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Alumni Association Awards

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Congratulations to the 2025
Alumni Association Award Recipients:

 

Madge Potts-Williams

Distinguished Alumnus 

 

Madge Potts-Williams, DDS (DEN '81)
Madge Potts-Williams, DDS (DEN ’81) has been named the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award—an honor that reflects her remarkable 44-year legacy of excellence in clinical practice, dental education, and organized dentistry.

CWRU SODM Dean Kenneth Chance

Special Recognition

 

Kenneth B. Chance, DDS (DEN ‘79)
Kenneth B. Chance, DDS (DEN ‘79), former 2004 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, is being honored with the 2025 Special Recognition Award for his twenty years of distinguished leadership service to ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ and the School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Chance’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service has not only transformed the dental education landscape but has also left an indelible mark on the institution and the broader dental community.

Morgan Celistan

Outstanding New Dentist


Morgan S. Celistan, DMD, MMSc (DEN ‘20)
Morgan S. Celistan, DMD, MMSc (DEN ‘20) has been named the 2025 Outstanding New Dentist. Her dedication to patient care, academia and curriculum development, participation in organized dentistry, and mentorship of dental students have set a new benchmark for excellence in the field.

Each year, the Alumni Association honors those who bring distinction to ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ 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 ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ 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 ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ 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 

 

Past Alumni Association Award Recipients:

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