The 2006–2007 academic year promises to be a great one for the NYU College of Dentistry Alumni Association, which this year will focus on meeting the needs of recent graduates. Perhaps our theme for the year should be, “Grow with the Alumni Association of NYUCD, ‘the best is yet to be.’” (Apologies to Robert Browning.)

Three years ago, then-President Walter Silverstein launched two events designed to introduce the NYUCD Alumni Association to the student body: the Residency Fair and the Senior Boat Cruise.

The Residency Fair gives second-, third- and fourth-year students the opportunity to interact with representatives from various programs and hospitals in an effort to facilitate educated decisions regarding their postgraduate plans. Several graduates have been placed in Residency programs as a result. The Senior Boat Cruise celebrates the seniors as they approach graduation and provides an opportunity to welcome them into the dental profession. Both events have been wildly successful, and have been repeated each year since Walter’s presidency. This year, the NYUCD Alumni Association will extend its scope beyond the predoctoral experience, and into postgraduate life.

Graduating students often remark that they would benefit from continued access to Practice Management lectures. Accordingly, in October the Alumni Association sponsored an event entitled “Life After Dental School: Ten Years Out.” Dr. Eric S. Studley, ’85, presented a brief lecture, followed by a reception and a forum for recent alumni to chat with experts in fields related to issues of interest to the new dentist. As a follow-up, on May 31, 2007, we will host a Young Alumni Night, which will enable recent alumni to network and socialize with one another.

The NYUCD Alumni Association can and should serve as a dynamic organization responding to the needs and desires of our graduates. We have learned that our alumni need and want not only a growing association, but also the opportunity to meet regularly with colleagues and engage in activities that support and enhance their professional growth. We intend to meet that need.