Celebrating the future leaders of dental medicine
The Class of 2025 recognized for their resilience, service, and achievement at Commencement and Class Day.
The morning air was filled with anticipation as members of the Class of 2025 gathered to take their seats for Harvard University’s 374th Commencement ceremony. Graduates from around the University processed into Tercentenary Theatre on Thursday, May 29. It was a poignant moment that celebrated their accomplishments and marked the beginning of the next phase of their professional lives.
Holding an oversized Harvard toothbrush and beaming with pride, members of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) Class of 2025 erupted into cheers as Dean William Giannobile acknowledged their accomplishments from the stage. HSDM awarded a total of 66 degrees: 37 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), 17 Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc), and 12 Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc). Harvard University President Alan Garber offered his congratulations and officially welcomed the graduates into the dynamic and growing field of medicine.
AGE students gather in Harvard Yard before the University’s Commencement ceremony.
DMD students gather before the University's Commencement ceremony.
Degrees and certificates awarded
37
DMD degrees
12
DMSc degrees
17
MMSc degrees
19
certificates (only)
Abraham Verghese, Stanford professor, infectious disease doctor, and bestselling author, addressed the crowd of graduates during the Commencement ceremony. Verghese stressed the importance to show courage in the face of hardship.
“Graduates, the decisions you will make in the future under pressure will say something about your character, while they also shape and transform you in unexpected ways. Make your decisions worthy of those who supported, nurtured, and sacrificed for you: your parents, your partners, your family, and your ancestors,” said Verghese.
After the University Commencement concluded, DMD graduates made their way back to the Longwood campus for the HSDM/Harvard Medical School (HMS) Class Day ceremony.
With the sun peeking through the clouds on the HMS quad, families, friends, and faculty came together to celebrate the accomplishments of the more than 200 graduating dental and medical students. The event marked the conclusion of an intensive academic and clinical journey, as the students prepared to enter the profession as newly minted doctors.
While at HSDM, students explored topics in basic, translational/clinical, and global health research. They took on projects aimed to improve health and wellbeing, focused on ways to enhance dental education and support future oral health professionals, and conducted population-based research to better understand oral health challenges and disparities across diverse communities.
“It is now more important than ever that you use your education and training to meet this moment and be advocates for the critical importance of science and research,” said Giannobile.
Keynote speaker Paula Johnson, HMS alumna and president of Wellesley College, drew on her experiences as a physician, educator, and public health advocate to remind graduates that they already possess the tools to make a meaningful impact on the world.
“Each of you will find your own way to apply your skills and answer your interests,” Johnson said. “I know you will be good to those who rely on you to heal them when they cannot heal themselves. I know you will remain humble, even as you move mountains.”
Dr. Paula Johnson, president of Wellesley College, was the Class Day keynote speaker.
Dean William Giannobile addresses the Class of 2025
HSDM Class Day speaker Tashauna Holmes, DMD25, was joined by co-moderator Kaila Daniels, DMD25.
Kaila Daniels, DMD25, served as co-moderator and welcomed HSDM Class of 2025 president, Tashauna Holmes, to the stage where she addressed the graduating class.
“As we enter a profession that grants us not only titles, but trust, we have an obligation to use our skills not just to elevate ourselves, but to uplift others,” said Holmes. “We can build thriving careers and compassionate communities. We can pursue excellence and promote equity. We can earn well and serve well.”
Following the speakers' remarks, the 37 DMD graduates were called up to receive their diplomas and doctoral hoods. Class of 2025 graduates will pursue post-doctoral specialty programs in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontology, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatrics, Endodontics, Advanced Education in General Dentistry, and General Practice Residencies. Others will go on to private practice and into residencies in branches of the military.
“While it is a daunting time to graduate, we recognize that all of you, as Harvard dental and medical graduates, are up for the challenge. Your strong character, brilliant minds, and resilience are what is needed most right now. Your generation of doctors will be the torchbearers for science, the advocates that stand up for evidence-based medicine and public health,” said Giannobile.