Celebrating our 2021 graduates
Interim Dean Keith Mays sent the following message regarding graduation celebrations for the School of Dentistry Class of 2021 to all faculty, staff, and students this week.
Graduation is one of the most important milestones for our students and a place to honor their achievements and celebrate their future as oral health professionals. President Gabel asked earlier this semester that schools and colleges create plans for commencement ceremonies based on current state requirements that limit in-person events and require physical distancing and mask wearing, including options for virtual, hybrid and in-person events.
After exploring several scenarios, the School of Dentistry has decided to honor our graduating students this year through an in-person ceremony at Northrop for graduates only on May 14 at 10:00 AM. The ceremony will be live-streamed for our extended community. Holding an in-person commencement for students only will allow us to both honor our graduates and ensure the safety and health of our school community, families and guests. It also provides flexibility to adapt if guidelines change.
We know that faculty, staff, fellow students and residents, family and friends will be eager to join this year’s celebration, and I invite all to be a participant in the following ways:
- Faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to send a message or video of congratulations to our graduates.
- Family and friends are encouraged to send a personalized written message of congratulations to their graduate.
- Join the live-streamed festivities on May 14, hosted on the school’s Commencement 2021 website.
More details and updates will come in future communications and will be available on the school’s Commencement 2021 website.
Thank you for sharing in this year’s celebration of the incredible accomplishments of our graduates.
Sincerely,
Keith A. Mays, DDS, MS, PhD
Interim Dean