The Dugoni School’s Alumni Association returned to the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel January 31–February 1 for its 126th Annual Meeting.

Under the direction of Alumni President Amanda Rae Kronquist '15, Annual Meeting Committee Chair Claire Tyler ’03 and Program Chair Dr. Elizabeth Fleming ’84, the event provided extensive continuing education opportunities for dentists, hygienists and support staff. Alumni Association members Brian J. Baliwas ’14, Ivan R. Chicchon ’13, Brian C. Harris ’05, Adam M. Miller ’16 and Lauren Yasuda Rainey ’11 were among the experts who presented on a range of topics from dental products to restorations, composites and AI. The podcast Authentic Dentist set up shop, interviewing several alumni for segments which will be released in the near future. The event also featured the 39th Annual Frederick T. West Orthodontic Lectureship on Friday and the 2nd Annual Alan H. Gluskin Endodontic Symposium on Saturday.

More than 1,000 attendees from across the Bay Area, California and the United States mingled, celebrated milestones and discussed advances in dentistry. The meeting also fostered connections between current students and established practitioners in activities such as the networking event hosted by the student-run Dugoni Business Club.

A vendor exhibit hall was filled with representatives of dental companies and organizations, along with student club leaders from DDS, IDS and Dental Hygiene programs. Sponsors including Bien Air, Nobel Biocare and TruAbutment were on hand to showcase their products and services in the exhibit hall. 

Dean Nader A. Nadershahi ’94 was honored as the recipient of Dugoni School’s 2025 Alumni Weekend dedication, celebrating his decade of leadership as dean.

“Having the 126th Annual Alumni Meeting dedicated in my honor is truly a highlight for me in my career,” remarked Dr. Nadershahi. “As I reflect on my 30-plus years at our school family, I am humbled and proud of what we have achieved together… I am inspired by the countless stories, motivation and dedication of our students, residents, staff, faculty, graduates and supporters.”

Dean Nadershahi and Alumni Association President Kronquist presented Ann Marie Silvestri ’75 the Medallion of Distinction Award — the Dugoni School of Dentistry’s highest honor, recognizing recipients for extraordinary efforts that benefit the dental school, the profession of oral health care and/or society at large. Dr. Silvestri served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for 11 years, including a term as president in 2002-2003. This year was her 50th class reunion; she graduated in 1975 from the first class of Dugoni School’s accelerated three-year program. Her class was notable for having only three female students.

At Friday’s recognition program, Dr. Kronquist “passed the baton” to Dr. Wesley E. Wong ’98. The new president of the Alumni Association, Dr. Wong practices dentistry in his private practice in Modesto, CA, and is an active member of the Stanislaus Dental Society.

“I am excited to work with you all to create a dynamic and inclusive Dugoni family that celebrates our shared experiences, supports our professional growth and gives back to the Dugoni School that has given us so much,” said Dr. Wong. “Together we can make a lasting impact on the future of dentistry and the lives of countless patients.”

The Brucia Society held a reception on Saturday evening. Around 100 people attended the event, which honors those who have given to the Dugoni School for 10 consecutive years and have reached a lifetime giving total of $50,000 or more. 

Finally, Saturday’s Dugoni School Gala — themed “Anchored in Excellence” — featured reunion dinners and a group event held at The Ritz Carlton for class years ending in 0 and 5.

Reflecting on the weekend, Dr. Kronquist commented, “An individual came up to me who has never previously been to any of our alumni events, and said, ‘You know, you can talk to your colleagues, your classmates, your friends online; you text on the phone, but it’s not the same; this has been awesome!’ It’s so true. We are a unique culture, we’re special, that’s why it’s been going on for so long, and nothing’s going to take that away from us.”

The 127th Alumni Association Annual meeting has already been confirmed, and will be returning to the San Francisco Fairmont on Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, 2026.