136th Commencement Ceremony celebrates Class of 2025
The School of Dentistry celebrated its 136th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9.
Graduates, faculty, staff, family and friends gathered in Northrop Auditorium to celebrate the 187 newest alumni of the School of Dentistry.
“Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of these scholars and graduates. We also celebrate all of you who have supported them in their quest,” reflected Keith A. Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, in remarks to the celebration’s attendees. “Each of your programs have required hard work and long hours of study to gain the required competence to begin your careers in the oral health professions. I congratulate you for persevering and getting to the finish line. When you started your programs, you were students and residents. Now, you are oral health proefssionals.”
The ceremony featured a keynote from Michael Brooks, Jr., DDS ’13, Dental Clinic Director for NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center. Brooks began his career at NorthPoint in 2013, shortly after his graduation from the School of Dentistry. In his current role, his responsibilities include regulatory compliance, patient safety and satisfaction, financial accountability and implementing best practices in oral health care, all while maintaining the cohesiveness of the dental department team. He has received a number of awards for community engagement, including the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award from Concordia University in St. Paul, where he completed his undergraduate studies.
Brooks focused his speech on the theme of “uncharted waters.”
“This theme is quite fitting given our geographic location,” he said. “However, these waters are not the Mississippi, Bde Maka Ska or Minnehaha Falls. They are the waters of your life. Be prepared to flow in any direction as you navigate on this journey.”
Brooks reflected on each graduate’s role as “captain of your personal vessel” on their journey, and shared insights into what it means to be a great leader.
“Each of you possesses a significant amount of potential, and it is your ability to utilize all of your available resources that will determine the trajectory of your journey,” he said. “Best wishes on your journey as your next voyage begins.”
As graduates crossed the stage and marked the end of their journey as learners, candidates for the Doctor of Dental Surgery took part in the time-honored tradition of hooding. They received their doctoral hoods from Christina Hudson, DDS ’96, clinical assistant professor of comprehensive care and Augusto Saldarriaga, DDS, MS, clinical associate professor and interim director of the Division of Prosthodontics. Both faculty members were selected for the honor of presenting hoods by a vote from the graduates.
Students wore caps and gowns that were sponsored by donors to the Cap and Gown Fund. This fund covers the cost of regalia for graduates, supported commencement-related activities and provides scholarships. From 2020 to 2024, donors provided more than $81,000 in gifts to this fund, making much of the camaraderie and celebration of the commencement season possible.
Congratulations to the 187 newest alumni of the School of Dentistry on the completion of your studies and your graduation!