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Congratulations to the 2026 Alumni Association Award Recipients

Manish Valiathan

Distinguished Alumnus 

Manish Valiathan, DDS, MDS (DEN '02, '99)
Manish Valiathan, DDS (DEN ’02), MSD (DEN ’99), is this year's recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award. As a professor and associate dean for clinical affairs, Dr. Valiathan is an academic "triple threat" widely celebrated for his exceptional leadership across teaching, NIH-funded research and craniofacial clinical care.

Michael Landers

Special Recognition

Michael A. Landers, DDS (DEN ’76)
Few individuals have shaped the fabric of CWRU School of Dental Medicine quite like Michael A. Landers, DDS (DEN ’76). This year’s Special Recognition Award honors the professor emeritus for more than 50 years of academic excellence, dedicated student mentorship and pioneering work in clinical simulation. 

Barbara Sciulli

Special Recognition

Barbara Sciulli
For more than 40 years, the daily student experience at CWRU School of Dental Medicine was shaped by the dedicated care of Barbara A. Sciulli. This year’s Alumni Board Special Recognition Award honors the long-standing registrar and financial aid liaison following her recent retirement. 

Imani Behrens

Outstanding New Dentist

Imani J. Behrens, DMD (DEN ’22)
Since graduating in 2022, Imani J. Behrens, DMD (DEN ’22), has rapidly established an exceptional standard of leadership, clinical innovation and community advocacy. This year's Outstanding New Dentist Award recognizes her impactful pediatric work, which ranges from advanced laser dentistry to providing critical care for underserved populations.

2025 School of Dental Medicine Night of Celebration

Nominations

Each year, the Alumni Association honors those who bring distinction to Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine by the superiority of their talents and the selflessness of their service. Recently, the Alumni Association introduced two new awards: the Outstanding New Dentist Award and the Alumni Board Special Recognition Award.‌

For consideration for the current year's awards, your nomination must be received by April 1. Nominations received after that date will be considered for the following year. Self-submissions are encouraged. ‌

Nominees are submitted by the School of Dental Medicine community to the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association. The Board selects the award winners, and the recipients are recognized at a special celebration during Homecoming and Reunion weekend.

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award

The Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award is the highest award bestowed upon a graduate of our school. This award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has shown dedication to the School of Dental Medicine, excellence in the profession, and whose work has made a significant mark in the field of dentistry. They have notable community involvement and contribute to the practice and continuing study of dental medicine and the dental profession.

Outstanding New Dentist Award

The Outstanding New Dentist Award recognizes alumni who graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. Eligibility expires 10 years after completion of formal doctoral or postdoctoral training. This award will be given to alumni whose accomplishments enhance the perception of the dental profession, have demonstrated outstanding service to his/her community, and/or are engaged with the activities of the School of Dental Medicine. This award will be given at the discretion of the School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors and may not be awarded annually.

Alumni Board Special Recognition Award

The Alumni Association recognizes that anyone is capable of bringing distinction, service, honor, and talent to Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. The Alumni Board Special Recognition Award will be awarded to an individual who has made a significant impact within the community, the profession, or our institution that may or may not be a graduate of our university. This award will be given at the discretion of the School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors and may not be awarded annually.

Submit a Nomination by Mail Submit a Nomination Electronically

Past Alumni Association Award Recipients

(Read more about each recipient by clicking on their name)