Awards and Recognition
This page lists opportunities for awards, fellowships and scholarships, as well as other types of recognition for faculty.
SDM Awards
Alan J. Gross Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Alan J. Gross (1927-1998) was a well-liked and highly respected member of the UBSDM faculty who was also a passionate student advocate. In addition to teaching clinical and didactic courses, he served as director of faculty development at the school. The Alan J. Gross Award for Excellence in Teaching honors his memory and his commitment to teaching excellence.
Year | 2nd Year Award | 3rd Year Award | 4th Year Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Christopher Pusateri | Dr. Jose Luis Tapia | Dr. Latifa Bairam |
| 2024 | Dr. Lucila Piasecki | Dr. Nicole Hinchy | Dr. Rui Li |
| 2023 | Dr. Joseph DeLuca & Dr. Christopher Pusateri | Dr. Tammy Thompson | Dr. Robert Yetto |
| 2022 | Dr. Christopher Pusateri | Dr. Tammy Thompson | Dr. Latifa Bairam |
| 2021 | Dr. David Brown | Dr. Dana Keblawi & Dr. Jose Luis Tapia | Dr. Jose Luis Tapia & Dr. Rui Li |
| 2020 | Dr. David Brown & Dr. Christopher Pusateri | Dr. Jose Luis Tapia | Dr. Rui Li, Dr. Patrick McHenry Dr. Patti Starring |
| 2019 | Dr. Patrick Battista | Dr. Jose Luis Tapia | Dr. Ferdinand Ruocco |
| 2017 | Dr. Benita Sobieraj | Dr. Patrick Battista | Dr. Hoangcam Nguyen |
| 2016 | Dr. David Brown | Dr. Ramtin Sadid-Zadeh | Dr. Dana Keblawi |
Educator of the Year
This faculty member, who receives the annual Yearbook dedication, is chosen by the graduating class. In addition, this individual leads the commencement procession, carrying the ceremonial mace.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Dr. Nicole Hinchy |
| 2023-24 | Dr. Latifa Bairam |
| 2022-23 | Dr. Ramtin Sadid-Zadeh |
| 2021-22 | Dr. Jose Luis Tapia |
| 2020-21 | Dr. Jose Luis Tapia |
| 2019-20 | Dr. Eugena Stephan |
| 2018-19 | Dr. Patrick Batista |
| 2017-18 | Dr. Patrick Batista |
| 2016-17 | Dr. Tammy Thompson |
Charles S. Lipani Award
The Charles S. Lipani Award is presented to a faculty or staff member to recognize their outstanding contribution to the school, faculty, or dental profession.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Meelin Dian Chin Kit-Wells |
| 2024 | Dr. Patrick Anders |
| 2023 | Debra Stamm |
| 2022 | Jason Chwirut |
| 2021 | Daniel Emmer |
| 2020 | Denise Kennedy |
| 2019 | Anne Meyer |
| 2018 | Stephen Colombo |
William M. Feagans Award
Dr. William M. Feagans was dean of the School of Dental Medicine from 1970 to 1993. Established originally by the Dental Student Association, the award is presented to a faculty or staff member nominated by the current senior class. This recipient encompasses the finest aspects of academic dentistry, while balancing the challenges of "real life" dentistry and student life.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Robert Yetto |
| 2024 | Dr. Robert Yetto |
| 2023 | Dr. Latifa Bairam |
| 2022 | Dr. Eugena Stephan |
| 2021 | Dr. Mary Bush |
| 2020 | Dr. Rui Li |
| 2019 | Dr. Fred Ruocco |
| 2018 | Dr. Joseph Deluca |
| 2017 | Dr. Joseph Zambon |
| 2016 | Dr. Joseph Gambacorta |
Richard A. Powell Award
The Richard A. Powell Award is presented to a faculty member who, in the considered judgment of faculty and students, is an outstanding dental educator.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Hema Arany |
| 2024 | Dr. Joseph DeLuca |
| 2023 | Dr. Robert Cronyn |
| 2022 | Dr. Jose Luis Tapia |
| 2021 | Dr. Latifa Bairam |
| 2020 | Dr. Dana Keblawi |
| 2019 | Dr. Samir El-Chehabi |
| 2018 | Dr. Charles Severin |
University Awards and Recognition
Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
The Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs is committed to facilitating and enhancing the recognition of our world-class faculty. The Awards and Recognition page highlights the variety of awards and honors available to faculty, shares best practices, publicizes related events and workshops, and celebrates the exceptional work of UB’s faculty.
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and EDI; Professor
Department of Restorative Dentistry