DDS Class of 2024 honored with awards banquet
On the evening before their Commencement ceremony, members of the DDS Class of 2024 gathered in McNamara Alumni Center to celebrate their accomplishments as a class and honor the 2024 DDS award recipients.
The annual event honors and celebrates graduates who have achieved special recognition for their dedication to excellence in specialties, clinical care, research, patient care and more.
"This is always a great time of year, when we celebrate our graduates and the hard work they have done," reflected Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, in his remarks at the event. "I'm always impressed by the wonderful contributions our students make, even as they are students. Congratulations to everyone in the Class of 2024."
SODAS president Tudor Stiharu, DDS, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery '17, officially welcomed the Class of 2024 to their new status as alumni of the School of Dentistry.
"You have succeeded and thrived under immeasurably challenging circumstances," Stiharu reflected. "You will find that the Minnesota connection is strong, no matter where your feet land. Please stay connected to your school and your classmates."
Following the awards ceremony, class officers offered remarks and reflected on their journey.
"Class of 2024: here we are, where we have worked so hard to be these 4 years and beyond," reflected Shannon Beaulieu, president. "Each and every one of us will continue to make a positive impact on each other, our patients and the field of dentistry. It was an honor and privilege to serve as your class officers."
After a video featuring memories from the past four years and well wishes from faculty and staff, vice president Stuart Jones announced the class's choice for Faculty of the Year: Michael Hauwiller, DDS.
"I think we can all agree one of the highlights of dental school was the friends we met along the way," shared vice president Grace Eang, before introducing fellow graduate Wei Wang, who sang a parody version of "I Did It My Way" by Frank Sinatra to entertain the class.
Congratulations to this year’s awardees, and the entire DDS Class of 2024 on their graduation!
2024 DDS Awards
Academic and Student Affairs
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.
Archita Jain
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.
Stuart S. Jones
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.
Sela Rose Fadness
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.
Preet Kanwal Dhaliwal
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.
Grace Eang
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.
Gia Matsko
Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Dental Award
The Senior Student Dental 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.
Jonathan Cochrane
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.
Brady Hartman
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.
Brady Hartman
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.
Stuart S. Jones
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.
Megan Bahnmiller
Carson Dennis
Madeline Hentges
Cole Daniel Johnson
Mariah Lauren Johnson
Ryan Lembke
Gia Matsko
Kalyana Mondreti
Chlotielde Moran
Kayla Nelson
Vanessa Shinwen
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.
Amy Broll
Kalyana Mondretti
Nadeem Rashid
Mitch Bunting
Delta Sigma Delta Outstanding Senior Academic Award
This award is presented to the active senior with the highest Grade Point Average.
Kayla Nelson
Office of Admissions Recognition of Student Ambassadors
This award is presented in recognition of services to the Office of Admissions and Diversity.
Shannon Beaulieu
Carson Dennis
Grace Eang
Sela Rose Fadness
Archita Jain
Jeffrey Janssen
Cole Daniel Johnson
Mariah Lauren Johnson
Stuart Jones
Kloie Kinney
Gia Matsko
Anh Q. Ngo
Destiny Schmitz
Vanessa Shinwen
Michael Staikos
My Pang Vang
Psi Omega Scholastic Achievement Award
The recipient of this award is chosen by Psi Omega advisors and given to a graduating student who has been active in Psi Omega and achieved academic excellence.
Chlotielde Moran
St. Paul District Dental Society Monson Grant
Michael Bylander
Mariah Lauren Johnson
Zoey Lobejko
Roland Oyou
My Pang Vang
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.
Mariah Lauren Johnson
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.
Stuart S. Jones
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.
Gia Matsko
Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award
The Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award goes to a student who demonstrates a sincere interest in and concern for the needs of patients with special needs.
Kalyana Mondreti
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.
Grace Eang
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.
Archita Jain
Division of Endodontics
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.
Andrew Nguyen
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.
Gia Matsko
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.
Stuart S. Jones
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.
Tyler Schmidt
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.
Cole Daniel Johnson
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.
Sarah Al Nimri
American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award
The American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award is presented to a fourth-year dental student to recognize professional attitude, didactic achievement, technical skill, and clinical judgment in preventive and therapeutic phases of operative dentistry.
Nadeem Rashid
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.
Summer Barbour
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 fourth-year dental students who have demonstrated exemplary aptitude and achievement in Oral Pathology.
Mariah Lauren Johnson
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.
Sarah B. Lynn
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Student Award
The American Association 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.
Samuel Samaroo
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.
Amy Broll
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.
Archita Jain
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.
Michael Staikos
Division of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology
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.
Gia Matsko
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.
Cole Daniel Johnson
Mariah Lauren Johnson
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.
Kalyana Mondreti
Ramesh Kuba Radiology Excellence Award
Anh Q. Ngo
Division of Orthodontics
American Association of Orthodontists Award
The American Association of Orthodontists is pleased to announce its annual award to the senior dental student who has demonstrated exceptional interest in the study of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. This student has been nominated by faculty to receive this honor.
Austin Kottke
Minnesota Association of Orthodontists Award
Grace Eang
Paige Elizabeth Reiners
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.
Sara Beth Henry
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.
Sara Beth Henry
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.
Cynthia Duta
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.
Gia Matsko
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.
Carson Dennis
Crest Oral B Award for Excellence
This award is presented to a dental student who has excelled in the clinical practice and prevention of periodontal disease, maintenance of periodontal health, and the promotion of oral health education with their patients. This award includes a certificate and an Oral B Genius Power Brush & Samples.
Miguel Angel Garcia Lopez
Division of Prosthodontics
Academy of Osseointegration Outstanding Student in Implant Dentistry Award
The Academy of Osseointegration recognizes a fourth year dental student demonstrating outstanding achievement in their work with dental implants. This student will receive a certificate, a $500 check, a one year membership to the Academy and a subscription to the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants along with complimentary registration at the Academy's next annual scientific meeting.
Tyler Schmidt
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.
Kalyana Mondreti
Preet Kanwal Dhaliwal
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.
Bethany Solares Silva
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.
Sarah Al Nimri
Clayton A. Swanson Memorial Award for Prosthodontics
The Clayton A. Swanson Memorial Award includes a $1,000 check and is given to a student who has 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.
Mariah Lauren Johnson
Jisu Song
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.
Matthew T. Anderson
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.
Krizza Marie Flores
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.
Mitchell K. Bunting
Jeffrey C. Janssen
Stuart S. Jones
Halle A. Jordan
Paige E. Reiners
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.
Sophia L. Berkenpas
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.
Hanina Singer