Special Edition - Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

May 2014
Message from the Dean
Although this was a milestone graduation
for RSDM, some things never change. I’m
certain that the Class of 2014 felt the same
sense of pride, accomplishment and anticipation as the Class of 1960, the first to
graduate from this dental school. I want to
commend our graduates as they embark on
their new lives as doctors. We all know
how hard you’ve worked and how much
you’ve achieved. On behalf of myself, the
faculty and staff, we’re extremely proud of
you all!
Special Edition
Graduation 2014
Class of 2014 Becomes First RSDM Group
To Graduate from Rutgers University
During a historic ceremony, 107 Rutgers School of Dental Medicine students
graduated at a May 20 convocation held at the New Jersey Performing Arts
Center (NJPAC).
The class, admitted when
the school was part of the
University of Medicine
and Dentistry of New
Jersey (UMDNJ), left as
alumni of Rutgers University.
They were the first class
to march across the stage
toward the school’s new
gonfalon, a heraldic banner which bore the colors
scarlet, to symbolize Rutgers, and lilac, the official color of dentistry.
Class members were
draped with a “hood”
made of lilac velvet and
scarlet satin.
During the ceremony, filled with the spirited cheers of friends and family
members, Dr. Maxine Feinberg, President-Elect of the American Dental Association, led graduates in reciting the Dental Oath.
Dr. Brian Strom, Chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
(RBHS), described a changing landscape of digital-age healthcare with patients
that expect providers to be “humane, available and healers, not just coordinators of technology.’’
“A career in healthcare is as exciting today as it has ever been,’’ he said.
“Health is universal. It is sought by
all.’’
Dr. Rosa Chaviano-Moran, who addressed the class as “my dear colleagues,’’ told the grads to be mindful
of their newfound responsibility. “At
times you may be tempted to take the
easy way out,’’ she said. “Just remember, those patients and community
members have placed their faith in your
honesty and integrity. Think twice, and
choose the high road, for this is the definition of a true professional.’’
She ended with the words, “Welcome to new challenges and bright healthy
smiles.’’
Messages to the Class of 2014
Excerpts from Convocation Speeches
Dean Cecile A. Feldman
“Over the last four years you learned the technical and surgical skills that
will make you outstanding dentists. Equally important, however, was
learning how to listen, develop a strong sense of compassion, and earning
your patients’ trust and respect. You have cared for and looked after patients who have put their lives in your hands and their total belief in you.
You have learned that each patient has a story to tell, and that you really
can make a difference if you just listen.....As health care professionals,
patients will entrust you with their most private thoughts. They will trust
you to care for their most sacred possession -- their own health and well
being. No one will be looking over your shoulder to question an action
you have taken or a decision you have made. As leaders in your communities, people will look to you for information, guidance, and action. It is important that you not only know what is right,
but that your actions reflect what is right. “
Dr. Kim Fenesy, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
“....During these four short years, 10 of you became engaged, four of you celebrated weddings. Thirty-two of you came to dental school married already, with 20
children combined -- and last I heard, no one is expecting now. There have been
five births during your four years of dental school. One of you, who already had a
toddler, had twins in dental school and is here today ready to graduate with her
class...I think that alone deserves a round of applause.
....Many of you served on university and school committees while others travelled
across the country...You staunchly felt it was important to leave this school a better
place than you found it, overwhelming us with the amount of benevolent service
you have provided to this community and surrounding communities, leading the
charge to help fellow students, faculty and staff that may have lost cars, clothes,
books, and for one student, all the above, when Hurricane Sandy hit. I could not be
prouder of all of you.”
Naina Kaushal, Class President
“We graduate as, not just the first class from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, but as one of the most ethical, relentless and persistent classes to walk
through the doors of this institution. It took all that hard work to be here today,
but more importantly, to get some privileges. For example, on your next airline
booking you can now click the drop down menu under prefix and select…
“doctor.” Through the blood, saliva and tears, we have made it despite all of our
battles---and today I no longer have to introduce myself to my patients as good
old Student Doctor Naina and no longer do I need to wear the washed out navy
blue scrubs we have donned each day for the last four years. ...Today, as we
part ways, I want to remind my classmates that dentistry is not just about fillings but about feelings.”
2
Excellence Awards, presented by Dr. Tony Volpe:
Excellence in Research
Scott Kachlany
“The best researchers are visionaries. They glimpse possibilities
that to others are invisible and make connections that elude everyone else. They use their talents to serve humanity -- expanding
knowledge, potential and life itself…. Scott Kachlany has done all
of these things.
A leap of imagination drove him to discover that the same toxin
that causes disease in the mouth can be a possible cure for leukemia...Scott’s scientific work is propelled by his creativity and desire to explore.”
