Awards banquet celebrates DDS Class of 2026
The School of Dentistry honored the DDS Class of 2026 with an awards ceremony on Thursday, May 7.
Held on the evening before the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, the DDS Awards Ceremony honored and celebrated graduates who received special recognition for their dedication to excellence in specialties, clinical care, research, patient care and more.
Marcia Campos, DDS, MS, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, welcomed attendees and shared remarks before introducing the first series of awards. "I want to congratulate the DDS class of 2026 as well as your family and friends," she said. "As we celebrate the end of our journey at the School of Dentistry, we also open our hearts and minds to celebrate the beginning of your careers, which I hope will be beautiful."
Following the presentation of awards, Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, shared his well wishes for graduates and awardees. "This is a great moment in your journey," he said. "You've done a lot of hard work and had a lot of late nights, and we are proud of all of your accomplishments, and the accomplishments we know you're going to achieve in your careers. Thank you for being here and celebrating this moment. Congratulations, and enjoy the ride."
Robert Springer, DDS '19 and president of the School of Dentistry Alumni Society, officially welcomed attendees to their new role as alumni of the School of Dentistry. "I am excited to be here tonight to celebrate you, the graduates, and our newest alumni. I am proud to officially welcome you to the School of Dentistry Alumni Association," he said. "Congratulations on your hard work and dedication to make it to this incredible day. You have succeeded and thrived under immeasurably challenging circumstances, and we appreciate you for doing so."
Finally, DDS Class of 2026 president Reagan Malcom and vice presidents Shriparna Patnayak and Hootie Lawrence provided remarks and shared reflections and memories of their experience over the past four years.
Recalling a slide that Karin Quick, PhD, DDS, associate professor and director of the Division of Dental Public Health, shared on the first day of class that said "1,555 days until graduation," Patnayak reflected, "I remember thinking, wow, that's a lot of days."
"Now I can confidently say that those 1,555 days went by in a flash," she continued "Somewhere along the way, we learned that growth does not happen overnight, but in the small, determined steps we show up for every day. Now those steps have carried us to this very moment we once thought was so far away."
Lawrence continued the officers' remarks. "Even though we will part ways and begin our dental journeys, we will always stay connected through a shared story," he reflected. "We have created relationships with one another that have impacted our lives forever. These small moments that became the glue that held us together will remind us not just of what we learned, but of who we became alongside one another."
Malcom concluded, "All those little moments over the past 1,555 days have built to this week. It has been at once challenging and rewarding, and it has taken support from every direction to make it through."
Congratulations to this year’s awardees and the entire DDS Class of 2026 on their graduation!
2026 DDS Awards
Academic and Student Affairs
Academy of General Dentistry Future Leader in General Dentistry Award
The Future Leader in General Dentistry Award from the Academy of General Dentistry is presented by the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry. This student was selected as having exhibited the greatest leadership, interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry during their senior year.
John Krawczyk
American College of Dentists Outstanding Student Leader Award
The American College of Dentists is the oldest major honorary organization for dentists. Its members have exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society. The Outstanding Student Leader Award recognizes a senior dental student whose dental academic record most exemplifies a combination of outstanding scholastic performance, demonstrated leadership, and potential for impact on the profession of dentistry.
Hootie Lawrence
American Dental Education Association Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford Student Leadership Award
Dr. Sinkford, ADEA Senior Scholar Emerita, is an icon, trailblazer and visionary in dental education; a life-long supporter of dental research; and a steadfast advocate for diversity and social justice. As the first woman and African American dean of a U.S. dental school, Dr. Sinkford’s pioneering efforts empowered women and men from all backgrounds to advance to the pinnacle of their careers in dentistry, including in deanships, research, service and academia. Dr. Sinkford’s academic, research and service leadership is the hallmark of her professional career. She is a persistent advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in dental education and the dental professions and a champion for access to oral health care and health equity. Her long career as a leader for change has had a resounding impact on and helped transform the dental education community. We are grateful to be the beneficiaries of her selfless life of interprofessional service, mentorship and leadership.
Sophie Chweya
American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence
The American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence honors the spirit of volunteerism. The award recognizes one student member from each dental school for achieving superior levels of participation or leadership in service to other students, their school or local community, and who is in good academic standing.
Bill Keute
International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award
The International College of Dentists is a worldwide honorary organization. One of its objectives is to recognize meritorious service and significant contributions to our profession. This award honors a graduate who not only exemplified and demonstrated passion for altruistic humanitarian service as a student, but has great potential to continue to do so.
