On April 16, multiple faculty, staff and students received accolades for their remarkable achievements, dedication and commitment to the school.
Claire Feng, Student Council Committee member, said, “Every year, each Dental Hygiene and Dental Classes elect and vote for who they want to be recognized as Student, Faculty, Clinical Faculty, and Staff of the year. This is a great way to show recognition to the students and staff here at school for their dedication, selflessness, service, those that go above and beyond.”
Dean Steven Haas welcomed attendees, emphasizing the honor of recognizing our dental school community and paying tribute to the, “countless hours spent in the pursuit of knowledge, the tireless dedication to clinical excellence, and the compassionate care bestowed upon every patient.” He continued, “You have excelled in academic endeavors, countless hours passing on knowledge, but have also displayed remarkable leadership, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to serving others.”
Awards were given by each class for categories of Lecture Faculty of the Year, Clinical Faculty of the Year, Staff of the Year, Student of the Year, Team Leaders of the Year and more.
See the winners below:
Dental Hygiene Class of 2025
Lecture Faculty of the Year: Dr. Michelle Briner
Clinical Faculty of the Year: Prof. Katie Mills
Faculty of the Year: Prof. Ashley Hobbs
Student of the Year: Lauren Bailey
Dental Hygiene Class of 2024
Lecture Faculty of the Year: Dr. Jordan M. Rowe
Clinical Faculty of the Year: Prof. Whitney Zamora
Staff of the Year: Emily Koesterer
Student of the Year: Tessa Travelute
DDS Class of 2027
Lecture Faculty of the Year: Dr. Gerald Wyckoff
Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. John Kiesendahl
Staff of the Year: Richie Bigham
Student of the Year: Colton Barnett
DDS Class of 2026
Lecture Faculty of the Year: Dr. Luke Wezeman
Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Luke Wezeman
Staff of the Year: Claire Tira
Student of the Year: Michael Luong
DDS Class of 2025
Team 1 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Harlan Hassen
Team 2 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Wendy Weimer
Team 3 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Susan Kessler
Rotation Faculty of the Year: Dr. Niko Liberty, Dr. Berdj Odabachian
Staff of the Year: Cheryl Littlejohn
Student of the Year: Michael Gimotty III
DDS Class of 2024
Team 1 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Harlan Hassen
Team 2 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Wendy Weimer
Team 3 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Douglas Pearson
Rotation Faculty of the Year: Dr. Solon Kao
Staff of the Year: Cheryl Littlejohn
Student of the Year: Lauren Wilson
Dr. John Killip Student Leadership Award
Shonte Reed