Excellence in Teaching
Joel Pascuzzi
“As Henry Adams once said, a teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops. Dr. Joel Pascuzzi has influenced
the lives of countless students and their patients since he became a
teacher in the 1970s. ... Dr. Pascuzzi is beloved by students for his
vibrancy and sense of humor. But above all, they appreciate his
ability to convey complicated information with clarity and a sense
of excitement. ...He has also been a mentor to many students, who
find in Dr. Pascuzzi a warm, approachable and caring guide.”
Bergen Medal: presented by Dr. Denise Rodgers, Vice Chancellor for Interprofessional Programs at RBHS.
Alec Keon
“...Alec, who has served as vice-president of his class, is a
leader. But he leads with generosity and humility, a team player who doesn’t seek attention or flaunt his own accomplishments....Alec has poured his heart into furthering not only his
own education, but the education of his peers. As a graduate
of RSDM, he embodies one of our highest values: that when
you love what you do, you can never stop learning -- or sharing your knowledge with others.”
3
Senior Award Winners:
Academy of General Dentistry Award
Stephanie Kim
Academy of Operative Dentistry Award
Hari Goo
Academy of Osseointegration Award
Alec E. Keon
Alpha Omega National Fraternity Award
Mena N. Morgan
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award
Seungah Kang
American Academy of Gold Foil Operators
Award
Kamel A. Elhosary
American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award
David Serratelli
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial
Pathology Award
Vanna Stone
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Award
Tian W. He
American Academy of Oral Medicine Award
Anna C. Novais
American Academy of Orofacial Pain Award
Christina M. Daibes
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Award
Rachel M. Tansiongco
American Academy of Periodontology Award
Anna C. Novais
4
American Association of Endodontists Award
Marina J. Loustalet
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Award
Bradford H. Craigen
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Implant Award
Travis W. Reed
American Association of Oral Biologists
Lorraine Brenner
American Association of Orthodontists Award
Evangelyn A. Spencer
American Association of Endodontists Award
Marina J. Loustalet
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Award
Bradford H. Craigen
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Implant Award
Travis W. Reed
American Association of Oral Biologists
Lorraine Brenner
American Association of Orthodontists Award
Evangelyn A. Spencer
American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award
Sami R. Solaimanzadeh
American Association of Women Dentists Award
Rachel M. Tansiongco
American College of Dentists, New Jersey Section Award
Anna C. Novais
American College of Prosthodontics Award
Farhad Mirabrishami
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Award
Christina M. Daibes
5
American Equilibration Society Award
Joshua A. Bryan
American Student Dental Association Excellence Award
Meha Sheth
Chesky Kleiner Humanitarian Award
Charmaine Ip
Dental Lifeline Network Student Award
Michael P. Combs
Dentsply International, Inc. Merit Award
Aneta D’Amico
Dr. Anthony R. Volpe/Colgate-Palmolive
Award for Excellence in Periodontics
Lindsay R. Hathaway
Senior Award Winners
Dr. Irwin Quinn Memorial Award
Michael T. DePascale
Dr. Uriel Gunthorpe Award
Pernell M. Rogers
Indian Dental Association of North America Award
Adarsh D. Yagnik
International College of Dentists Award
Alec E. Keon
International Congress of Oral Implantologists Award
Travis W. Reed
New Jersey Academy for Pediatric Dentistry Award
Tian W. He
Geena Russo
Rajvi Shah
New Jersey Dental Association Award
Binni Patel
New York Academy of Dentistry Ethics Award
Kartik N. Antani
6
Northeastern Society of Periodontics, Inc. Award
Mario C. Fiorentini
Pierre Fauchard Academy Award
Jonathan I. Snow
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Student Leadership/Distinguished Service Award
Shalom Fialkoff
Mario C. Fiorentini
Tian W. He
Naina Kaushal
Binni P. Patel
Geena Russo
Meha Sheth
Adarsh D. Yagnik
The Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in
Periodontics
Evangelyn A. Spencer
The Quintessence Award for Research Achievement
Grigoriy Efros
The Quintessence Award for Achievement in Restorative Dentistry
Jong Wook Park
Whip Mix Corporation Prosthodontic Award
Viktor V. Kopynets
Omicron Kappa Upsilon
National Dental Honor Society
Dr. Marc Rosenblum, President
Dr. James Delahanty, Secretary-Treasurer
Grigoriy Efros
Cristina M. Kavendek
Alec E. Keon
Stephanie Kim
Mena N. Morgan
Matthew Pastewait
Michael S. Stoffel
Rachel M. Tansiongco
Humanism Scholars
7
Michele Beaulieu
Naina Kaushal
Alec Keon
Anna Novais
Troy Swimmer
Rachel Tansiongco