Mari Ferrer-Lugo
International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award
This award is to a graduating student who has demonstrated leadership in some of the following categories: dental school class, ASDA, SNDA, research, student government, committees or activities, has demonstrated potential to continue leadership roles after graduation, and is ranked in upper third of class, and participated in international opportunities in the School of Dentistry.
Bill Keute
Mellor R. Holland Student Achievement Award
In honor of the former Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, Dr. Mellor R. Holland, the School of Dentistry Alumni Society is delighted to present the annual Mellor R. Holland Student Achievement Award. This certificate of achievement includes a monetary award of $1,500, in recognition of a senior dental student who exemplifies outstanding leadership, scholarship, and personal character.
Reagan Malcom
Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry Larry Squillace Senior Masters Award
Selected by the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry Masters, this student has exhibited the greatest leadership, interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry during their senior year.
Thomas Anderson
Minnesota Dental Association Board of Trustees Award
This award is given in appreciation for the gift of time, talent and energy in service to the Minnesota Dental Association.
Michael Bylander
Office of Admissions Recognition of Service Award
In recognition of services to the Office of Admissions, this senior student was not only an Admissions Ambassador, but also served on the Admissions Committee and reviewed applications from prospective students. The Admissions Committee serves a critical role in selecting the student population who will become the next generation of dentists. This student will receive a special gift from the Office of Admissions for their service on the DDS Admissions Committee.
Elizabeth (Libby) Isaacson
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Membership Award
Each year, the national dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon Beta Beta Chapter, selects into its membership a limited group of senior students. Eligible students include the top 20% of the class, from which only 12% of the class are elected. These students have distinguished themselves by excellence in scholarship, while demonstrating exemplary traits of character and potential qualities for future professional growth and attainments. Their certificate of merit includes distinguished regalia worn at commencement, including an OKU stole, gold tassel, and signet.
Nora Willkomm
Brooke Young
Skylar Ackerman
Kristine Astleford-Hopper
Charlie Brimacombe
David De Jong
Elizabeth Isaacson
Tony Makary
Madelyn Schwieters
Lilly Vue
Park Dental “Quality Care in a Caring Manner”
This award is presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in patient care as determined by a faculty committee of color group leaders.
Katherine LeClair
Andrea Rincon Espina
Office of Admissions Recognition of Student Ambassadors
This award is presented in recognition of services to the Office of Admissions and Diversity.
Kristina Astleford-Hopper
Charlie Brimacombe
Michael Bylander
Sophie Chweya
Maria Ferrer-Lugo
Raymond Hatzenbeller
Justin Ho
Hyojung Hong
Scott Imberg
Elizabeth (Libby) Isaacson
May Kamsheh
Bill Keute
Jennifer Liu
Reagan Malcolm
Kailee Medved
Division of Biomaterials
Academy of Dental Materials Award
The Academy of Dental Materials is a consortium of dental professionals interested in the development and application of new materials for dental care. This award honors a graduating dental student who has demonstrated excellence in the field of dental materials science.
Lilly Vue
Division of Dental Public Health
American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award for Achievement in Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health
This award is presented by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Professional Oral Health and Crest Oral B. The dental student receiving this award has demonstrated a special interest and achievement in community dentistry, reducing health disparities, and providing oral health care access to underserved communities.
Blair Kreh
Brian D. Stone Memorial Award from Dental Lifeline Network
Through the awards program established by Drs. Joy and Justin Stone of New Jersey, the Dental Lifeline Network is pleased to present the Brian D. Stone Memorial Award. This award recognizes a graduating dental student who has demonstrated commitment to volunteerism or to outstanding clinical care of special needs patients.
Sophie Chweya
Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award
The Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award goes to students who demonstrate a sincere interest in and concern for the needs of patients with special needs.
Nora Willkomm
Nadia Zafar
Dental Research and Oral Biology
Pierre Fauchard Senior Dental Student Certificate of Merit
The recipient of the Pierre Fauchard award is a graduating senior who has excelled in research and the academic and clinical aspects of the dental program. Particular emphasis is placed on the student's contributions to dental literature and outstanding and dedicated service to the profession.
Nora Willkomm
Quintessence Award for Research Achievement
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in dental research as determined by Dental Research Institute Support Committee and based on students’ summer project report & poster presentations.
