Moments from Moos Tower
Commencement 2023
Monica “Dr. mOe” Anderson, DDS ’88, delivered a rousing keynote speech. The motivational speaker, author, podcast host, dental consultant and provider reflected on her own journey and encouraged learners to live by their own personal mission statements. “Over the years, some goals will change, but your core values should not,” she said. “Do the right thing for your patient, your career and your family’s future.”
Members of Illusion Theatre joined the school’s annual Faculty and Staff Retreat to explore issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
One community, together
Faculty, staff and students gathered for community-building events throughout the year. A warm beverage meetup kept Moos Tower cozy and caffeinated in the winter. An ice cream social kept us cool in July. And the annual all-school picnic celebrated friends and family with food and fun at Minnehaha Regional Park. The Faculty and Staff Retreat explored themes of belonging, equity and wellbeing, encouraging colleagues to deepen their connections. Through it all, faculty, staff and students got out of their offices and cubicles and made new connections.
Ranee Flory enjoying a warm beverage at a meet-up in Moos Tower.
Ice cream social in July 2023.
White Coat Ceremony
The 2023 White Coat Ceremony honored the DDS Class of 2027, Dental Therapy Class of 2026 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 as they entered the oral health care profession. The event also featured a keynote from Janelle Jehn, BSDT ’13, ADT ’16, the first Dental Therapy graduate to provide the address. Jehn encouraged learners to remain curious, be persistent and remove their own perceived limitations. “I have had opportunities that I could not even think, nor dream, of, when I was sitting in these seats thirteen years ago,” she said. “All because I remained curious.”
