Bulletin of Dental Education Article

The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry (UIC COD) held its 2026 commencement ceremony on May 7 at the UIC Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum. A total of 188 degrees were conferred, including Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), Master of Science in Oral Sciences (M.S.) and advanced specialty certificates.

Judy Yuan, D.D.S., M.S., M.A.S., UIC COD Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, served as master of ceremonies. The platform party included Susan Rowan, D.D.S., M.S., FACD, FICD, UIC, UIC COD Dean; Marie Lynn Miranda, UIC Chancellor; Robert Barish, M.D., M.B.A., UIC Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs; Joanna Groden, Ph.D., UIC Vice Chancellor for Research; Sharon Evans, J.D., UIC Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Lunaire Ford, Ph.D., UIC Associate Dean for Graduate College; and other UIC COD associate deans and faculty members.

Anya Jones, D.M.D., a May 2026 graduate, opened the ceremony with a beautiful and moving performance of the national anthem, setting a celebratory and reflective tone for the event.

Chancellor Miranda delivered a compelling message highlighting UIC’s mission of helping people and providing the broadest access to the highest standard of education, research and clinical excellence. She emphasized the university’s deep commitment to public service and preparing graduates to lead with purpose and compassion. Addressing the graduating class, Chancellor Miranda spoke of the class of 2026 as “188 gifts of optimism,” each uniquely equipped to improve lives and shape the future of oral health through their skill, integrity and dedication.

The keynote address was delivered by Dean Rowan, who shared a personal reflection on life’s journey and encouraged graduates to remain focused on forging their own paths. She offered six guiding principles, including the importance of following one’s passion and striving for excellence while taking every opportunity to refine skills and advance knowledge. Dean Rowan challenged graduates to empower others, reminding them that they are capable of being “unstoppable” when grounded in purpose and service.

This year, the college celebrated the inaugural Golden and Silver Graduates, honoring alumni who are commemorating their fiftieth and twenty-fifth anniversaries of graduation.

Stephanie Ward, D.D.S., B.S.D., UIC Clinical Assistant Professor and Managing Partner Restorative Dentistry and alumnus, served as the representative speaker. Dr. Ward reflected on the accomplishments of the classes of 1976 and 2001, and shared words of wisdom with the graduates.

Scott Tomar, D.M.D., Dr.P.H., UIC Associate Dean for Prevention and Public Health Sciences and Head of Population Oral Health, led the new dentists in the recitation of the Dentist’s Pledge, affirming their commitment to ethical practice and lifelong service.

The ceremony also included recognition of academic honors, scholarships and awards, celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of the graduates. The Golden Apple Awards were presented to Swee Tan, D.D.S., M.S., UIC Clinical Assistant Professor of Restorative Dentistry by the D.M.D. class, and Qiao Fang, D.D.S., M.S.D., UIC Clinical Assistant Professor of Restorative Dentistry, by the D.M.D. advanced standing class in recognition of their excellence in teaching and mentorship.

Following the ceremony, graduates and their families were welcomed back to the college of dentistry for a post-commencement celebration featuring the UIC jazz trio, cake and numerous photo opportunities with faculty and friends, marking a joyful conclusion to an important milestone in the graduates’ professional journeys.

Courtesy of University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry