OKU Honors New Inductees at Banquet

The Augusta University chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) welcomed 11 new student members and two lifetime members from The DCG at its 2024 initiation banquet on April 26 at the Augusta Country Club.

Dr. Maurice W. Lewis, Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and OKU president, welcomed everyone to the event, offered an invocation and presented the new initiates with their OKU stole. Dr. Kevin Frazier, DCG Vice Dean and OKU secretary-treasurer, presented the achievement awards.

Each year, OKU identifies members from the top 20 percent of the senior class. From this group, in recognition of academic and professional excellence and outstanding character, the chapter elects a number constituting not more than 12 percent of the entire class into membership. This year, inducted dental students included Dionne E. O. Aikhionbare, Pari Bhat, William H. Cao, Braden W. Clinebell, John M. Corbett, Roslyn Joseph, Elizabeth A. Keller, Christina C. Sun, Michelle L. Tang, Cathy V. Tran and Tigerwin Z. Yang, all Class of 2024.

Dr. Kim Capehart, Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Advanced Education, was also inducted into OKU, based upon his significant contributions to the art and science of dentistry.

Christopher D. Hollingsworth, DCG Class of 2025, was presented with the Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence to recognize junior dental student who has demonstrated scholarship, character and the potential promise for advancement of dentistry and service to humanity.

Finally, Dr. Gretchen B. Caughman (DCG, 1981) retired AU Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, and Dr. Phillip H. Durden (DMD, 1989), were inducted as lifetime members in recognition of their 30 years of active membership.

Omicron Kappa Upsilon is a national honorary society serving the field of dentistry. Congratulations to the new initiates!