5 minute read
Graduation
Celebrating the Class of 2020
For graduates everywhere, the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled important events and formal ceremonies. No parties, no food, no hugs--only awkward elbow bumps.
In addition to a virtual graduation ceremony, many EIOH residency programs held their own, socially distant, CDC-compliant, and rather creative celebrations. Not even the masks could hide the joy and emotion from the graduates and their proud mentors.
Like Maryam Habibzadeh, DMD, (Perio ’20), who was one of the 78 people from 30 countries finishing their EIOH advanced training this year. She started her journey four years ago as a preceptor, before being accepted into the Periodontics Residency program.
While the Covid 19 pandemic challenged everyone in unimaginable ways, GPR Program Director Dr. Maricelle Abayon wondered early on if fear of the unknown would cause some to shirk away from the responsibilities that they’ve sworn to do as oral health providers.
“The GPR residents rose to the challenge and quickly adjusted to the new normal, their new schedules and continued to care for their patients in a way that captured the spirit of Meliora,” she said proudly.
“This year has been a year not comparable to any year I have been a part of during my professional and academic career,” Advanced Education of General Dentistry Chair Dr. Hans Malmstrom said
Top: Dr. Scott Koopman (GPR '20) Middle: Periodontics chair reflected on the challenging year.
during his recorded address. “I’m very proud of how you’ve handled this challenging period, continuing service for our patients, accepting our community responsibility as healthcare providers during these somewhat difficult circumstances. I’m personally convinced you will do well in your chosen dental careers.”
The graduating prosthodontists enjoyed a couple surprises during their small ceremony in a conference room, coincidentally held on the day that the annual Brewer Conference would have occurred.
“Even though times are different,” said Dr. Carlo Ercoli, chair, Prosthodontic Residency Program, “they really aren’t that different at all, because we have friends and individuals here who are instrumental and important to this department and in the development of the program as we know it today. They are here to help us honor our graduates in the same spirit, attitude and celebratory mood.”
He was referring to their keynote speaker, Dr. Gerald Graser, the department’s second chair and pivotal leader, and faculty and alumni from around the world who joined the virtual celebration via Zoom in real time.
Dr. Loren Genetti (Prostho ’20) expressed her gratitude for the strong alumni and faculty support and how much she’s learned from them.
“Every night, when I would leave the lab at 1 or 2 a.m., I would look up at the UR logo that shines down on campus,” she shared during the ceremony, “and I would have an overwhelming sense of pride and I knew how lucky I was to be here-and how forever grateful I will be for everyone at Eastman who helped make our dreams come true.”
Dr. Scott Koopman (GPR ’20), the ceremony’s guest speaker, said this: “Regardless of what advanced education program we were in, we can all say we emerged better dentists because of our experiences here at Eastman. More importantly, we became better people. We showed determination, strength, and grit. And we’re proud of who we have become.”
Visit the EIOH Graduation website to see all the EIOH specialty programs separate celebrations. ♦
Top: The 2020 Class of Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residents and Preceptor
Middle: Prosthodontics invited many alumni and family to their virtual ceremony.
Awards
The 2020 Director’s Award recipient was Frank Guido, who for the last five years has served as the Eastman Institute Ambassador. Said Dr. Eliav: “Frank is a reliable, trusted and a valued resource, who consistently meets the highest standards of ethics and compassion."
The Shaffer Devries Award, given for excellence in administrative operations or clinical service, was given to Sharon Hatch, the administrative assistant for the Periodontics Residency Program. She is described as the right arm of department chair Jack Caton, and a second mother to all the periodontal residents. A second award was given to Lisa Crosier, the administrative assistant for the AEGD Residency program. Lisa is known for her excellent multi-tasking, professionalism and positive attitude.
Dr. Alexandra Tsigarida, EIOH associate professor and program director for the Periodontics Residency Program was given the Jack G. Caton Graduate Fellowship Award, given to encourage and support dentists who are pursuing an academic career in periodontics.
Visit the EIOH Graduation and Convocation web page and sign the guest book.
Top: Frank Guido Middle: Sharon Hatch and Lisa Crosier Bottom: Dr. Alexandra Tsigarida
Creating a Lifesaving Legacy for the Generations
“The University of Rochester is a vital part of our community. We knew our support could help its mission to provide remarkable medical care and encourage an excellent education rooted in science.
Creating a charitable remainder unitrust was a gift to the University, as well as an investment for our own future. Two generations of our family will receive something back, so it is a win-win situation.
We directed our gift toward creating an endowment that will support the advancement of medical research, as well as the educational experience for residents and research scientists.”
THE GUPTA FAMILY
Virendra Gupta ’80S (MBA), P’87, P’90, P’91S (MBA) and Uma Gupta P’87, P’90, P’91S (MBA), with son, Dr. Atul Gupta ’87
Rochester, NY
To learn more about charitable remainder trusts and other planned giving methods, contact the Office of Trusts, Estates & Gift Planning
(800) 635-4672 • (585) 275-8894 giftplanning@rochester.edu • www.rochester.giftplans.org/trusts
