Class of 2024 Commencement
SIU School of Dental Medicine Commencement is a Celebratory Achievement after a Challenging Four Years
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, conferred Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees upon 55 graduates of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) during their commencement ceremony held Saturday, June 1 at the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on the Edwardsville campus.
The Class of 2024 began its journey toward their DMD degrees during a pandemic and ended it with a flood emergency in the School’s main clinic, requiring all patient care throughout their final semester to be rescheduled to the other SIU SDM patient clinics. Nonetheless, the Class of 2024 performed remarkably well throughout and excelled on their clinical and national board exams. Graduates were lauded for their resiliency and perseverance.
“It is often said that the fear of failure, or even the fear of success, are the greatest obstacles to success. But I would argue that we are afraid to embrace our successes and that hinders us the most,” said Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, Dean of SIU SDM. “Class of 2024, you have succeeded. Embrace your accomplishments. Just for a moment don't be overly humble. Embrace this achievement.”
Read more about the remarkable Class of 2024 and the 2024 SIU SDM Commencement Ceremony.
View photos of the Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony
View a video of the Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony
