Last week, 170 students graduated with their degrees from Texas A&M University College of Dentistry on Gaston Avenue.
Dental, dental hygiene and graduate students participated in the ceremony on May 25. Teachers of the Year Dr. Amp W. Miller III, comprehensive dentistry department professor, and Brandy S. Cowen, dental hygiene program clinical assistant professor and clinic coordinator, led the procession. Representatives/class presidents for dental, dental hygiene and graduate students — Justin Thamsorn, Jennifer Truong and Dr. Athanasios Rigos, respectively — spoke during the ceremony, according to Communications Coordinator Stephanie Patrick.
While all graduates have a story to tell, two of them stood out. Cristina Flores-Villarreal, 58, of Lewisville, was the oldest in her class and could be the oldest new graduate in program history after she achieved her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.
Meanwhile, Daniel Hupp of Colleyville graduated as a new dentist who joined the Navy to work on teeth there after spending years as an officer in the Marine Corps.
Check out these submitted photos from the ceremony:
Dr. Shaun M. Logan, instructional associate professor in biomedical sciences, speaks to students at graduation. Courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry.
Dr. Jennifer Barrington, associate dean for clinical affairs, and Dr. Douglas Gould, associate dean for academic affairs, “hood” new graduate Emily Rutherford. Courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Dr. Alicia Spence, director of recruitment and admissions, and new dentist Dr. Daniel Hupp take a picture together. Courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Dental students listen at graduation. Courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Dental hygiene graduates Cristina Flores-Villarreal and Macie Harris attend the commencement ceremony. Courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
New graduate Zelalem Amare received a personal graduation celebration after the formal ceremony. Courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
