Fifth annual alumni weekend celebrates care and connection

The School of Dentistry hosted its fifth annual Alumni Weekend on October 10, 2025. 

Alumni across years and programs gathered for research sharing, continuing education, networking and connecting. Alumni celebrating their milestone anniversaries of graduation gathered together, including the Class of 2000, who celebrated their 25 years since the completion of their program, and the Class of 2020, who celebrated their five-year reunion. 

Held concurrently with the University of Minnesota’s Homecoming, this year’s event celebrated “A lifetime of care: Thriving in dentistry, caring through the years.” The day began with the Charles F. Schactele Symposium in Oral Biology, celebrating the Graduate Program in Oral Biology with presentations by faculty, students and alumni. Attendees heard a keynote presentation from Simon Young, DDS, MS, PhD, professor and Interim Chair for Katz Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, titled “From bench to bedside: The evolution of tissue-engineered maxillofacial reconstruction.” 

Students and alumni also enjoyed a Pet Away Worries and Stress event with therapy animals and treats to de-stress.

Following the symposium, attendees enjoyed a continuing education presentation on dementia-friendly dental practices from Stephen Shuman, DDS, MS, FGSA, FICD, professor and director of the Oral Health Services for Older Adults program and director of the Division of Hospital and Special Care Dentistry. 

Alumni then received tours of the School of Dentistry from four student ambassadors: Jennifer Liu, DDS ’26, Sophie Chweya, DDS ’26, Justin Ho, DDS ’26, and Mari Ferrer-Lugo, DDS ’26. The four DDS learners shared their experiences of the school and brought alumni to various locations throughout Moos Tower to reminisce and see what had changed since their graduation.

Students and alumni participated in a Gophers Hiring Gophers job fair, connecting alumni with learners who are beginning the process of discerning their career path after graduation.

The event culminated in a reception complete with celebration and networking. 

“To our alumni, you are the foundation of our tradition of excellence in patient care, education and innovation,” reflected Noelle McComb Simonson, Director of Alumni Relations, during the reception. “Whether you're reconnecting with classmates, celebrating a milestone reunion, meeting new colleagues, or sharing wisdom from your own practice, tonight is about you and the lasting impact you continue to make in the dental profession.” 

Robert Springer, DDS ’19, president of the School of Dentistry Alumni Society board, thanked attendees for their participation in the weekend. “I am continually inspired by the excellence, compassion and leadership within this community,” he said. “Our graduates truly make an impact in their practices, research, teaching and service to others. It’s an honor to celebrate that legacy tonight.” 

During the reception, attendees also celebrated the Distinguished Alumni Awards for Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, presented this year to Katie Divine, DDS ’13, MS & Certificate in Endodontics ’18, and Kandis Garland, BS in Dental Hygiene ’98, MS ’07, RDH, DHSc, CDIPC.

Garland shared that she was “quite surprised and humbled” to receive “this really amazing award that so many others before me have achieved.” She recognized her mentor, Dr. Kathy Newell, “the person who I really wanted to be my whole life,” and shared her love for the school and its excellence in education.

Divine, who was unable to attend the event due to professional obligations, shared a video message reflecting on her receipt of the award. “From my very first day walking into Moos Tower as a dental student, to returning for my Certificate in Endodontics and now as a part-time faculty, I have felt the warmth and strong sense of student involvement that defines my experience,” she reflected. “I encourage you all to find ways to stay engaged. It’s one of the best investments we can make in ourselves, our profession and each other.”

Finally, Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, shared an update on the school and students, and encouraged alumni to get involved. 

“Thank you for your engagement with the school and our students,” he said. "Thank you for connecting with them. Thank you for hiring them, for mentoring them. Thank you for all that you do.”