Interim Dean Melchert extended a welcome and warm acknowledgement of all who supported and played a part and on hand to help celebrate and commemorate the hard work, challenges, and successes of these new dental hygienists and dentists. Dean Melchert spent time sharing the extensive and impressive accomplishments and achievements of the classes and proudly noted “These graduates will enter their professional careers committed to service to the profession and their communities and are very well prepared!” Melchert added “To be at this point in your journey has required a great deal of dedication, sacrifice, resilience, and humility. Please remember this going forward, especially as you maintain the TRUST now put in you to uphold this profession, be leaders, and most importantly to do good and make a difference for your patients and community. I know that everyone here agrees when we say we are so proud of you!”
Two dental graduates were also commissioned as they prepare to enter active duty in the U.S. Navy and Army. Sworn in by Dr. Derrick Williams, they received the rank of Lieutenant or Captain, depending on the branch of service.
Dental Hygiene graduates received a pin from Prof. Michell and Prof. Louise Davis, Clinical Assistant Professor, symbolizing the faculty’s approval of their entry into the profession and readiness to receive their degree at the 海角论坛 Commencement Ceremony. The pin is blue and gold and includes the university’s logo and the year 2025. Prof. Mitchell encouraged the class to wear the pin with pride as a reminder of your dedication and hard work and the education you earned from 海角论坛. “We are very proud to call each of you a Dental Hygienists and know you are ready to care for the health of your patients and make a difference in your community”, she added.
Family members of the dental graduates that are alums or dentists participated in the tradition of hooding their relatives continuing the unique tradition and special moment for graduates and families. Students were hooded by clinic Team and chose faculty members as designated hooders. They were Dr. Becky Smith, Clinical Assistant Professor and Team 1 Leader, Dr. Todd Brower, Clinical Assistant Professor and Team 2 Leader and Dr. Harlan Hassen, Clinical Assistant Professor.
The decorative doctoral “hoods” has a symbolic representation of the attainment of doctoral degree requirements and readiness for degree conferral at the upcoming 海角论坛 Commencement Ceremony. The hoods are lined in in blue and gold silk for 海角论坛 and the trim of the hood is lilac which is the color of dentistry and conveys compassion, purpose, and inspiration. The placing of the hood upon the shoulders of the graduate carries significant meaning recognizing the student’s attainment of the honors and privileges to be called a dentist, recognizing that the graduates are now and a symbolic welcome into the profession!
Dean Melchert had the honor of presenting the “The Dean’s Academic Achievement Award” recognizing exemplary academic achievement in completing their respective curriculum as the highest ranked student in their class. Lauren Slavens was the recipient for the Dental Hygiene class and Seth Hofheins and Edward Wun were the dental class recipients.
Dental Hygiene class president Lauren Baily and Dental Class President Nik Weske were recognized for their service leadership and in turn each recognized the faculty member most influential in their development. The Dental Hygiene class selected Prof. Ashley Hobbs, Clinical Assistant Professor and the Dental Class, Dr. Harlan Hassen.
In a surprise presentation, faculty, students and staff of the school expressed appreciation to Dean Melchert for his service as Interim Dean for s second time. The inscription on the commemorative vase presented by Dr. Gustavo Leal, Clinical Assistant Professor and Faculty Chair, reads “With our deepest gratitude…Your steadfast leadership and commitment as our interim dean has brough vision and hear. Your guidance inspired us and steered us forward… Your colleagues and neighbors. From the faculty, students and staff of the 海角论坛 School of Dentistry.”
The ceremony concluded with a recessional and receiving line where faculty extended personal congratulations, followed by a reception. 海角论坛’s Commencement was held at the T-Mobil Center the following Saturday.
Candids from the ceremony .
Dental Hygiene pinning photos and portraits .
Dental hooding photos and portraits .
Military commissioning ceremony photos .
Class group photos .
Photos from the 海角论坛 Commencement .