Kristina Astleford-Hopper
Shelley Grimes Award
This award is presented in memory of Dr. Shelley Grimes, a research colleague who emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, whether they be from research experiments or life. The recipient has exhibited excellence in student research and committed to pursuing new ideas to advance the field of dental research.
Samuel Korger
Division of Endodontics
American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement Award in Endodontics
The American Association of Endodontists presents this Student Achievement Award to a student who has a broad interest in endodontics, above average skill and proficiency in clinical treatment of endodontic problems, and above average grades in endodontic didactic courses.
Thomas Anderson
Irwin A. Epstein Award for Excellence in Clinical Endodontics
Established by Dr. Irwin Epstein, a 1922 graduate of the School of Dentistry, this award recognizes a fourth-year dental student for achievement and proficiency in the field of clinical endodontics.
Madelyn Schwielers
James Jensen Award for Excellence in Clinical Endodontics
This award is named after Dr. James Jensen, a 1950 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Endodontic Graduate Residency program. It recognizes a senior dental student who has demonstrated achievement in the diagnosis, treatment planning and management of the endodontic patient.
Anthony DeBella
Scott B. McClanahan Award for Excellence in Endodontics
This award is named after Dr. Scott B. McClanahan, a former Program and Division Director, and it recognizes a senior dental student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in Endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning and has shown an interest in the specialty of Endodontics
Ravi Maisuria
Division of Operative Dentistry
Academy of Operative Dentistry Award
The recipient of the Academy of Operative Dentistry Award exemplifies outstanding achievement in operative dentistry. The Academy is an international dental association, and exists to promote excellence in the field of operative dentistry.
Andrew Tri
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit
The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit is given to a dental student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the pursuit of excellence in the undergraduate study of esthetic dentistry.
Abby Axelson
Dr. Daniel H. and Marilyn S. Menser Award for Excellence in Operative Dentistry
This award is given to graduating students who demonstrate outstanding excellence in Operative Dentistry, including superior clinical skills and a commitment to high quality patient care. The recipient exemplifies professionalism, integrity and has expressed a clear intention to practice general dentistry in rural, underserved communities.
Scott Imberg
Jack Dailey
Clayton Lewandowski
Lauren Hopp
Tony Makary
Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry
This Quintessence Award is given to a graduating dental student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical achievement in restorative dentistry.
Nisha Meher
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Award
This framed certificate and one-year membership in the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is given to a fourth-year dental student who have demonstrated exemplary aptitude and achievement in Oral Pathology.
Bridget Ahern
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides this annual award to recognize dental students of high academic standing for outstanding performance in their study and clinical training in the area of oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesiology.
Reagan Malcom
University of Minnesota Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dental Implant Student Award
The UMN Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides an annual award to the graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and performance related to placement and restoration implants. The recipient will also receive a one year complimentary subscription to the Journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and complimentary registration to the annual meeting.
Justin Ho
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Horace Wells Senior Student Award
The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology is pleased to offer the Horace Wells Senior Student Award. Given to advance the interest in the field of anesthesia and pain control, this award is presented to a senior student who has shown outstanding achievement in the field of dental anesthesiology.
Jack Dailey
Henry B. Clark, Jr. Memorial Award
The Henry B. Clark, Junior Award is given by the School of Dentistry Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, to a fourth-year dental student who has shown exceptional ability and potential in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Scott Imberg
Dedolph Scholarship
The Dedolph Scholarship is awarded to a senior dental student who has exhibited interest in and pursued opportunities for educational experiences related to oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Jenny Zheng
Division of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology
American Academy of Oral Medicine Certificate of Merit
This certificate of merit and one-year membership to the American Academy of Oral Medicine is given to a senior student who has demonstrated outstanding performance, proficiency and promise in the discipline of Oral Medicine. This student has demonstrated excellence in coursework and superior knowledge and ability to provide diagnostic services to dental patients at an exceptional level.
Scott Imberg
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Achievement Award
This American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology gives this award to a senior dental student who has demonstrated special interest and accomplishment in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
Lilly Vue
Ramesh Kuba Memorial Radiology Excellence Award
The Ramesh Kuba Memorial Radiology Research Award is given to a senior dental student who has shown exceptional interest in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
Andrew Tri
Dennis Theis Memorial Radiology Clinical Achievement Award
The Dennis Theis Memorial Radiology Clinical Achievement Award is given to a senior dental student who has shown exceptional dedication in radiology clinical activities and radiographic interpretation.
