Alumni from dentistry, dental hygiene honoured at gala
It was a festive occasion on Sept. 22 at the Fort Garry Hotel as nearly 200 alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the College of Dentistry and School of Dental Hygiene gathered to honour two distinguished professionals.
Dr. Jean Bodnar received the University of Manitoba Dental Alumni Association 2017 Alumni of Distinction Award. A member of the 30th anniversary Dentistry Class of 1987, Bodnar has practised in Winnipeg since graduating and is a former instructor at the College of Dentistry.
Known for her dedication to excellence and commitment to service, Bodnar in 2001 became only the second woman, and first female U of M dentistry graduate, to be elected president of the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA). She is currently the lead investigator for the MDA’s peer review committee.
Carol Yakiwchuk was presented with the University of Manitoba School of Dental Hygiene Alumni Association 2017 Alumni of Distinction Award.
Yakiwchuk is a member of the 25th anniversary Dental Hygiene Class of 1992. Her career has included clinical practice, management, consulting and teaching. Now living in Vancouver, she is oral health manager of British Columbia’s First Nations Health Authority. She has served as president of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.
In 2010, Yakiwchuk was the first hygienist to augment her diploma with the U of M’s bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene.
The annual awards evening raises funds for the Dr. John M. Grahame Scholarship, which goes to a second-year student at the College of Dentistry in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
The gala paid special tribute to the 50th anniversary Dentistry Class of 1967, of which nine members were present. Jovial alumnus Dr. Doug Fletcher, who is still practising in Alberta 50 years after graduation, spoke on behalf of his classmates and raised a toast to absent friends.
View the photo gallery from the Alumni of Distinction Awards evening.