Alumni Spotlight: Douglas Schildhaus DMD 91 PEDO 93 and John Ictech-Cassis PROS 86 DMD 88 to Receive 2025 GSDM Distinguished Alumni Awards
Douglas Schildhaus DMD 91 PEDO 93 and John Ictech-Cassis PROS 86 DMD 88 will be presented with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards during the GSDM Alumni Weekend reception in September.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards, the highest award GSDM presents alumni, are given to recognize alumni for their outstanding service to the university, dental profession, and/or community. Schildhaus was honored for his service to the profession and community, while Ictech-Cassis was honored for his service to the school.
Hongsheng Liu DMD 10 ENDO 12, GSDM Alumni Association president, said Schildhaus and Ictech-Cassis together represent the many paths GSDM alumni can pursue following their educational program.
“Schildhaus has been a very good leader ever since he graduated from BU and he’s actually very involved in his local district, community service, and organized multiple charity activities. That’s very representative of the BU values, trying to help underserved people and help the profession,” Liu said. “Ictech-Cassis, we know him so well… He’s really stood up for all the teaching education for our GSDM community. I think he’s an awesome teacher, humble person, and good representation for our faculty community too.”
Douglas Schildhaus DMD 91 PEDO 93: Making the Dental Hall of Fame
For Doug Schildhaus DMD 91 PEDO 93, receiving a Distinguished Alumni Award from GSDM is akin to a professional athlete getting inducted into a hall of fame.
“BU is my team–that’s where I got my start,” Schildhaus said. “To think all these years later that I get to stand up there and accept an award representing BU for the career that they’ve given to me is incredible.”
Schildhaus believes that being a dentist goes beyond delivering high-quality care—it’s about making a difference in underserved communities. He has exemplified this commitment through his charitable work with Flying Doctors of America. Additionally, Schildhaus said he enjoys using his positions as Nassau County Dental Society president and a delegate of the American Dental Association and New York State Dental Association, to advocate for dentists in New York and across the country to help shape an improved field of dentistry for the next generation.
“There were a lot of great leaders came before me and got me where I am, so I just want to give back.” Schildhaus said. “There’s more work to be done. It’s constantly evolving. I just want to do my part.”
Receiving this award is an amazing addition to his long list of accomplishments and it will motivate him to continue striving to provide high quality care, Schildhaus said. In addition to his ongoing leadership and volunteer roles, he plans to expand his work with pediatric and adult patients with disabilities.
“I’m proud to stand up there with my colleagues, my professors, my friends, and my family,” Schildhaus said. “It’s just an honor to be recognized by the school who taught me everything and got my start. It’s one of the biggest honors I’ve ever had.”
John Ictech-Cassis PROS 86 DMD 88: Staying Humbled and Motivated
John Ictech-Cassis PROS 86 DMD 88 started his GSDM journey in 1984. Forty-one years later, he is still here—and has no intention of leaving Boston University anytime soon.
Ictech-Cassis, a GSDM clinical professor of restorative sciences & biomaterials, esthetic, digital & operative dentistry program director, and the BU Dental Health Center (635 Albany Street) director, said he witnesses the incredible work of his colleagues every day, and therefore was surprised and humbled when he learned he received the 2025 GSDM Distinguished Alumni Award.
“My nomination would not have been possible without the support of my fellow faculty and friends that have guided me throughout my journey,” Ictech-Cassis said.
Ictech-Cassis said receiving this award is validation that he selected the right dental school and professional career—and he hoped his experience can inspire other alumni and encourage them to connect with one another.
“This nomination has not only filled me with pride but also reinforced my commitment to work for a united GSDM alumni community,” Ictech-Cassis said.
During his time at GSDM, Ictech-Cassis has been dedicated to directing the postdoctoral restorative sciences & biomaterials, esthetic, digital & operative dentistry program, in addition to keeping alumni connected through continuing education courses and an annual Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) reunion. His dedication led him to be awarded the Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2006 and receiving an award for 25 years of service as program director for the Advanced Education Program in General Dentistry in 2017.
“I wouldn’t be who I am without GSDM,” Ictech-Cassis said. “I am proud to help the tradition of the good reputation of the school. I want to thank all the GSDM faculty and staff who gave me the opportunities and support that I have.”
To attend the GSDM alumni reception & Distinguished Alumni Award presentation, visit our Alumni Weekend 2025 webpage for event details and registration. (Registration required.)