NYU Dentistry Graduation 2015

CTOR fellows

Jubilant Candidates, Faculty, Families, and Friends Celebrate Graduation 2015

On June 1, 2015, the Class of 2015, including over 350 candidates for the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, the AAS and BS degrees in dental hygiene, Advanced Education Program certificates, MS degrees in clinical research, and the MS degree in biomaterials, saw their dreams come true as they received their degrees and certificates before an audience of approximately 3,000 people in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. Dr. Bob Berne, NYU’s executive vice president for health, brought greetings on behalf of the university.

Also highlighting the ceremony was the presentation of the Harry Strusser Memorial Award to Mr. Steven W. Kess, vice president for global professional relations at Henry Schein, Inc., the world’s largest provider of healthcare products and services to office-based dental, animal health, and medical practitioners. Presented annually by NYU Dentistry, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to public health. The award is named after the late Dr. Harry Strusser, a 1918 graduate of the NYU College of Dentistry and director of the former bureau of dentistry of New York City’s Health Department.

"Steve has been a leader in the field of public health for decades, during which he has been instrumental in forging innovative public-private partnerships, which have helped advance the promotion of public health on a global scale," said Dean Bertolami.

Dr. William Bongiorno, president of the NYU Dentistry Alumni Association and clinical assistant professor of cariology and comprehensive care, brought greetings from the Alumni Association. "Although we are the largest dental school in the U.S.," said Dr. Bongiorno, "we have developed a sense of family and have created friendships that will last throughout our lives. Some of you will join the military, some will establish private practices, and some will enter residences, but remember where it all started . . . here at NYU Dentistry."

Mr. Richard J. Tanega, AAS program, spoke on behalf of the dental hygiene programs and Dr. Gregory W. Lewis represented the DDS program.

"The NYU College of Dentistry celebrates the achievements of our newest alumni, of the faculty, family, and friends who have guided them to this momentous day, and of our distinguished Strusser Award recipient" said Dean Bertolami.

"Getting to this day has taken more than hard work, dedication, and discipline," Dean Bertolami told graduates. "It has also taken a commitment to educational excellence, a strong public service orientation, and a growing global perspective, all of which have made this class so special. We wish our graduates great success and happiness in the years ahead," he concluded.