program. Today, she can’t imagine having done anything else. She said GSDM has given her lifelong friendships and a renewed sense of camaraderie.
“The days are long, but the years are short–a paradox I never fully understood until now,” Hajjar said. “Somehow, the days that once felt impossible have flown by and become the years we will cherish forever. Today isn’t just the end of a chapter. It’s the beginning of a story only we can write. And as time unfolds, may we be reminded why we chose this journey in the first place.”
Michael Badaoui DMD 25 said he is looking forward to using his platform as a dental professional to make a profound difference in people’s lives. He hopes his fellow graduates seize this tremendous opportunity with passion and kindness. (Both Hajjar and Badaoui had a loved one/GSDM alum co-present their diploma. Read our alumni co-presenter article to learn more.)
“I used to think success was about having all the answers,” Badaoui said. “But one of my patients reminded me that life isn’t a problem to be solved, it’s an adventure to be lived. The truth is, we won’t always feel ready for what comes next. But I encourage each of you to embrace the unknown. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way, and rather than viewing them as obstacles, see them as doors to something greater.”
Benjamin Affenito DMD 25 said it has been a long trek for the graduates and their loved ones alike to make it to Commencement. He added that it was hard for him to put into words just how momentous this occasion was, but the action of family and friends simply showing up to celebrate said more than any words could express.
“There is no stronger support system than family, so on behalf of the class I would like to extend a thank you to all of the families here today, you have provided an unwavering source of encouragement throughout these four years,” Affenito said. “Today we are not just celebrating our achievements, but we also have the chance to recognize all of the sacrifices made by our families to allow us to be here, and we are all so grateful.”
Steven C. Mollica DMD 89, clinical assistant professor of general dentistry, was presented with the 2025 Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is in honor of the late Dr. Spencer N. Frankl, the second dean of the school, who provided outstanding leadership for the school. Leone said Mollica’s students described him as a professor who cares deeply about his students. (Mollica was one of the faculty/staff members a member of the Class of 2024 said inspired them. Read our inspirational GSDM faculty and staff to learn more.)
“Students note his dedication, that he goes above and beyond to encourage, support, and advise students,” Leone said. “And finally, they say he focuses them on ‘understanding the why’ and keeping the bigger picture in mind—all while making their time in the Simulation Learning Center fun and calming.”
Additionally, Leone said Mollica is a dedicated and compassionate educator who is extremely deserving of this award. (Check out Mollica’s Frankl Award winner video to find out what the award means to him.)
“[Mollica] has positively influenced countless GSDM students and residents, providing them the educational foundation they need to become outstanding oral healthcare professionals,” Leone said. “We are fortunate to have him as a member of our community.”
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: The presentation of certificates and diplomas. The graduates walked across the stage, beaming with joy and pride. After the last member of the Class of 2025 received their diplomas, the crowd rose for a standing ovation, clapping loudly for the graduates.
The graduates then stood up to recite the professional oath for the final time at GSDM, pledging themselves to the service of humanity, their patients, their community, and their profession. They remained standing because there was one thing left to do: Thank their loved ones.
“We must acknowledge that progress in life is a generational quality,” Leone said. “Therefore, we would be remiss if we did not also commend the families and friends of our graduates for all that they have provided them. Without their uncompromising love, moral support, and in many cases financial assistance, our graduates would not be here today.”
In closing, Leone asked the graduates to savor every chapter of life. While their time at GSDM was coming to an end, this day marked the start of their next great journey.
“Dear graduates, please go forth and be safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous,” Leone said.
To read our full commencement coverage, please visit our Commencement 2025 page.
Check out our Commencement 2025 album on Flickr to see more photos.