STATEMENT FROM GBADS PRESIDENT DR DAWUD MUHAIMIN

 

The 2021 GBADS SNDA Senior send-off was another classic.  It was a wonderful event, well attended, and highly appreciated by the students.  It occurred Sunday, May 31st in Golden Gate Park at Mothers Meadow.  This event was meant to happen in person.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event had to be held outdoors in order to be in person and without masks.  The weather in San Francisco fully cooperated and was perfect.  Due to the holiday weekend, I'm sure we did not get as many GBADS members as we would have liked, but we were very appreciative that Dr. Michael Stokes and Val Stokes attended.  Val even prepared the scholarship checks with a touch of class.  

 

Sydney Nanton, the SNDA president, did the logistics of on-the-ground organizing.  She found the location, invited the students, hung the decorations, and organized the catering.  The food was provided by Voodoo Love and it was devoured.  Special thanks to Sydney and her classmate Erin for their efforts. 

 

The formal program consisted of awarding the 2021 GBADS scholarships to Rubin Sorrell, Sydney Nanton, and Brian Hoang.  We moved along to honoring each of the graduating seniors.  This year 6 seniors who are national members of SNDA graduated:  

Rubin Sorrell, Naya Okeke, Mironda Frankenberger, Vandan Kasar, Noah Koraym, and Teri White Mitchell (UOP).  I gave a formal address to congratulate the students on their accomplishments, while also grounding them in their place in history.  I also hoped to impart to them some practical advice for success as a new dentist.  

 

Each student that was able to attend, Rubin, Naya, and Teri, was called forward and hooded by Dr. Hibret Benjemin, UCSF Assistant Clinical Professor, GBADS member, and UCSF Class of 2002.  Each student was given, on behalf of GBADS, an ink pen with their name engraved and allowed a few minutes to share their post-graduation plans.

 

Everyone in attendance had a wonderful time and can't wait to do it again next year.  GBADS is most excited that Rubin, Naya, and Teri will be staying local to work and attend post-graduate programs and they are eager to stay involved in GBADS and help elevate the organization.