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Dr. Ben Davis, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, presents the Glenda Butt Bursary to Rebecca Aube, a student in the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene (Honours) program.聽 Photos by Nick Pearce

The Academic Awards were presented to students on November 18, 2025, on level 1 of the Dentistry Building. This annual celebration of student achievement is, as Dr. Ben Davis, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry said in his introduction, "an event we are always proud to hold".

Over 60 awards were presented to dentistry and dental hygiene students across all years of their respective programs, recognizing their academic achievements, high level of clinical care and professionalism, excellence in particular subjects, and leadership and volunteering.

Second-year dentistry prizes were presented to (l-r): Joshua Hayden, Tejas Malewar, Brett Allen, Clayton Smith, Nir El, Nadine Ayoub, and Annike Nobbe.

Despite having schedules full of classes, labs, and clinics, students also take on a variety of volunteer and student government activities. "I am often astonished by what many of you find time to do," said Dean Davis.

He welcomed donors Kim Goodine from 123 Dentist and Steve Jennex from the NSDA, who presented their awards. Dr. Tom Raddall was also there to present the Dr. Harold Brogan Award.

From within the Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Cynthia Andrews presented the Dr. Noel H. Andrews Memorial Scholarship in honour of her father, and Dr. Leigha Rock presented the Highest Academic Achievement in Dental Hygiene Award and the Lisa Van Alphen Memorial Award.

Third-year dentistry prizes were presented to l-r (back row): Raksha Sagar, Ashley Tolback, Kaitlyn Mooney, Abby Clow, Leah Walters; front row: Davis Murphy, Jarrett Miller, Abhishek Nandavar, Matthew Kelvey, and Jasjot Cheema

"To all our donors and supporters, we are tremendously grateful for making these awards possible," said Davis. "It means a lot to our students to be recognized in this way, and it means a lot to us as a Faculty."

Layers of support
Two students, Risnu Ann Jacob (BDH2) and Davis Murphy (DDS4), spoke to the audience about the significance of the awards.

"Every achievement we celebrate this evening is built on layers of support, some visible, many quiet, but all deeply meaningful," said Jacob. She thanked donors, telling them that their generosity "fuels possibilities".

In her message to faculty, she said "thank you for challenging us to think critically, to act ethically, and to care deeply." They were shaping students into "the kind of professionals we aspire to become," she said.

Risnu Ann Jacob and Davis Murphy

Murphy added his thanks to donors, not just for the financial support, but for the "boost of confidence" that encourages students to persevere. He also recognized instructors for their "tough love" and dedication to student success.

Jacob summed up the significance of the evening in her final words: "Tonight is not just a celebration of awards; it is a celebration of potential. Of what we can offer our communities. Of the impact we hope to make in the lives of our patients. And of the people who believe in us enough to help us get there."

A complete list of the awards and their recipients is .

BDH2 award recipients (l-r): Emma Hailer, Risnu Ann Jacob, Dr. Leigha Rock, director of the School of Dental Hygiene, Kelsey Blackwood, and Gincy Padickakudiyil George