Katherine LeClair
Division of Orthodontics
Arnold J. Hill Award for Excellence in Orthodontic Education
The Minnesota Association of Orthodontists gives this award to a fourth-year dental student showing special ability, interest and promise in orthodontics.
Elizabeth Isaacson
Stephen Litton Award for Service & Leadership in Orthodontics
The Minnesota Association of Orthodontists gives this award to a fourth-year dental student showing special ability, interest and promise in orthodontics.
Kristina Astleford-Hopper
Division of Community Outreach and Engagement
Community Outreach and Engagement Award
This award honors a senior student who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving rural and underserved communities by going above and beyond expectations of the course.
Mari Ferrer-Lugo
Division of Pediatric Dentistry
Certificate of Merit American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Predoctoral Student Award
This award is given to a single senior dental student who demonstrates the greatest promise in pediatric dentistry and is chosen by the Pediatric Dental faculty.
Ena Mucevic
Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Community Service Award
The Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is a network of dentists dedicated to the oral health of Minnesotans from infancy through the teenaged years, as well as for individuals with special health care needs. The Academy gives two awards to meritorious students. The first award is given to a senior dental student in recognition of outstanding community service primarily for children and adolescents in need of oral healthcare.
Bridget Ahern
The Division of Pediatric Dentistry Performance Award
This award is given to a senior dental student or students in recognition of outstanding performance in pediatric dentistry.
Nora Willkomm
Division of Periodontology
American Academy of Periodontology Award
From the American Academy of Periodontology, this certificate is presented to a graduating student who has excelled in the field of periodontology, displaying the highest level of academic and clinical achievement.
Nora Willkomm
Minnesota Association of Periodontists Dental Student Award
This award honors a fourth-year student who exhibits excellence in periodontology.
Kevin Yum
Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics
This award is given by Quintessence Publishing, and includes a subscription to Quintessence International and a certificate of merit. It is given to a graduating student who has shown outstanding achievement in clinical and dental studies in periodontology.
Connor Haugrud
Division of Prosthodontics
Allan D. Petersen Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Removable Prosthodontics
The Allan D. Petersen Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Removable Prosthodontics includes a $1,000 check. It is given to a fourth-year student or students who have demonstrated exceptional clinical ability and an interest in the field of removable prosthodontics, and who are people of high character.
Samuel Larson
Connor Haugrud
American Academy of Implant Dentistry Dental Student Award
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry Dental Student Award goes to the senior student who has demonstrated the most interest—academically and clinically—in implant dentistry.
Kevin Yum
American College of Prosthodontics Undergraduate Achievement Award
This award goes to an outstanding undergraduate student who has shown high academic and clinical proficiency in prosthodontics.
David DeJong
Clayton A. Swanson Memorial Award for Prosthodontics
The Clayton A. Swanson Memorial Award includes a $1,000 check and is given to a student or students who have shown outstanding performance in prosthodontics. There will also be a plaque engraved with their name placed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.
Kristina Astleford-Hopper
Anthony DeBella
Excellence in Prosthodontics “Hanau™ The Best of the Best” Award
The Excellence in Prosthodontics Award “Hanau™ The Best of the Best” includes a certificate and a HANAU WIDE-VUE Semi-Adjustable Articulator. There will also be a plaque engraved with the student’s name placed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower. This award is given to a graduating senior who has excelled in the study and clinical application of prosthodontics.
David DeJong
International Congress of Oral Implantologists Predoctoral Achievement Award
From the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, this Predoctoral Achievement Award is presented to the senior dental student who has displayed the greatest interest and commitment to oral implant dentistry.
Almond Legaspi
J. Raymond Gill Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Prosthodontics
Through the generous endowment of Dr. J. Raymond Gill, this award is given to outstanding fourth-year students for Achievement in Clinical Prosthodontics. Each recipient will receive a check for $1,000 and the students’ names will be inscribed on a plaque housed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.
Connor Haugrud
Clayton Lewandowski
Anthony DeBella
David De Jong
Samuel Larson
Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry Senior Dental Student Award
This award recognizes a senior student who has demonstrated the highest level of clinical or research proficiency and greatest interest in color and appearance in esthetic dentistry.
Nisha Meher
Walter S. Warpeha Award
The Walter S. Warpeha Award is given to a fourth-year student, as selected by faculty in the division of Prosthodontics, who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the field of removable prosthodontics. This recipient will receive a check and their name will be inscribed on a plaque in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.
Charlie Brimacombe