A group of second-year dental students pose for a photo with Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis at the Awards Evening. More than 70 awards and scholarships were handed out to students, faculty and staff in the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and School of Dental Hygiene.
Dentistry, dental hygiene Awards Evening honours achievements
The hard work and dedication of students, faculty and staff took centre stage at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and School of Dental Hygiene Awards Evening on Nov. 20.
More than 60 student awards and 10 faculty and staff awards were presented at the Awards Evening ceremony in the Brodie Centre atrium.
“The awards tonight celebrate the achievements of many students who have worked very hard and excelled in a very demanding program,” said Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the dental college. “For us as educators, supporting our students and seeing them succeed is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work.”
[From left to right] Sophie Chen, third-year dental student, Kiara Stefansson, third-year dental hygiene student, and Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry.
For the second year in a row, third-year dental student Sophie Chen received two of the college’s most prestigious awards – the Dr. A.W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship for Dentistry and the Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship for Dentistry.
“I’m so grateful and honoured to receive the awards again,” Chen said. “To have my hard work – doing what I love – pay off is really encouraging for me to keep pushing myself, pursuing excellence and learning.”
Third-year dental hygiene student Kiara Stefansson received two of the School of Dental Hygiene’s most prestigious awards – the Dr. A.W. Hogg Scholarship and the Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship in Dental Hygiene.
“It’s just amazing. I can’t even describe the feeling,” Stefansson said. “I’ve put a lot of hard work into this, but I also had a lot of support from my classmates and teachers. It’s just wonderful.”
Mary Bertone, director of the School of Dental Hygiene, said the awards presented to faculty and staff are based on nominations by students and colleagues.
“These awards are particularly meaningful because they represent recognition from those we serve and collaborate with,” Bertone said. “We would like to express our gratitude to the individuals being honoured tonight for their service and unwavering commitment to the university.”
Jose Coreas, a dental technician at the college, was one of three staff members who received recognition. He received three awards – the student-nominated staff awards for dentistry years one, two and three.
“It makes me feel happy,” Coreas said. “It makes me want to get better, and the students appreciate that. It’s nice to hear from people that you are doing a good job. It’s a good compliment.”
Dr. Chrysi Stavropoulou, director of graduate periodontics and assistant professor, was one of seven faculty members who received recognition. She received the Outstanding Teaching to Graduate Students Award and said she is extremely happy and grateful for the honour, mainly because it is student-nominated.
“For me, this award means recognition of all the hard work and dedication to my students,” Stavropoulou said. “I have grown a lot in my role as an educator over the last five years. This award affirms that my teaching has an impact on my students’ journey. It definitely motivates me to continue striving for excellence.”
Read the full list of award recipients.