       ![alumni waving hands](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-06/banner-sized.jpg?itok=0qExNCq2) 

 



 

#  Across generations, alumni reconnect at HSDM  

 





Alumni returned to campus to reconnect with classmates and celebrate milestone reunions



 

June 10, 2026

 

 

   ![two alumnae great with a hug](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-06/_SFX5075.jpg?itok=DxGRs7Ij) 

 

Classmates and lifelong friends reunited at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) on June 5 and 6 for the School's annual Alumni Days and Reunion. The celebration welcomed more than 80 graduates from across the decades, including those marking their 5-to-60-year reunions.

Throughout the weekend, alumni gathered to reconnect with former classmates, exchange professional experiences, and reflect on the relationships and memories that have endured long after graduation. The program combined opportunities for learning and discussion with moments of recognition and celebration, highlighting both the accomplishments of alumni and the lasting strength of the HSDM community. For many attendees, the event offered a chance to return to campus, revisit familiar spaces, and strengthen connections with fellow graduates from across generations.

“This is one of my favorite days of the year. The tight-knit, supportive nature of this school was part of what brought me back to serve as Dean, and I love seeing it grow stronger,” remarked Dean William Giannobile.



 

 

 

    ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_3_4__480x640/public/2026-06/Peter%20Ngan.jpg?itok=fEA3A3B6) 

 

 

 

   

 “We haven’t seen each other in 40 years. We’re rekindling our friendship today. It’s very, very important.”

 

Peter Ngan

Class of 1981, 45th reunion 

 

 



 

 

 

### HDAA leadership transition 

 

The program opened with the annual meeting of the Harvard Dental Alumni Association (HDAA), where outgoing president **Mindy Greenblatt Streem****, DMD05,** welcomed alumni back to campus and reflected on the importance of staying connected to the HSDM community.

"My goal as president is to bring alumni together. I am delighted to welcome you to the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, for a celebration of alumni and friends during Alumni Day and Reunion weekend.”

*\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_*  
*Outgoing HDAA President Mindy (center) poses with former president **Miguel Rogue, DMD16, MMSc19**, (left) and incoming president **Adesegun “Shola” Tewogbade, DMD04.***



 



      ![headshots](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-06/Miguel%2C%20Mindy%2C%20Shola.jpg?h=743b0bfa&itok=vMsqF5It) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

##  Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes leadership and impact 

A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award to **Shahid Aziz, DMD96**, in recognition of his leadership in advancing care for patients with cleft lip and palate conditions, craniofacial differences, and complex maxillofacial conditions.



 

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

### A career shaped by mentorship and service 

 

**Shahid Aziz, DMD96**, was recognized during Alumni Days &amp; Reunion for his contributions to craniofacial care and surgical education. His journey reflects the lasting impact of mentorship, friendship, and a commitment to improving patients' lives.

“I’m overwhelmed by this honor. It’s been 30 years since I graduated, and I never would have imagined standing here today,” said Aziz. “This is an amazing place. We’ve talked about mentorship, and that’s how I got to where I am.”



 [Read Dr. Aziz's story east](/news/former-classmates-turn-compassion-action) 

 



      ![Shahid Aziz wearing his medal standing next to the dean,](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-06/Shahid%20w%20dean.jpg?itok=vOD1uKS6) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

##  Exploring the future of dental care 

The day included a fireside chat featuring Dean William Giannobile and Streem, followed by the Alumni Day Symposium—The Future of Dental Care: Incubation, Innovation, and Impact.

The symposium brought together alumni entrepreneurs **Leela Breitman, DMD21**, CEO and co-founder of My Dental Key; **Alfred Griffin III, MMSc17**, CEO and founder of LightForce Orthodontics; and **David T. Wu, DMD, DMSc23**, program director of Advanced Graduate Periodontology and assistant professor of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity.



 

     ![speakers](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_3_4__480x640/public/2026-06/speaker-hr.jpg?itok=PvUG0ZbR) 

 



 

  

 

     ![speaker](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-06/_SFX5401.jpg?itok=Q0Wg2T6a) 

 



 

  

 

     ![alumni](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-06/_SFX5171.jpg?itok=OXoxS0bO) 

 



 

  

 

 

 

 

##  Celebrating milestones across generations 

As milestone reunion classes gathered alongside recent graduates, Alumni Days and Reunion highlighted the lasting impact of the HSDM experience. The weekend celebrated not only professional accomplishments, but also the shared commitment to advancing oral health, supporting future generations of students, and strengthening the School's global alumni network.



 

       ![alumni](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-06/Student%20tours_1.jpg?h=bc84dd94&itok=_Iov2QtH) 

 

 



 

 



*Click any image to enlarge it.*

 

 



 [   ![Four conference attendees pose together during a networking event.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/Gallery1.jpg?itok=XrQ8wwk2) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/Gallery1.jpg) 

 [   ![Three attendees smiling together at a symposium reception.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery%202.jpg?itok=Juyq-g7k) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery%202.jpg) 

 [   ![Two attendees seated together sharing a toast at a Alumni Day reception.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery%203.jpg?itok=rRwdSne0) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery%203.jpg) 

 [   ![An attendee wearing a hat smiles while holding two carrots in the shape of the letter V.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery%204.jpg?itok=9mbF2bmg) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery%204.jpg) 

 [   ![Two attendees talk while seated in an auditorium before a session.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery%208.jpg?itok=24Ky_PS1) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery%208.jpg) 

 [   ![A small group of attendees standing together in a clinical teaching space.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery-5.jpg?itok=O7WJdDCw) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery-5.jpg) 

 [   ![Attendees standing and talking in a bright hallway.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery-6.jpg?itok=L9SpIk18) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery-6.jpg) 

 [   ![Six attendees pose together in front of a Harvard School of Dental Medicine pop-up banner..](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery%207.jpg?itok=wwjDSZwY) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery%207.jpg) 

 [   ![Two individuals standing together in a clinical setting.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery-9.jpg?itok=7aP9wloF) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery-9.jpg) 

 [   ![Alumni talking outside of Harvard Medical School's Gordon Hall building with school banners displayed overhead.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery10.jpg?itok=vs9Gbq4E) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery10.jpg) 

 [   ![Four attendees posing together at a symposium reception.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery-11.jpg?itok=-oyi5LJ8) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery-11.jpg) 

 [   ![Three alumni smiling together while seated at a table.](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-06/gallery-12.jpg?itok=HO3HA5-A) 

  

 ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/gallery-12.jpg) 

 

 



##  Continue the connection 

Alumni Days and Reunion is just one of the many ways graduates stay connected to the HSDM community. Learn about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, alumni programs, and ways to stay involved.



 

 



 [ Stay in touch arrow\_forward ](/alumni) 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Alumni ](/news-and-events/alumni)
- [ Alumni Event ](/news-and-events/alumni-event)