Dean Nader Nadershahi’s tears of joy and gratitude show how special the bond is between students at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and those who surround them.

He had watched a video in which several dozen students expressed gratitude for the way administration, faculty, staff and others in the Dugoni School have helped them during the uncertainty of the pandemic. 

“To be frank, the video was so touching that it brought tears to my eyes,” Nadershahi said. 

“Dean Nadershahi was definitely surprised by the video,” said Janelle Palomares, senior advisor for Student Life and Involvement at Dugoni. “We all have been through so much with the pandemic and the students are truly grateful for the way everyone at Dugoni has helped them. Our students wanted to express their thanks.” 

Two members of the dentistry class of 2021, Lindsay Treppa and Anthoula Vlachos, coordinated the effort. 

“This is for our UOP administrators, faculty, staff, building operations, IT staff and especially Dean Nadershahi,” Treppa said in the video. 

“During this time of social distancing and isolation, you, Dean Nadershahi, have kept us as close as humanly possible,” Vlachos added. 

Nadershahi said the impact of the video is lasting. 

“The video made by our students is a tribute to all of our incredible associate and assistant deans, managers and directors, chairs and group practice leaders, faculty and staff team members,” Nadershahi said. “Their dedication, generosity and hard work will help us succeed with new opportunities to excel as a dental school family.

“We will support one another through, and eventually emerge from, this pandemic. Thank you to our students for your kindness and touching our hearts during this challenging time.”