Alumni Weekend

2021 Alumni Weekend - In Person Events Cancelled

The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus appears to be much more easily transmitted, and has resulted in recently updated and continually changing CDC guidance. Relying on this and considering the high transmission rate of the Delta variant, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Alumni Weekend.

As a healthcare institution and a place for higher education, the health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance, and we have an obligation to protect one another, even when that means making difficult choices.

While we are disappointed, acting in the best interest of the health and safety of our community is our highest priority. We look forward to the day we can host alumni on campus to reconnect, spend time on campus and get to know current students.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Revised Alumni Weekend schedule

Friday, September 10

12:00 PM (Virtual Event) Meet the NEW Dean: Alumni and Dean Conversation (Register)

Football Game - Dentistry Section

Tickets are $15/each
Located in Section 215, Rows 23-24
Purchase tickets here.

2020 Alumni Award Winners

Distinguished Dental Hygiene Alumni Award Lesley Tuomi, RDH, BSDH '09

Tuomi works at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, a multi-specialty health center located in North Minneapolis. In her work, Tuomi focuses on serving pregnant women and children from birth to age five, spending her time seeking out grant funding to promote dental health in the North Minneapolis community. She's passionate about reaching out to schools for health screenings and follow-up care, serving patients at community events in her spare time, and finding care for patients whether her clinic is able to see them or not.

Distinguished Dental Alumni Award Patricia Angela Rake, DDS '97

Rake is a diplomat with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and is a member of the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, and the Minnesota Dental Association. She is an avid fundraiser, biking to raise money for the Women's Foundation of Minnesota. She has served as a motivational speaker and leadership trainer. She is passionate about using safe practices in anesthesia and raising awareness regarding responsible prescribing of opioids.

2019 Alumni Award Winners

Watch 2019 winners Patt Carlson and Dr. John Kanyusik talk about their careers in dentistry by clicking on their photo

Distinguished Dental Hygiene Alumni Award Patt Carlson, DH '72

"I sincerely appreciate this honor and recognition. Forty-eight years as a dental hygienist has been both rewarding and challenging. It has provided me opportunities in private practice, education, dental and medical research. I have met wonderful people throughout my career, many of whom remain my friends today. I would like to thank my colleagues, mentors, friends, and especially my family for all their support during my career. Thank you all for the fond memories." - Patt Carlson, DH '72. Read more about Ms Carlson's accomplishments

Distinguished Dental Alumni Award John Kanyusik, DDS '70, MSD '72

"Thank you so much for this high honor. This is a bit uncomfortable, for when I think of the previous recipients I am humbled. In particular Bob Isaacson, Jim Gjerset, Steve Litton, Arnie Hill, and Brent Larson are individuals who have all had a positive influence on my professional life. I am proud of the quality education that the U of M provided me, it was a solid base to build from. I am proud of and thankful for my classmates from the class of 1970, 54 years ago we for the most part were strangers and we formed delightful friendships over our 4 years together, I also am thankful for their encouragement to learn to tie a tie and to finally ditch my two clip-on ties in order to comply with AB Hall’s freshman dress requirements. I am proud of the orthodontic residents that I have worked with through the years, and I am grateful for their infectious enthusiasm and all that I have learned from them. Most importantly I am so proud and thankful for my wife Carolyn, our four children, and three grandchildren. I treasure the blessing that they are in my life." -- John Kanyusik, DDS '70, MSD '72. Read more about Dr. Kanysik's accomplishments

2021 Alumni Weekend - In Person Events Cancelled

Revised Alumni Weekend schedule

2020 Alumni Award Winners

2019 Alumni Award Winners

Relive 2019 Alumni Weekend

Photos from the 2019 Alumni Weekend

2019 Alumni Weekend

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