News

Dr. Ben Davis presents DDH3 student Jade Ley with the NSDA prize for the greatest proficiency in dental biomaterials (Bruce Bottomley photos)

Over 60 student awards were presented at the 2024 Academic Awards Celebration on November 19, with faculty, staff, and several donors or their representatives in attendance.
 
The awards are presented each year to students in both dental hygiene and dentistry for academic achievement, proficiency in specific subjects, professionalism, compassionate patient care, leadership, volunteering, and community involvement,
 
The annual ceremony is special for the Faculty of Dentistry, said Dean Ben Davis, because it’s "our opportunity to celebrate exceptional student achievement and thank donors for their support."
 
Associate dean of students Dr. Fran Thompkins added that new awards were given out this year. "It means that we can recognize and support more students and – equally importantly – more donors are interested in working with us to support our students."
 
Marc and Nick Thoms travelled from Newfoundland to present the Dr. Maureen Lawton and Class of ’82 Memorial Scholarship and Isabel and Lynn Fergusson presented the Dr. Bruce N. Fergusson Memorial Award.
 
From within our Faculty, Dr. Cynthia Andrews presented the Dr. Noel H. Andrews Memorial Scholarship, Dr. Rick Raftus presented the Dr. Eric Hatfield Memorial Award, and Dr. Leigha Rock presented the Highest Academic Achievement in Dental Hygiene Award and the Lisa Van Alphen Memorial Award.
 

DDH2 student David Okunola and DDS3 student Grace Heukshorst talk about what the awards mean to them

Grateful students
Two of this year’s award-winning students talked about what the awards mean to them. DDS3 student Grace Heukshorst said that "receiving these awards is a humbling experience because it reminds me of the hard work, support, and dedication that surround us all in this field." She spoke of the encouragement provided by professors, colleagues, and mentors "who believe in us even when we struggle to believe in ourselves."
 
DDH2 student David Okunola expressed gratitude to donors, professors, and loved ones who have "always supported and guided us on our journey to becoming professionals in the dental field."
 
Both students spoke of the bond between classmates and the support they give each other. "I know that the experiences and memories we’ve created will stay with us forever," said Okunola. "We didn’t just achieve this milestone – we did it together."

DDH award winners with Dr. Leigha Rock, director of the School of Dental Hygiene