In celebration of their accomplishments and with excitement for what lies ahead, West Virginia University School of Dentistry graduates received their diplomas during a Commencement ceremony Friday (May 16) at the Coliseum.
The School of Dentistry Class of 2025 was celebrated along with graduates from the schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health in a joint ceremony that recognizes the interconnectedness of health professions. As part of the festivities, the group of new healthcare providers recited the Oath of Interprofessional Education led by Dr. Louise Veselicky, WVU Health Sciences associate vice president for academic affairs, who is also a graduate of the Doctor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene programs.
To begin the ceremony, Dr. Clay Marsh, chancellor and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences, addressed the graduates and shared his thoughts for living a longer, better life, including maintaining relationships, maintaining a sense of purpose and cultivating an abundant mindset.
In his remarks to the Class of 2025, Dr. Stephen Pachuta, dean and 1985 graduate of the School of Dentistry, shared his congratulations and anticipation for the graduates’ futures.
“Be proud of your accomplishments and celebrate your successes. Your degrees are your gateway to the wonderful profession of dentistry. Remember that you will be presented with many doors of opportunity. Choose your doors wisely.
“You are now members of a healthcare profession. As such, you will make a difference in the lives of those entrusted to your care. As healthcare professionals, we have a duty and responsibility to remain focused on excellence, community and service.”
To wrap up the ceremony, President Gordon Gee spoke to the graduates about embracing change and following their purpose.
“Persisting through change to achieve success is a skill that you have honed, and it will serve you well throughout life. Of all that you've learned here, I hope you remember one thing above all – commit. Commit to your unique path and enjoy life's ever shifting vistas along the way.
“No matter how many detours your life takes, your heart will lead you to the place that you belong.”
Following remarks, the presentation of diplomas, and pinning and hooding rituals, the newest WVU alumni joined together in the tradition of singing “Country Roads” to close out the ceremony.
Graduates earning a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree include:
- Abigail Ash ^^***
- Hayley Barritt
- Kristen Blair
- Brynn Davis ^^**
- Grace Dempsey *
- Sidney Fix
- Rebecca Good ***
- Sofia Henline ***
- Megan Hutcherson **
- Hannah Keener *
- Alia Mansour *
- Gillian Pierrard
- Olivia Reagan ****
- Cierra Satterfield
- Caitlin Scott *
- Taylor Stotler
- Emily Stricklin
- Evelyn Tabb
- Julian Jesse Tamakloe
- Sophie Taylor **
- Kendra Wolford **
Graduates earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree include:
- Taylor Abraham
- Dalal Ali
- Jarrah Al Ben Ali
- Noah Auman
- Trace Bennett
- Malik Bourghli
- Chance Brown
- Josephine Burns
- David Carvajal
- Pooja Chaudhry
- Alina Clark
- Carson Cochran
- Jason Collett
- Noor Dahshan
- Savannah Dervis
- Jana El-Khatib
- Peyton Faulkner
- Madison Fischer
- Anne Fox
- Jonathan Gore
- Autumn Gossard
- Sydni Harris-Evans
- Anna Hayton
- Haider Jaffrey
- Ashley James
- Harry Le
- Kassidy Lemons
- Stephanie Marnic
- Hannah McGrew
- Priyesha Modi
- Sarah Momen
- Caitlin Murphy
- Anthony Nguyen
- Alex Pampalone
- Zachary Ransom
- Kyle Rideout
- Garrett Robertson
- Rachel Rutledge
- Chance Shears
- Edward Skonieczny
- Avery Smith
- Fanar Subhi
- Skyler Terrell
- Katelyn Tomlin
- Michael Tomoroksa
- Christine Truong
- Anna Wilfong
- Khadija Yousuf
Graduate earning a Master of Science in Orthodontics include:
- Anna Giles
- Stuart Mills
- Jenna Schneider
Graduates earning a Master of Science in Periodontics include:
- Abhijeet Gupta
- Krishna Patel
The graduate earning a Master of Science in Prosthodontics was Thomas Stanley.
In addition to the Dental Hygiene, Dental Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics programs, the WVU School of Dentistry offers an advanced education program in Endodontics and residency programs in General Practice, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry.
* Cum Laude
** Magna Cum Laude
*** Summa Cum Laude
^^ Honors Foundations Scholar
This is not an official record of degrees awarded. Honors listed are based upon the next-to-last term of enrollment and are not official until all academic work has been certified by the WVU Office of the University Registrar.
-WVU-
jw/5/16/25
CONTACT: Jessica Wilmoth
Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Dentistry | WVU Dental
