“You have earned your degree from this great university and proven to your professors, your families and your friends what you’re capable of,” said Carol Gomez Summerhays, DDS, to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Class of 2016. “Make us proud. But more importantly, make yourself proud.”

During her own dental school interview in the mid-1970s, Ostrow’s commencement speaker promised to make the dental school proud, she shared during her speech.

“In the back of my mind, I’ve always held myself to that promise,” said Summerhays, who is the 152nd president of the American Dental Association, the largest and oldest dental association in the world.

The ceremony marked the entry into the dental profession of 39 dental hygienists, 174 doctor of dental surgeons and 50 advanced specialty graduates. Another 17 students received master’s degrees and four earned doctor of philosophy degrees.

— John Hobbs

Graduates show their Victory signs at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC’s satellite ceremony May 13 on the University Park Campus. (Photo/Grad Images)

Carol Gomez Summerhays, DDS, president of the American Dental Association, gives the commencement address at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC’s satellite ceremony May 13 on the University Park Campus. (Photo/Grad Images)