Ahead of their Commencement ceremony, the West Virginia University School of Dentistry Class of 2025, along with faculty, staff, family and friends, gathered to celebrate their journey at a Senior Banquet held Thursday (May 15) at Erickson Alumni Center. The annual event is a beloved gathering for the newest Doctor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene alumni before they cross the stage to receive their diplomas and join together in singing “Country Roads.”
The celebration included slideshows highlighting the students’ time at WVU, an announcement of the students with the highest grade point average in each class and Outstanding Teacher Award recipients, the presentation of superlative awards, and remarks by Gillian Pierrard, Dental Hygiene class president, Alex Pampalone, DDS class president, Dr. Stephen Pachuta, dean, and Dr. Moe Momen, president of the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association. Dr. Valerie Perrine, executive dean for education and student affairs, Amy Funk, professor and chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene, and Dr. Robert “Coach” Wanker, clinical professor in the Department of Periodontics, also shared their congratulations and well wishes with the graduates.
Dental Hygiene students Sofia Henline, Abigail Ash and Olivia Reagan and DDS students Autumn Gossard, Carson Cochran and Jonathan Gore were recognized for their high scholastic achievement, earning the top three grade point averages in their respective classes.
Voted by the students in the graduating class, this year’s Outstanding Teacher Award recipients were Dr. Jonathan Abraham, assistant professor and interim associate dean of dental admissions, recruitment and access, selected by the DDS students, and Suann Gaydos, professor and director of the WVU Certified Tobacco Treatment Training Program, selected by the Dental Hygiene students.
Looking back on their journey, Dental Hygiene Class President Gillian Pierrard shared her thoughts about the connections she and her classmates made over the past four years.
“This afternoon, we not only celebrate the achievements of our class, but the dedication, passion and perseverance that brought us here,” Pierrard said. “As president, I have had the incredible honor of working closely with this amazing group of people. Watching each of you grow, not just as students but as professionals, leaders and compassionate caregivers, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. You have inspired me every single day with your determination, your support for one another and the unwavering commitment you offer to this field.
“No matter where life takes us, remember that we will always share this foundation, built with hard work, heart and a little bit of Mountaineer spirit.”
DDS Class President Pampalone also spoke about the camaraderie her class has built during their time in dental school.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be standing here as part of this class,” Pampalone said. “It’s rare to feel like you’re part of a team where every person wants the other to succeed, especially in such a rigorous and competitive program. I truly believe that helped us all become better dentists.
“What excites me most about this next generation of dentistry is knowing that it’s going to be shaped by people like you – people who lead with kindness, who help each other up and who care deeply. If we bring even a faction of the support and connection we’ve built in these four years into our practices and communities, I believe that the profession is in very good hands.”
Dr. Pachuta, who graduated from the DDS program in 1985, shared advice for the graduates as they continue their journeys.
“It is human nature to look at your graduation as the destination – after all, you have been on this road for over 20 years,” he said. “That said, I would ask you to not look at your commencement as the destination, but rather just another step in your journey. Your respective degrees are not only your gateway to the profession of dentistry but also a gateway to the many different doors that life has to offer.
“Remember that life is not about the destination, rather it is about the journey.”
In recognition of their classmates’ unique qualities, achievements and contributions, the DDS students presented the following superlative awards:
- Class Clown: Joey Sketch (Edward Skonieczny)
- Most Likely to Buy a Porche Immediately After Graduation: Fanar Subhi
- Most Likely to Become Rich from Something Other Than Dentistry: Fanar Subhi
- Most Likely to Become Rich from Something Other Than Dentistry Honorable Mention/Reality TV Star: Hannah McGrew
- Most Likely to Brighten Your Day: Stephanie Marnic
- Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Lecture: Jarrah Al Ben Ali
- Most Likely to Show Up Late for Work: Jarrah Al Ben Ali
- Class Besties: Carson Cochran and Harry Le
- Most Likely to Take Good Notes and Share Them: Carson Cochran
- Most Likely to Have Been a Closet Studier: Caitlin Murphy
- Most Likely to Have a Meme for Every Situation: Peyton Faulkner
- Most Likely to Be ADA President One Day: Sydni Harris-Evans
- Class Mom: Sydni Harris-Evans
- Most Likely to Own a Dental Spa: Pooja Chaudhry and Anna Wilfong
- Most Likely to Never Make a Denture Again: Sarah Momen
- Most Likely to Argue Over a PA Grade: Michael Tomoroksa
- Most Artistic: Zachary Ransom
- Cutest Couple: Jonathan Gore and Anna Hayton
- Most Likely to Be SOD Faculty One Day: Carson Cochran, Jason Collett, Joey Sketch and Anna Wilfong
The WVU School of Dentistry Commencement ceremony will take place Friday, May 16, at noon at the Coliseum along with the schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health. The ceremony will be live streamed on YouTube.
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WVU School of Dentistry | WVU Dental
