{"id":61304,"date":"2025-05-29T11:23:52","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T15:23:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/?p=61304"},"modified":"2025-05-29T13:21:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T17:21:18","slug":"gsdm-class-of-2025-recognition-and-awards-dinner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/2025\/05\/29\/gsdm-class-of-2025-recognition-and-awards-dinner\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cThe World is Ready for You:\u201d GSDM Predoctoral Class of 2025 Recognition and Awards Dinner Toasts to Passion and Perseverance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fifty-eight awards were presented to members of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Class of 2025 during the Predoctoral Class of 2025 Recognition and Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 15, held at Boston University\u2019s Agganis Arena.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cYou have been an extraordinary class,\u201d Dean Cataldo Leone said. \u201cWe commend you for your perseverance and thank you for your partnership in achieving our mutual goals.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"bu-slideshow-container class-of-2025-recognition-and-awards-dinner-#1 autoplay\" id=\"bu-slideshow-container-61311\" data-slideshow-name=\"class-of-2025-recognition-and-awards-dinner-#1\" data-slideshow-delay=\"5000\" style=\"width: auto; \"><div class='slideshow-loader active'><div class='loader-animation'><\/div><p>loading slideshow...<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bu-slideshow-slides\"><ul class=\"bu-slideshow transition-slide\" id=\"bu-slideshow-61311\"><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61311_0\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54532829301_e0179fb2d1_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61311_1\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54531944982_b67847c95b_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61311_2\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54533064688_6a89f16ee8_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61311_3\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54532831031_9abc64379f_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61311_4\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54533009314_069b062c87_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61311_5\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54533064583_e645bbc3eb_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"bu-slideshow-navigation-container\"><ul class=\"bu-slideshow-navigation nav-icon\" id=\"bu-slideshow-nav-61311\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-1\" class=\" active\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>1<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-2\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>2<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-3\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>3<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-4\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>4<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-5\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>5<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-6\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>6<\/span><\/a><\/li> <\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Associate Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese said the members of the Class of 2025 were about to earn the most valuable award that they will ever receive.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe Class of 2025 will be remembered most for the way the two classes grew together during their two- or four-year journeys,\u201d Calabrese said. \u201cTogether, you have both persevered and now these two special groups of amazing young doctors have bonded together to become a part of the Boston University Dental School family.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">GSDM Alumni Association President Hongsheng Liu DMD 10 ENDO 12 said the Class of 2025 was about to join a big supportive family\u2014the GSDM alumni community. He said his fellow GSDM alumni are always willing to lend a helping hand and are a simple click away on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/buconnects.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span>BU Connects<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, the professional networking platform exclusively for Boston University alumni, students, faculty, and staff.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThis school is not just where you learn dentistry; It&#8217;s where you grew, struggled, laughed, and yes, sometimes cried,\u201d Liu said. \u201cIt&#8217;s where you made lifelong friendships and built memories that will stay with you forever. GSDM is more than a school; It\u2019s a family. And no matter where life brings you, it always will be.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"bu-slideshow-container class-of-2025-recognition-and-awards-dinner-#2 autoplay\" id=\"bu-slideshow-container-61328\" data-slideshow-name=\"class-of-2025-recognition-and-awards-dinner-#2\" data-slideshow-delay=\"5000\" style=\"width: auto; \"><div class='slideshow-loader active'><div class='loader-animation'><\/div><p>loading slideshow...<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bu-slideshow-slides\"><ul class=\"bu-slideshow transition-slide\" id=\"bu-slideshow-61328\"><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61328_0\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54532831161_862141e374_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61328_1\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54533008409_99110fea2b_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61328_2\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54531943502_5433f0935f_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61328_3\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54533171030_008f411f50_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61328_4\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54533065198_3c95783a15_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><li id=\"bu-slideshow-61328_5\" class=\"slide \"><div class=\"bu-slide-container slide-caption-bottom-right\"><img src=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/54533171420_dc1baf6157_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"bu-slideshow-navigation-container\"><ul class=\"bu-slideshow-navigation nav-icon\" id=\"bu-slideshow-nav-61328\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-1\" class=\" active\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>1<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-2\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>2<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-3\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>3<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-4\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>4<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-5\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>5<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#\" id=\"pager-6\" class=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>6<\/span><\/a><\/li> <\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The evening\u2019s two student speakers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Rama Hakim DMD AS 25 and Han Chao Shi DMD 25<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">were chosen based on nominations from their peers:\u00a0<\/span><span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hakim said that, for members of the Advanced Standing class, their GSDM journey wasn\u2019t about becoming dentists, but about becoming dentists <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">again&#8211;<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">this time in a new country. She said the Class of 2025 didn\u2019t hide from this challenge, but rather rose to the occasion and thrived. Together, they supported each other professionally and personally through exams, treatment plans, homesickness, and parenthood, noting that 14 members of the class welcomed a child <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">during<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> the program.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">&#8220;We will walk across the stage not only with a degree, but with something even more powerful,\u201d Hakim said. \u201cWe walk forward as global citizens of dental medicine shaped by sacrifice, fueled by resilience, and held together by pressure.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shi shared that the following day\u2019s commencement ceremony would be his first-ever in-person ceremony, as he was unable to attend his bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s ceremonies due to COVID-19 regulations at the time. He was grateful to have the ability to celebrate his and fellow classmates\u2019 achievements with GSDM faculty, staff, and their loved ones.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cAs we go out into the world, we will become leaders in our communities,\u201d Shi said. \u201cWe will be the ones to shape the world around us and be the frontline in treating the needs of our patients beyond just oral health. But through it all, I hope we&#8217;ll be there for each other as we were during our time at Boston University. We are a tightknit class with a bond that will last forever, so despite wherever we might end up, I know we&#8217;ll still be there for one another.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Before the student speakers left the stage, Hakim and Shi surprised the crowd by revealing two hidden glasses from under the podium and raising one final toast to their classmates.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI propose a toast to the wonderful memories and to a bright and bold future ahead,\u201d Shi said. \u201cThe world is ready for you. Congratulations, doctor. I love you all.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sixty-three awards were presented throughout the evening, including five awards given to GSDM faculty\/staff.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A full list of individuals recognized at the dinner is available <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-GSDM-Awards-Recognition-Dinner-Winners4PgProgram_web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To read our full commencement coverage, please visit the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/commencement-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Commencement 2025 page.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Check out our 2025 Awards Dinner album on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/bu_dental\/albums\/72177720326272294\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Flickr<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to see more photos.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/author\/rachelgp\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Rachel Grace Philipson<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fifty-eight awards were presented to members of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Class of 2025 during the Predoctoral Class of 2025 Recognition and Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 15, held at Boston University\u2019s Agganis Arena.    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21998,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13850,13905,13840,13889,13890,13839,13894,13891,1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61304"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21998"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61304"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61304\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":61343,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61304\/revisions\/61343"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}