Dental Reunion 2009 Returns to the Hilltop in Record Numbers

Dental Alumni represent the School of Dentistry in the All-Class Procession.

Full of good memories and Hoya spirit, dental alumni from classes of 1949-1989 returned to the Hilltop for Reunion Weekend 2009. From May 29 to May 31, more than 250 dental alumni, family, and guests celebrated their memories and made new ones as they reconnected with old friends and introduced the campus to future Hoyas. They marveled at the changes and delighted in all the ways the university is much the same.

Dental Reunion was officially launched on Friday evening with a reception and tribute to the School of Dentistry in the Med/Dent Building. The dental alumni were welcomed home by Dr. Stephen Ray Mitchell, dean of medical education, who saluted the legacy of the School of Dentistry and honored the class of 1959 with 50th Reunion Jubilee medals.

The dental alumni participated in Reunion Weekend in record numbers this year, enjoying not only the dental-specific events, but also participating in the Main Campus events such as the conversation with Senator Chuck Hagel and the wine-tasting luncheon at Notaviva Vineyards.

A particular highlight of the weekend was the All Class Procession on Saturday.Dental alumni proudly represented the “Hoya Saxa” spirit as they strode across campus under their school banner. Father McFadden welcomed the dental alumni as they were presented at Healy Gates and said, “From 1901 to 1990, the Georgetown School of Dentistry educated some of the finest dentists in the country and we are pleased to have so many of them joining us for Reunion Weekend.” Soon after, the dental alumni joined the whole procession in a ringing chorus of the Georgetown fight song.

On Saturday afternoon, Dr. Richard B. Kahn (D’79), a periodontist and vice president of the New Jersey Dental Association, brought a bit of dental education back to the Med/Dent Building with an accredited lecture on the latest developments in “real-world” Implants. “It was wonderful to have a classmate and colleague here to present the lecture and I’m pleased so many people were able to participate,” said Dr. Margaret Culotta-Norton (D’79), chair of the Dental Alumni Board.

This year, many classes had top turnouts as dental alumni came together to revisit wonderful memories at their alma mater. Dr. Judith M. Fisch (D’84) class chair of the 25th reunion class, used the class Web site to help gather the largest percentage of classmates in attendance, at 32 percent. A crowd of nearly 70 people convened for the class party at 1789 Restaurant. “I had a lot of fun posting messages on the Web site and also used it to send group e-mails to my classmates,” she says. “It made a big difference in the amount of people I was able to reach in the months leading up to Dental Reunion.”

A strong showing from the golden anniversary 50th reunion class, as they came in second place with 27 percent of the class in attendance. The Class of 1979’s 30th reunion was also well-represented, with 25 percent on hand for the weekend.

Thank you to those who participated for your contributions and your commitment to Georgetown.

We want to hear your feedback! Complete the Dental Reunion 2009 survey »

View photos from Dental Reunion 2009 »