A Momentous Commencement in GSDM’s 50th Anniversary Year
On Friday, May 17, 2013, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) held the School’s 49th annual Convocation at the Walter Brown Arena. Approximately 190 DMD and 80 post-doctoral students were honored and awarded degrees.
Before beginning the commencement program, Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter took a moment to reflect on the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon bombings. He expressed pride in the GSDM community for joining fellow Bostonians in prayer for victims and families and for standing ready to help their neighbors in any way they could. He expressed special gratitude to the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty, staff, and residents who provided triage and care to the wounded that were brought to Boston Medical Center.
Said Dean Hutter: “We as a University and a School of Dental Medicine are Boston Strong, and Kathy and I could not be more proud of how you and your colleagues who may not be here with us this afternoon reacted and coped with this horrific event and its aftermath.”
Dean of Marsh Chapel Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill began the ceremony with an invocation.
Following the invocation, Dean Hutter addressed the Class of 2013, noting that this year’s Commencement holds special meaning, occurring during the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the School: “I have watched you and your classmates grow into confident, competent dental and oral health care professionals and I am delighted to share this special occasion with you. You should feel very proud to be a member of such a prestigious graduating class.” Dean Hutter continued:
Shortly, when you walk across this stage and receive your Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Diplomas and Certificates, know that they are symbols of both your dedication over the course of your academic careers and your commitment to the future of our dental profession.
Valedictorian of the DMD 2013 Class Hilary Linton addressed the audience of approximately 2,000. Linton said that, having interacted with most of the GSDM community gathered at Commencement, “I truly feel like I am part of a dynamic family made up of individuals who will be there for me and support me throughout my career—a career that can take so many possible directions and one I am truly thrilled to be starting.”
To her class, Linton said:
Let me be the first person to congratulate you today. I feel incredibly honored to be a part of the graduating class of 2013. GSDM was the first school in the country devoted solely to specialty education in dentistry. It has a rich and impressive history and we will strive to continue that legacy.
Linton also took time to thank the faculty, patients, family, and friends.
The Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented during the ceremony to outstanding faculty member Dr. Richard D’Innocenzo, who is clinical associate professor and director of pre-doctoral education for the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery as well as vice chairman of Dentistry and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for Boston Medical Center.
Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford delivered the Commencement address. Dr. Sinkford is senior scholar-in-residence in the Office of the President and CEO of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) as well as professor and dean emeritus of Howard University College of Dentistry. In 1975, Dr. Sinkford became the first female dean of a dental school when she was appointed dean of Howard University College of Dentistry. She works with the ADEA to develop and implement policy in dentistry involving gender and minorities. Dr. Sinkford has been on the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board since 1981.
Sinkford first extended her congratulations to the Class of 2013. She expressed her feeling of kinship with GSDM and respect for the qualities that mark GSDM as unique among dental schools; in its commitment to research, expansion of community service, and educational transformation.
In her speech Sinkford also discussed both the current state of dentistry and the future of the profession. She talked about the continuing need for better oral health care for Americans and how the coming advances in scientific research and discovery, such as genomics and stem cell research, will transform the way they practice.
Sinkford offered this advice to the graduates:
In your personal lives your patients will now call you “doctor” and doctor means “healer,” it also means “teacher.” You will find in your practice that “wellness” is a partnership between doctor and patient and that each has a role in lifelong health and wellness.
Sinkford closed by saying: “Believe me—There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going and to those whom much is given, much is required.”
Following Dr. Sinkford’s Commencement address, DMD Class President Joshua T. Quinby and AS Class President Manu Sharma presented the 2013 Class Gift on behalf of their classes. The Class Gift Campaign is an annual, student-driven tradition at Boston University. While students could give in any amount, the suggested donation was the symbolic amount $20.13.
The GSDM 2013 Class Gift was presented with special pride and enthusiasm: The DMD and AS classes won the University-wide Class Gift Competition, ultimately reaching 100% participation.
The total amount donated by the Class of 2013 was $3,743.92, which will go to GSDM community outreach, elective externships, and student scholarships. Alumni Board President Dr. Mitch Sabbagh DMD 87 generously matched the donation. In addition, on the night of the Goldman Gala on May 3, Dr. David Lustbader DMD 75, Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board and Dr. Ronald Weissman PROS 77, CEO and Founder of Gentle Dental Associates and a valued member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, also matched the Class of 2013 gift. The total gift was an impressive $14,975.68.
The post-doctoral and pre-doctoral graduates of 2013 then each made the significant trip to the stage to receive their diplomas and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study.
Once the students had received their diplomas, Dean Hutter led the graduates in reading the Oath of the Classes.
Symbolic of the graduates’ new status as alumni within the GSDM family, Dean Hutter invited GSDM Alumni Association President Dr. Mitchell V. Sabbagh DMD 87 to the stage to welcome the graduates to the Alumni Association. Sabbagh first acknowledged Dean Hutter for his support of the Alumni Association and for his leadership. Sabbagh continued:
This special day of celebration during the 50th Anniversary of our School marks the completion of your studies here, but more importantly, it cements our relationship as we officially welcome you as our Alumni. Our alumni association, like your family, is here to help you embark on an exciting future that, one the one hand you’re ready for, but also from which you don’t fully know what to expect.
Sabbagh concluded:
Though you will be leaving our hallowed halls and though it may be bittersweet, please know that the family that is your Alumni Association now welcomes you with open arms and an open heart. Welcome, new alumni!
Dean Hutter then made his final remarks. He took a moment to thank the faculty and staff of GSDM along with the families and friends for their support of the graduates.
He gave the following advice to the graduates: “Cherish your education and your profession and measure success not by the amount of money you earn, but rather by the contribution you make to your family, your profession, your patients and your community.”
Dean Hutter then thanked Reverend Hill for his leadership and support through the recent trying and troubling times for Boston University. Reverend Hill then delivered the benediction.
Graduates, guests, and members of the GSDM community proceeded to a reception, where they celebrated their achievements over refreshments and appetizers.
And with that welcome, the graduates commenced—first to continued celebrations of their achievement and then on to their continuing education and dental health careers.