BUGSDM Community Celebrates the Season at Annual Spring Gala
Hundreds of Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM) alumni, students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Seaport Hotel May 19 for a night of dinner, dancing, celebration of reunion classes, and presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Joseph Calabrese DMD 91 AEGD 92, president of the BUGSDM Alumni Association, and Dean ad interim Jeffrey Hutter started the evening, welcoming members of the BUGSDM family. "We’re here tonight to celebrate our alumni," said Dr. Calabrese. Dr. Hutter added, "I am delighted to see so many familiar faces joining us tonight."
Director of the Center for Implantology and the Division of Continuing Education Zhimon Jacobson DMD 82 MSD 81 presented the night’s first award for service to the School to Nargess Ashayeri DMD 84 MSD 80, Director of the Advanced Standing Program. Dr. Ashayeri joined the School in 1982 and, for the next 17 years, taught students in the Departments of Operative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, and Restorative Sciences. In 1999, she became Director of the Advanced Standing program for international students earning their DMD in the United States. In 1993, Proctor & Gamble named Dr. Ashayeri Instructor of the Year and in 1996, Boston University gave her the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Award.
Steve Morrow ENDO 71, alumni board member, presented the award for Service to the Profession to Irwin M. Becker PROS 73. Dr. Becker chaired the Department of Education at The Pankey Institute in Florida from 1984 to 2006 and now serves as Chairman Emeritus. In 2005, he received the Academy of General Dentistry’s Weclew Award, one of the highest awards given for extraordinary accomplishments in dental education. Dr. Becker is a member of the American College of Dentists, American Equilibration Society, and American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Dr. Hutter presented a special award to Mrs. Rhoda Frankl. Mrs. Rhoda Frankl was married to the late Dean Spencer N. Frankl for more than 52 years and was known to all at BUGSDM as the school’s first lady. She supported and partnered with Dean Frankl in all aspects of his career, both at BUGSDM and in his private practice. She also lovingly raised her daughters Elizabeth and Catherine and today is the proud matriarch of a family which also includes sons in law Michael Short and Ramzi Sarkis and her wonderful grandchildren.
During the presentation to Mrs. Frankl Dr. Hutter added, "I know that each and every one of us here and at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine hold you and your family in the highest esteem and truly value your contributions."