Tufts Dental School Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2008 an overwhelming success

From News@Tufts Dental, May 29, 2008

Members of the Class of D93 celebrate their 15th reunion at the Boston Harbor Hotel during Friday night's festivities.

June 10, 2008--“Back to the Future!” Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2008 was an overwhelming success, with over 550 alumni and friends attending events throughout the weekend. The festivities kicked off on Friday, May 2, with a “Time Flies” theme party at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Kanchan Ganda, J00P, M04P, professor of general dentistry in the Division of Medicine, and Teri-Ross Icyda, D78, J01P, A04P, D11P, both gave continuing education lectures at the school on Saturday morning, May 3.

During the annual Tufts University Dental Alumni Association Luncheon, David Harte, A75, D78, A02P, and Robert Hunter, D63, were presented with Alumni Association Awards, and Lee Ann Gant, associate director of records and student services, was presented with the 2008 staff award, all for outstanding service and dedication to Tufts University, the School of Dental Medicine, and the dental profession. Mark Feldman, D73, president of the American Dental Association and 35th reunion class co-chair was the keynote speaker.

Dean Norris with award recipients, Robert Hunter, D63, David Harte, D78, and Lee Gant, associate director of records and student services; and Nick Papapetros, D91, 2007-2008 Tufts Dental Alumni Association President.

The Langham Hotel hosted many of the weekend’s events, including the class receptions and dinners on Saturday evening, when each reunion class presented Dean Lonnie Norris, DG80, with their class gifts. The highlight of the weekend was at the Saturday evening leadership reception, when Dean Norris was awarded the Tufts University Provost’s Medal for exemplifying many of the values that Tufts seeks to instill in its students—leadership, humanitarianism and passion.

Reunion gifts made this year to the Tufts Dental Fund reached almost $390,000. More than 350 alumni contributed. Two classes, D58 and D73, broke reunion records for giving. Awards for the largest five-year class gift (Golden Crown) and the most funds raised this year in reunion gifts for the Dental Fund (Cusp of Excellence) went to D83, and the highest rate of participation (Porcelain Bridge) went to D73.

Strong attendance and impressive fundraising made it a memorable weekend for all.