Enjoy photos from Alumni Weekend
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) welcomed alumni, friends, and students back to campus for the 2025 Fall Symposium and Alumni Weekend, sponsored by the UKCD Alumni Association, held October 17–18. The annual event brought together generations of Wildcat dentists to reconnect, celebrate achievements, and explore the latest advances shaping the dental profession.
The weekend’s activities began Friday morning with the awarding of two UKCD Alumni Association Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each. Members of the Class of 2026, Jovita Devasia and Jobeth Hopper, were recognized for their outstanding academic performance, leadership, and service to the college.
Following the scholarship presentation, attendees heard a college update from Dean Jeff Okeson (’72), who shared highlights of the past year and a vision for the future of dental education at UK. His remarks emphasized the college’s continued growth in patient care, research, and digital innovation.
The morning session also featured an alumni panel discussion with Drs. Rhonda Hogan (’99), Frank Kendrick (’90), Jacob Sword (’15), and Kala Green (’16), moderated by Class of 2026 student board representative Hallea Imel. The panelists reflected on their professional journeys and offered advice to current students preparing to enter practice. Their insights—ranging from lessons learned in private practice to the importance of mentorship—highlighted the lifelong value of the UK Dentistry network.
Rounding out the morning’s educational offerings, Dr. Rodrigo Fuentealba, UKCD Assistant Dean for Digital Dentistry, led a continuing education session on how emerging digital technologies are transforming the dental curriculum and reshaping modern practice. The program underscored the college’s commitment to integrating digital workflows and innovation into both education and patient care.
Members of the Class of 2026 were invited by the Alumni Association to participate in the morning program, fostering valuable connections between students and alumni and reinforcing the sense of community that defines UK Dentistry.
Later that afternoon, more than 100 alumni and guests gathered for Big Blue Day at the Races in Keeneland’s Phoenix Room. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of one of Kentucky’s most beloved traditions, participants enjoyed a lively afternoon of camaraderie, conversation, and celebration of their shared UK pride.
The festivities continued into the evening with a reception at historic Spindletop Hall, where more than 150 attendees came together to honor distinguished members of the UKCD community. Dr. Judson M. Knight (’67), Dr. Zindell Richardson (’83), and Dr. Pam Sparks Stein (’90) were each recognized as UKCD Distinguished Alumni of the Year, celebrating their remarkable professional accomplishments, leadership, and service to the college and the dental profession.
The event also celebrated reunion milestones for the classes of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, giving classmates the opportunity to reminisce about their time in dental school and reconnect with old friends.
On Saturday morning, Dean Okeson hosted a special 50th Anniversary Brunch honoring the Class of 1975. Alumni enjoyed a tour of the college, where they saw recent building updates and renovations that reflect UK Dentistry’s continued investment in student learning and patient care.
The weekend concluded with a spirited tailgate celebration and Homecoming game, where alumni and their families gathered to cheer on the UK Wildcats as they faced the University of Texas.
The Fall Symposium and Alumni Weekend once again served as a meaningful reminder of the strong bonds that unite the UK College of Dentistry community. Through shared learning, celebration, and connection, the event underscored the enduring legacy of UK Dentistry—and the collective commitment of its alumni to advance the profession and support future generations of Kentucky dentists.