DDS Class of 2025 honored with awards banquet

The School of Dentistry honored the DDS Class of 2025 with an awards ceremony on Thursday, May 8. 

Held on the evening before the 2025 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. 

"You've worked hard to make it to today, and this is a great way to celebrate such an enormous milestone in your lives, your careers and your journeys," reflected Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, after the awards were presented. "I want to thank all the families who came to celebrate. It is special to see everyone, and celebrate with one another." 

Karl Self, DDS, MBA, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, thanked the evening's sponsors—Baker Tilly, Henry Schein, the Minnesota Dental Association and the School of Dentistry Alumni Society—for making the event possible.

Danielle Converse, BSDH '07, president of the School of Dentistry Alumni Society (SODAS), provided brief remarks welcoming graduates to the alumni community. "It is my honor to be here on behalf of SODAS to celebrate our graduates and welcome you to the alumni community," she said. "Congratulations on the had work and dedication that brought you to this day. I'm excited to officially welcome you to the wonderful profession of dentistry."

After a break for dinner, class president Cecilia Lovinger and vice presidents Fatma Diefalla and Sung-Ju Kim provided remarks before announcing their class's selection for Faculty of the Year: Michael Hauwiller, DDS. Hauwiller was also chosen by last year's graduating class, and by this year's third-year DDS class for the same honor. 

"It is amazing to think about how this journey started: meeting each other in the shadow of a global pandemic, behind masks, unsure about what the future held," reflected Lovinger. "We showed up, we practiced, we asked questions and we figured it out. We leaned on each other and we grew together into competent, compassionate clinicians. Witnessing that transformation has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience."

Congratulations to this year’s awardees and the entire DDS Class of 2025 on their graduation! 

2025 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.

Cecilia Lovinger

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.

Quyen Coro Nguyen

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.

Filipa Miranda Dos Santos

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.

Fatma Diefalla

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.

Sofia Park

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.

Rawan Al-Khatib

Minnesota 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.

Laura Timm

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.

Annmarie Schmid

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.

Annmarie Schmid

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.

Sofia Park

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.

Euphrosyne Daoutidou
Sung Ju Kim
Cecilia Lovinger
Sophia Montgomery
Victoria Montisano
Jonathan Naarian
Sofia Park
Joseph Rahimi
Nicole Salerno
Miranda Thacker
Maria Walsh
Josiah Wang

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.

Alexander Tabatabai
Anders Olson
Jennicca Leier
Makayla Langei

Delta Sigma Delta Outstanding Senior Academic Award

This award is presented to the active senior with the highest Grade Point Average.

Joseph Rahimi

Office of Admissions Recognition of Student Ambassadors

This award is presented in recognition of services to the Office of Admissions and Diversity.

Abdirahim Askar
Alex Oberg
Annmarie Schmid
Cecilia Lovinger
Dallin Giron
Emily Padilla
Euphrosyne Daoutidou
Fatma Diefalla
Jake Wenzlaff
Josiah Wang
Ju Hee Park
Keisha Kappel
Kylie Mullaney
Nancy Weinand
Quyen Coro Nguyen
Sofia Park
Zoey Lobejko

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.

Cecilia Lovinger 

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.

Nicholas Fischer

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.

Fatma Diefalla

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.

Molly Roettger 

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.

Filipa Miranda Dos Santos

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.

Sofia Park

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.

Nicholas Fischer

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.

Cecilia Lovinger

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.

Quyen Coro Nguyen

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.

Gurit Singh Gill

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.

Josiah Wang

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.

Bradley Palin

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.

Ilham Abdalla

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.

Clara McHugh

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.

Jasmine Han
Nicole Salerno

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.

Cecilia Lovinger

William H. Bell Award

The William H. Bell Award for Predoctoral Achievement in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery recognizes a graduating dental student who exhibits academic excellence and who has been accepted into an advanced training program in oral and maxillofacial surgery. 

Cecilia Lovinger

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.

Irqa Yousufzai

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.

Joseph Rahimi

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.

Alexander Tabatabai

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. 

Makayla Langei

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.

Annmarie Schmid

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.

Nicole Salerno

Ramesh Kuba Radiology Excellence Award

Joshua Suh

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.

Jacob Cohn

Division of Orthodontics

Minnesota Association of Orthodontists Award

This award is presented to fourth-year students who show special ability, interest and promise in orthodontics.

Dallin Giron
Sofia Park

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.

Joshua Suh

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.

Miranda Thacker

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.

Emily Padilla

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.

Jason Pang

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.

Victoria Montisano

Minnesota Association of Periodontists Dental Student Award

This award honors a fourth-year student who exhibits excellence in periodontology.

Jordan Krianek

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.

Nicholas Fischer

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.

Artem Nikulin

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.

Gurjit Singh Gill

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.

Gurit Singh Gill
Kristy Zaki

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.

Melodee Grant

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.

Josiah Wang

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.

Quyen Coro Nguyen
Adebayo Ibikunle

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.

Euphrosyne Daoutidou

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.

Victoria Montisano

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.

Quyen Coro Nguyen
Mikayla Kero
Josiah Wang
Kristy Zaki
Melodee Grant

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.

Maria Walsh

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.

Mikayla Kero