Each year, the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) celebrates the achievements of its graduates in the Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP), who bring unique perspectives, dedication and talent to our community. These exceptional individuals have not only excelled academically but have also contributed significantly to the mission areas of the school: patient care, education, research and community engagement.
We are proud to highlight the recipients of the ISP Class of 2024 graduation awards, honoring their remarkable accomplishments and commitment to the field of dentistry. These awards were presented during the banquet and awards ceremony at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, said to the graduates, "As you have learned from us, we have learned from you. You enriched the dental school family with the diversity of your cultures and the beauty of your smiles. Thank you for sharing the last two years with us."
To kick off the awards portion of the banquet program, ISP Director Krithika Baskaran, DDS, BDS, presented Ana Selman with the CU Presidential Recognition Award—a plaque celebrating her dedicated service as class president. Baskaran said, "Good leadership requires skill in diplomacy, negotiation, patience, listening, counseling and composure. The job requires character, metered and thoughtful interactions, and appealing to our better natures and ideals in those efforts. Dr. Selman did an amazing job, and faculty, staff and classmates are all extremely grateful."
Next, five graduates at the top of their class were recognized for their induction into Colorado's Pi Rho chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, dentistry's national honor society: Sindhu Devanaboyina, Renjith Abraham, Tahseena Banu, Teeba Sabah and Shelly Singh.
The following awards were presented on stage by distinguished guests from several professional dental organizations.
- The American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement Award - Daniel Aguilera
- International College of Dentists Award for Leadership and Contributions to Profession - Ana Selman
- American College of Dentists Award for Ethics and Service - Shrina Jasani
- Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for Ethics and High Standards - Raunika Sehgal
- Dr. Victoria Saniukovich Humanitarian Award - Walid Aawar
- Colorado Dental Association Inspiring Leadership Award - Gaurij Kapote
- American Equilibration Society Award for Performance in the Science of Occlusion and Temporomandibular Joint Function - Sindhu Devanaboyina
- Metro Denver Dental Society Award for Leadership in Community Outreach - Fahad Ismail
- Excellence in Prosthodontics - Jaris Tejada-Torres
- Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement Award - Elsa Kurian
The CU SDM departmental awards were given in recognition of graduates' performance and contributions in various areas at the school.
- Excellence in Comprehensive Care – Kruti Patel
- Excellence in Oral Diagnosis - Anna Maria Lulek
- Excellence in Treatment Planning - Chintan Narad
- Excellence in Oral Pathology - Teeba Sabah
- Excellence in Oral Medicine - Rose Maria Jose
- Excellence in Operative Dentistry - Tahseena Banu
- Excellence in Removable Prosthodontics - Jaris Tejada-Torres
- Excellence in Fixed Prosthodontics - Ritesh Chawla
- Excellence in Implant Prosthodontics - Sadaf Fadakar
- Excellence in Oral Surgery - Priyanka Govind Belgal
- Excellence in Periodontics - Ritesh Chawla
- Excellence in Orthodontics - Renjith Abraham
- Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry - Teeba Sabah
- Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry - Noor Al Taiy
- Excellence in Esthetics - Fatima Afridi
- Excellence in Special Care - Shelly Singh
- Excellence in Evidence Based Dentistry - Angelina Bedi
- Excellence in Research - Ana Selman
- Excellence in Public Health - Inayaat Virk
After the graduate awards, Class President Ana Selman and Vice President Daniel Aguilera took to the stage to announce this year's faculty awards, selected by the entire graduating class.
- Outstanding Didactic Instructor - Kunjan Kakar, DDS (ISP ’10), MS, BDS, assistant professor (C/T) and assistant director of the Advanced Standing International Student Program
- Outstanding Clinical Instructor - Thomas Greany, DDS ’97, associate professor (C/T) and director of academic technology initiatives
- Outstanding Pre-Clinical Instructor - Krithika Baskaran, DDS, BDS, associate professor (C/T) and director of the Advanced Standing International Student Program
- Outstanding Part-Time Faculty - Gary Andreoletti, DDS, clinical assistant professor
- Humanism in Dentistry Faculty Award - Kunjan Kakar, DDS (ISP ’10), MS, BDS, assistant professor (C/T) and assistant director of the Advanced Standing International Student Program
Dean Kassebaum presented one final award to close out the evening—the CU Dental Educator Lifetime Achievement Award. She announced, "It is my honor to recognize someone whose contributions to our institution, our profession and our community have been nothing short of extraordinary. ...For decades, Dr. Lonnie Johnson has been a pillar of our dental school, serving as a renowned periodontist, clinician, researcher, an inspiring educator and a compassionate leader. ...We are all better for having known and worked alongside Dr. Johnson and this award is a small token of our deep appreciation."
Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, presents the CU Dental Educator Lifetime Achievement Award to Lonnie Johnson, DDS, PhD, professor and senior associate dean of clinics and professional practice.
Congratulations to all the graduates and award recipients.
