Nexus - Spring 1999 Issue     

NYU College of Dentistry Senior Receives
Pierre Fauchard Academy Student Scholarship Award

Ghassan Atalla, Class of 1999, has received the Pierre Fauchard Academy Student Scholarship Award in recognition of leadership and accomplishment in the advancement of the dental profession during his years in dental school. The award is made annually to one student at each U.S. dental school who has demonstrated great potential to become an outstanding leader in the dental profession. Ghassan is the president of the NYU College of Dentistry Student Council, in addition to serving in a wide range of volunteer activities. The $1,550 cash prize was presented to Ghassan by NYU College of Dentistry Dean Michael C. Alfano during a holiday reception held at the College in December.

The Pierre Fauchard Academy is an international honorary organization named for the French dentist and author who is recognized as the "father of modern dentistry." In presenting the award, Dean Alfano likened Ghassan to Dr. Fauchard, calling him "a true gentleman as well as a scholar and leader."

The youngest of 16 children, Ghassan earned his bachelor's degree at the University of California in Irvine. After graduation, he plans to take a one-year general practice residency followed by post-graduate specialty training in orthodontics.