DDS Class of 1984 reunites after 40 years

Former students convene at a dinner table. — Members of the 1984 class took time to recount their careers and lives over the years. Photo by Sarah Flores-Lewis.

Recognizing 40 years, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed back the DDS Class of 1984 as they celebrated the ruby anniversary of their commencement.

In late September, the 1984 graduates reunited with their classmates and families at Passerella Ristorante & Wine Bar to celebrate and reflect on the years since their time as students. The reunion was hosted in collaboration with the School of Dentistry and the PACE Center as part of the Milestones Alumni Reunion initiative.

Former classmates, many of whom have not seen one another in some years, reconnected during the afternoon of camaraderie and fellowship.

For Huong Le, DDS ’84, one of the reunion organizers, said it was an emotional event for her and her classmates.

“After 40 years, I was able to see so many and heard stories from each other’s lives, families, and careers,” she said. “There was a lot of hugging, and I treasured every moment I had with our classmates at the reunion. I hope we’re able to get together again soon and more classmates will be able to attend.”

Dean John A. Valenza, DDS ’81, addressed the class in a congratulatory video message that welcomed the fellow alums back to the area where they began their dental careers.

Members of the 1984 class took time to recount their careers and lives over the years. Since graduating from The University of Texas Dental Branch (now the School of Dentistry), alumni have built careers, created success stories, and impacted their communities all across the country.

Attendees were gifted with commemorative tumblers bearing their class year as well as canvas bags featuring The University of Texas Dental Branch logo from their time in school.

The reunion was a part of Generations Weekend, a weekend dedicated to upholding the high standard of education and celebrating the tradition of dentistry with School of Dentistry students, faculty, and alumni. Along with milestone reunions, the weekend also consisted of exclusive presentations from industry leaders, the Alumni Luncheon, and the Alumni & Student Mixer.