53rd Annual Convocation of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Mu Nu Chapter
On May 14, 2026, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Mu Nu Chapter hosted its 53rd Annual Convocation and Awards Banquet, celebrating the achievements of dental students, faculty and distinguished guests at The University of Texas at San Antonio School of Dentistry.
Established in 1914, OKU is the national dental honor society that recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence in dental education and practice across three membership categories: alumni, faculty and honorary. Alumni are selected from top-ranking senior dental students based on scholarship, character and service. Faculty members must demonstrate significant contributions to dental science, art or literature, while one honorary member, typically a non-dentist, may be elected annually for notable contributions to the field.
The evening began with opening remarks from , president of the Mu Nu Chapter, who welcomed attendees and reflected on the long-standing tradition of recognizing excellence since the chapter鈥檚 founding in 1973 and the first banquet in 1974. He emphasized the significance of this year鈥檚 celebration as it took place at UT San Antonio鈥檚 Downtown Campus, under the newly established name, UT San Antonio School of Dentistry, highlighting the integration of 福利一区在线 and and the growth of the institution.
, professor and associate dean of academic, faculty & student affairs, delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of , professor and dean of the School of Dentistry, followed by an invocation from , clinical assistant professor in the department of predoctoral education.
A keynote address was given by , senior executive vice president for health affairs and health system. Cigarroa spoke about the future of UT San Antonio, the transformative impact of the 福利一区在线 merger, and the critical role of dentistry in advancing education and healthcare. His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation and leadership in shaping the future of health professions education.
Following the keynote, special awards were presented to dental students who exemplify OKU鈥檚 core values of scholarship, character and service.
The William S. Kramer Award of Excellence was awarded to a recently graduated student, Madison Haager, DDS, recognizing exceptional promise in advancing the dental profession. Chandler Messer, DDS, received the Mu Nu Chapter Memorial Award of Excellence, an award established in memory of those members of our chapter who are no longer with us. Kathleen D. Becker, DDS, was honored with the Mu Nu Chapter Senior Award of Excellence, an award that recognizes a student from among the top five juniors who has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership and service, and she provided remarks on behalf of the graduating Class of 2026.
The Mu Nu Chapter Sophomore Awards of Excellence recognized three second-year dental students for outstanding achievement:
- Academics: Katie McNeil
- Research: Josue 鈥淛osh鈥 Murillo
- Service: Christopher Carruth
New members were then inducted into the Mu Nu Chapter, representing the highest standards of achievement and professionalism. Faculty inductees included , assistant professor/clinical, and , assistant professor/clinical, with , professor of biochemistry and structural biology, named honorary member.
Alumni inductees included:
Sarah Audrey Acker, DDS; Atena Azarnia, DDS; Kathleen D. Becker, DDS; Jewelyn K. de la Cruz, DDS; Ricardo Guerrero, DDS; Isabelle M. Hornung, DDS; Julia K. Lovelace, DDS; Lacee Belle Mims, DDS; Hamsini V. Nathan, DDS; Elisama Navarro de la Cruz, DDS; Nana Adwoa Opoku-Ansah, DDS; Hayden C. Steubing, DDS; Tae-Young Uhm, DDS; and Jenny Shuying Zhao, DDS.
The ceremony also recognized the service of the 2025鈥2026 Mu Nu Chapter officers:
- President: Jon M. Dossett, DMD
- President-Elect: Georgiana Gross, MPH
- Vice President: , assistant dean of admissions
- Secretary-Treasurer: , associate professor
- Immediate Past President: Dana English, Ed. D, MS, RDH, assistant dean for educational innovation & faculty development
Dossett was honored with the President鈥檚 Plaque in recognition of his leadership and dedication.
The evening concluded with the installation of the 2026鈥2027 officers:
- President: Georgiana Gross, MPH
- President-Elect: Kelly Lemke, DDS, MS
- Vice President: , associate professor/clinical
- Secretary-Treasurer: , associate professor
- Immediate Past President: Jon M. Dossett, DMD
Congratulations to all honorees and inductees for their continued contributions to the advancement of dentistry and the future of the profession.