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 antici-

pation 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!

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 Uni-

versity.

They were the first class

to march across the stage

toward the school’s new

gonfalon, a heraldic ban-

ner which bore the colors

scarlet, to symbolize Rut-

gers, and lilac, the offi-

cial 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 Asso-

ciation, 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 coordina-

tors 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 ad-

dressed the class as “my dear col-

leagues,’’ 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 remem-

ber, 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 defi-

nition of a true professional.’’

She ended with the words, “Welcome to new challenges and bright healthy

smiles.’’

Special Edition

Graduation 2014

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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 pa-

tients 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 commu-

nities, 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 celebrat-

ed 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 Medi-

cine, 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.”

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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 every-

one 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 leuke-

mia...Scott’s scientific work is propelled by his creativity and de-

sire to explore.”

Excellence in Teaching

Joel Pascuzzi

“As Henry Adams once said, a teacher affects eternity, he can nev-

er 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 Chan-

cellor 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 play-

er who doesn’t seek attention or flaunt his own accomplish-

ments....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 shar-

ing your knowledge with others.”

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

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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 Maxillofa-

cial Surgeons Award

Bradford H. Craigen

American Association of Oral and Maxillofa-

cial 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

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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

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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

Michele Beaulieu

Naina Kaushal

Alec Keon

Anna Novais

Troy Swimmer

Rachel Tansiongco

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