Strusser Memorial Award

"The College of Dentistry is honoring Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President of Henry Schein, Inc., because he exemplifies the spirit of NYU's slogan, a private university in the public service," said Dean Alfano. Through Mr. Bergman's leadership since 1989, Henry Schein, Inc., the largest distributor of health care products and services to office-based practitioners in the combined North American and European markets, has made a significant impact on dental education through its generous support of a variety of American Dental Association and other healthcare programs. Mr. Bergman, born in South Africa, is both a volunteer and philanthropist. He is helping to create and sustain grassroots health care, education and entrepreneurial economic development initiatives in Africa, as well as other parts of the developing world. Presented in recognition of significant contributions to public health, the Strusser Award honors Mr. Bergman for "personally modeling the determination and ability of the corporate sector at its finest to make a powerful impact on the oral health of communities near and far."

Charles B. Rangel, United States Representative from the 15th Congressional District, will give the Graduation keynote address. "For over 30 years in public service, Congressman Rangel, a graduate of NYU and St. John's University School of Law, has consistently and vigorously supported improved access to health care for the poor," said Dean Alfano. "This is why I am pleased to present this year's David B. Kriser Medallion, the College's highest honor, to Congressman Rangel.

On May 24, more than 3,000 guests will join in celebrating the educational achievements of more than 400 candidates receiving the D.D.S. degree, the A.A.S. degree in dental hygiene, the B.S. degree in dental health education, and certificates in the postgraduate dental specialties.

Founded in 1865, the NYU College of Dentistry is the largest dental education institution in the U.S. More than eight percent of the nation's dentists are trained at NYU. NYU hosts one of the five NIH-funded Centers for Health Disparity, which focuses on the increased risk for oral cancer that exists in African Americans and on developing strategies to reduce this risk. NYU is also the nation's largest provider of comprehensive, low-cost dental care. Critical health services are provided for tens of thousands of patients annually–mostly poor and minority Americans and recent immigrants. Each Year, the NYU College of Dentistry gives away more than $25 million in uncompensated care at its clinics, in addition to maintaining an extraordinary range of outreach including a dental van-Smiling Faces Going Places-which delivers health care to children living in the poorest areas of New York City and New York State.