Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2026

Dean Kenneth B. Chance, DDS Endowed Distinguished Lectureship

The weekend began with the Dean Kenneth B. Chance, DDS Endowed Distinguished Lectureship, featuring Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, DO, FACOFP, delivering her thought-provoking address, “Change Agents Required.” As the first Black woman to serve as dean of a U.S. medical school, Dr. Ross-Lee challenged attendees to reimagine the role of health professionals in shaping a stronger healthcare system.

Breakfast with the Alumni Association Board of Directors

Friday morning’s breakfast offered an inside look at the future of the School of Dental Medicine. Dean Chance shared exciting updates on cutting-edge digital dentistry tools that have been implemented to transform education and patient care. Dr. Michael Gallagher (DEN ’83), president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, spoke about growing alumni engagement through service, mentorship, and philanthropy—reminding all that our collective impact fuels the mission of the school.

Welcome Reception at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

That evening, alumni gathered at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for a joyful reunion filled with laughter, conversation, and discovery. Guests explored immersive exhibits, enjoyed Cleveland-inspired hors d’oeuvres, and danced to live music from Cloud9CLE, led by Dr. Tom Leatherman (DEN ’85). It was a night of reconnection and celebration—honoring shared memories and the friendships that define our alumni community.

Tours and Symposia: Innovation in Action

Saturday began with breakfast in The Cosgrove Courtyard at Samson Pavilion, followed by two engaging options. The Pediatric Dentistry Symposium, highlighting advances in care for our youngest patients, and The Dental Technology Tour, which gave alumni a firsthand look at the upgraded Simulation Clinic, a HoloLens learning experience, and state-of-the-art dental clinic. Led by Dr. Ilser Turkyilmaz, Professor and Chair of Comprehensive Care, these experiences showcased the use of digital dentistry tools and how innovation continues to redefine the education of future dental leaders.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in the Age of AI

Later that morning, faculty from the Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Nursing came together for an interdisciplinary panel on “The Role of Healthcare Providers in the Age of AI.” Dr. Lia Logio, Dr. Scott Pelok, and Dr. Kylie Meyer explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, diagnosis, and care delivery—showcasing advances, predicting trajectories, but advising caution and reminding us that compassionate, human-centered care must remain at the heart of progress.

Night of Celebration: Honoring Achievement and Legacy

Nearly 300 guests gathered at the InterContinental Hotel for the School of Dental Medicine Night of Celebration, the highlight of the weekend. Dr. Michael Gallagher (DEN ’83), master of ceremonies, opened the evening with a State of the School video highlighting an extraordinary year at School of Dental Medicine marked by academic excellence, innovation, and service including welcoming the exceptional Class of 2029, achieving top national board exam pass rates, advancing groundbreaking research in oral health and immunology, and innovations in digital dentistry. Dr. Gallagher emphasized the power of alumni engagement and philanthropy, calling on each graduate to make a personally meaningful annual gift in appreciation of their own success and in support of the next generation of students.

Honoring Our 2025 Alumni Award Winners

We proudly recognized three extraordinary leaders.

Dr. Madge Potts-Williams (DEN ’81) – Distinguished Alumnus Award for her 44-year legacy in clinical practice, education, and leadership.

Dr. Morgan Celistan (DEN ’20) – Outstanding New Dentist Award for her dedication to academia, organized dentistry, and mentorship.

Dean Kenneth B. Chance (DEN ’79) – Special Recognition Award for two decades of transformative leadership and distinguished service to the university and the dental profession.

Honoring the legacy of Dean Kenneth Chance

CWRU Trustee Jacqueline Nance, Esq. (LAW ’92) also took the stage to honor Dean Chance’s enduring impact and unveiled his official portrait—soon to be displayed as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

As the first dentist elected to the CWRU Board of Trustees and later as dean of the School of Dental Medicine, Dean Kenneth Chance has led the institution through significant advancements.

“Dean Chance’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the School of Dental Medicine,” said Mrs. Nance. “His vision and compassion have propelled us into the 21st century through digital innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The school stands taller today—and will continue to benefit for generations to come—because of his enduring influence.”

Four members of the Grand Class of 1965 came together to celebrate their 60th reunion. (left to right) James Mikula, Peter Gordon, Ilze Bekeny, and Andrew Bekeny

Ten members of the Grand Class of 1970 came together to celebrate their 55th reunion. (back row left to right) Joseph Duda, Charles Kalinsky, Gerald York and Jerry Goldberg (middle row left to right) Sheldon Persky, Michael Zabell, Henry Fioritto, and Gary Galicki (front row left to right) Leonard Tomsik and Casimir Majcher

Eleven members of the newest Grand Class of 1975 came together to celebrate their 50 year reunion. (back row left to right) Paul Priesand, Curtis Johnson, David Williams (middle row left to right) William Lavigna, Murray Berkowitz, David Warden, (front row left to right) Jeffrey Kraman, Robert Doty, Donald Yeager, (not picture) David Kristal, Howard Synenberg