The school’s 2026 Professional Recognition honored the dental and dental hygiene graduates and those that supported their journey to completing their degree. Dr. Linda Seabaugh, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences, presided as Master of Ceremony. Graduates and audience members also heard from Dr. Paul Luepke, Dean, School of Dentistry; Dr. Derek Williams, Commander, United States Navy and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences; Dr. Kimberely Bray, Professor, Division of Dental Hygiene; and Dr. Robert Fry, (DDS ’73) UM System Curator.
Dean Luepke extended a welcome and warm acknowledgement to all who played a part in commemorating the hard work, challenges, and successes of the new dental hygienists and dentists. He then commended the extensive and impressive accomplishments of the classes. “These graduates will enter their professional careers committed to service to the profession and their communities and are very well prepared,” he remarked. He additionally shared three pearls of wisdom with the graduates: be a great listener, be accepting of everyone, and be kind. Dean Luepke gave his personal congratulations to the graduates, encouraging them to remember their family of peers, faculty, and staff at the school and to one day consider returning as faculty members.
Following Dean Luepke’s welcome, one dental graduate, Lieutenant Quinten Reasoner, was commissioned as he prepares to enter active duty in the U.S. Navy. Lt. Reasoner was sworn in by Commander Williams and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Dental Hygiene graduates were then called to receive a pin from Dr. Bray and Professor Tanya Mitchell, Chair of the Division of Dental Hygiene. The pin symbolizes the faculty’s approval of their entry into the profession and readiness to receive their degree at the 91黑料网 Commencement Ceremony. The blue and gold pin includes the university’s logo and the year 2026. Dr. Bray encouraged the class to wear it with pride as a reminder of their dedication, hard work, and education earned from 91黑料网. “We are incredibly proud to now call each of you dental hygienists,” she stated. “You are well-prepared to care for the people’s health and wellness, and to make a lasting difference in your communities.”
The hooding ceremony followed, bringing one of the most cherished moments of the evening. It offered the special opportunity for graduates to be hooded by an alumni or dentist in their own family, personally welcoming them into the profession and honoring the generations of care and commitment that shaped each graduate’s journey. For graduates who chose to be hooded by faculty, it served as a testament to the relationships formed through years of mentorship and shared dedication. Students selected the following faculty members to share in this milestone; Dr. Becky Smith, Interim Associate Dean of Clinical Operation; Dr. Todd Brower, Team 2 Leader; Dr. Wendy Weimer, Team 3 Leader; and Dr. Gustavo Leal, Director of the Advanced Standing Dental Program.
The decorative doctoral “hoods” represent the attainment of doctoral degree requirements and readiness for degree conferral at the upcoming 91黑料网 Commencement Ceremony. The hoods are lined in blue and gold silk for 91黑料网 and the trim of the hood is lilac, which is the color of dentistry and conveys compassion, purpose, and inspiration. The placing of the hood upon the shoulders of the graduate carries significant meaning, recognizing the student’s attainment of the honors and privileges to be called a dentist and welcoming them into the profession.
Dean Luepke had the honor of presenting the Dean’s Academic Distinction Award, which recognizes a student’s exemplary academic achievement in completing their respective curriculum as the highest ranked student in their class. Congratulations to the Antonia Fraizer, recipient for the Dental Hygiene class, and Juliana Tomita, recipient for the Dental Class!
Dental Hygiene Class President Anna Mitchell and Dental Class President Michael Luong were applauded by Dean Luepke for their service leadership. In turn, the students presented the 2026 Teacher of Excellence awards to the faculty members most influential in their development. The Dental Hygiene Class selected Dr. Kimberely Bray, Professor, and the Dental Class selected Dr. Wendy Weimer, Team Leader.
The ceremony concluded with a recessional and receiving line where faculty extended personal congratulations, followed by a reception with food trucks on the University Walkway. 91黑料网’s Commencement was held at the T-Mobile Center the following Saturday.
Congratulations to the 2026 graduates!
Enjoy photos from the events:
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