The 52nd Annual Convocation of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Mu Nu Chapter
On May 15, 2025, the (OKU) Mu Nu Chapter hosted its 52nd Annual Convocation at the Old San Francisco Steakhouse, celebrating the achievements of dental students and faculty at the (СƵ) . Established in 1914, OKU is the national dental honor society that aims to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence in dental education and practice across three membership categories: alumni, faculty and honorary.
Alumni are selected from top-ranking senior students based on academic performance and character. Faculty members must demonstrate significant contributions to dental science, art or literature. While one honorary member, typically a non-dentist, may be elected annually for notable contributions to the field. Membership in OKU is regarded as one of the highest honors in dentistry.
This year's evening began with opening remarks from Dana English, EdD, MS, RDH, and Jon Dossett, DMD, with Kenneth M. Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, dean of the School of Dentistry, welcoming everyone, followed by an invocation by Jeffrey Thompson, DDS. The convocation included a keynote address from Matthew Dacso, MD, MSc, director of the Charles E. Cheever, Jr. Center for Medical Humanities & Ethics and professor in the Department of Medicine at СƵ. Dacso’s address was “Staying Connected with Purpose in Uncertain Times: Lessons from the Humanities and Global Health.”
Following the keynote, special awards were announced. Notably, Hamsini Nathan received the prestigious William S. Kramer Award of Excellence, which honors an undergraduate dental student showing exceptional potential. Kathleen Becker received the Mu Nu Chapter Memorial Award of Excellence, while Tyler Childs received the Mu Nu Chapter Senior Award of Excellence, celebrating his contributions and achievements.
The awards also included the Mu Nu Chapter Sophomore Awards of Excellence, with three students honored for their outstanding accomplishments: Jenna Eisel for Outstanding Achievement in Academics, Madison Haager for Outstanding Achievement in Research, and Jenai Ballard for Outstanding Achievement in Service. The Stephen H. Leeper Award for Teaching Excellence was awarded to Richard Seals, DDS, MEd, MS (2024) and Karen Troendle, DDS, MPH,