Congratulations to Our Graduates

The 45th commencement ceremony of the LSUSD School of Dentistry was held on May 19, 2016. This year 64 students received the doctor of dental surgery, 37 received bachelors of science in dental hygiene, and three received associate degrees in dental laboratory technology (DLT). At the Recognition Ceremony held on May 18 at the dental school, departments and professional associations presented awards to deserving students.

The top students from each program received the Dean's and Chancellor's Awards. Recipients of the Dean's Award were Jordan Koll (DLT), Erica David (Dental Hygiene program in Lafayette), and Vincent DiCarlo (DDS). The Chancellor's Award was presented to Corrie Gerrets (DLT), Adrienne Champagne (Dental Hygiene), and Lindsey Richard (DDS).

Dean Henry Gremillion with senior class leaders:  (l-r) Brenna Croft, Whitney Walker, Lindsey Richard, Gabrielle Richard, Megan Currier

Among the numerous awards given at the Recognition Ceremony were leadership awards from the LSUSD Alumni Association. Keynote speaker Claudia Cavallino, DDS, president-elect, presented awards to school officers Brenna Croft, Megan Currier, Gabrielle Richard, and Lindsey Richard. Alexandra Burns (Dental Hygiene) and Jordan Koll received Alumni Association Leadership Awards as well.

Faculty members were also honored for excellence in teaching. Chosen by the graduating class of each program, recipients of Golden Apple Awards were Sherrod Quin, DDS, assistant clinical professor of comprehensive dentistry; Heather Allen, RDH, MSHCM, assistant clinical professor of dental hygiene; and David Vela, associate professor of prosthodontics-dental laboratory technology.

Lindsey Richard, president of the student body, delivered the closing address. She told her fellow graduates, "One thing I know for certain, however, is that we have been well prepared both clinically, academically, and professionally by one of the most prestigious dental schools in the nation."

To view the list of graduates, click here.

Dr. Claudia Cavallino, alumni association president-elect, with Dr. Gremillion

Dr. Alika Yu Receives Copping Award

Every year during the commencement ceremony, the Allen A. Copping Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to one faculty member in each of the six schools of LSU Health New Orleans. This year, the dental school award recipient was Alika Yu, DDS, associate professor of prosthodontics and director of central laboratory services. Dr. Yu received her DDS from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a certificate in general dentistry from Kalida Health (Buffalo General Hospital). In 2006, following completion of the LSUSD certificate program in prosthodontics, she joined the prosthodontics faculty. Dr. Yu is co-investigator on an NIH/NIDCR grant directed by Mairi Noverr, PhD, to study the role of Candida albicans biofilms in a novel rat model of denture stomatitis.

According to Dean Henry Gremillion, Dr. Yu was selected for this award "for her dedication to education at the pre-clinical, didactic, and clinic levels. Her work ethic and giving nature are complemented by her skills and knowledge, and her quiet confidence makes her an effective mentor to students."

Dr. Alika Yu, recipient of the Allen A. Copping Excellence in Teaching Award