Above: Dean Dr. Ben Davis presents the NSDA Prize for the greatest proficiency in anatomy to Annika Nobbe (DDS2). Photos by Bruce Bottomley
On November 19, more than 60 student awards were presented at Dalhousie’s 2024 Academic Awards Celebration, with faculty, staff, and several donors or their representatives in attendance.
The awards are presented each year to students in both dental hygiene and dentistry for academic achievement, proficiency in specific subjects, professionalism, compassionate patient care, leadership, volunteering, and community involvement.
The annual ceremony is special for the Faculty of Dentistry, says Dean Dr. Ben Davis, because it’s an “opportunity to celebrate exceptional student achievement and thank donors for their support.”
Several new awards were given out this year, says Dr. Fran Tompkins, Associate Dean of Students.
“This means we can recognize and support more students,” she explains. “Equally important, more donors are interested in working with us to support our students.”
Among those in attendance were Marc and Nick Thoms, who travelled from Newfoundland to present the Dr. Maureen Lawton and Class of ’82 Memorial Scholarship, and Isabel and Lynn Fergusson, who presented the Dr. Bruce N. Fergusson Memorial Award.
From within the Dalhousie Faculty, Dr. Cynthia Andrews presented the Dr. Noel H. Andrews Memorial Scholarship, Dr. Rick Raftus presented the Dr. Eric Hatfield Memorial Award, and Dr. Leigha Rock presented the Highest Academic Achievement in Dental Hygiene Award and the Lisa Van Alphen Memorial Award.
Grateful students
Two of this year’s recipients shared what the awards mean to them. Grace Heukshorst (DDS3) says, “Receiving these awards is a humbling experience because it reminds me of the hard work, support, and dedication that surround us all in this field.” She is also moved by the encouragement provided by professors, colleagues, and mentors “who believe in us even when we struggle to believe in ourselves”.
David Okunola (DDH2) is grateful to the donors, professors, and loved ones who have “always supported and guided us on our journey to becoming professionals in the dental field.”
Both students spoke of the bond between classmates and the support they give each other.
“I know the experiences and memories we’ve created will stay with us forever,” Okunola says. “We didn’t just achieve this milestone — we did it together.”
