By Alison Cooley
Dean Marnie Oakley (A&S ’89, DEN ’92) recently recognized two alumni and two students during the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine’s Distinguished Alumni Reception.
Jeffrey Slone (A&S ’64, DEN ’66) and John Buzzatto (ENGR ’73; DEN ’78, ’81) were named 2025 Distinguished Alumni of the Year.
Pictured above, left to right: John Buzzatto, Dean Marnie Oakley and Jeffrey Slone / Photo by Joe Appel
Slone, a member of the Pitt Dental Medicine Board of Visitors and proud Pittsburgher, chose to follow in his father’s footsteps by attending Pitt Dental Medicine. When his father, Bernard Jack Slone (DEN ’37), unexpectedly passed away, he thought he might have to drop out of dental school. Through the generosity of a Pitt Dental Medicine fund, Slone received the financial support he needed.
“I am truly grateful for Pitt Dental Medicine,” Slone said. “The financial support I received provided me with a life-changing opportunity, and the school’s exceptional education prepared me for my career.” Slone later created the Jeffrey A. Slone Scholarship Fund to give back to Pitt Dental Medicine.
Buzzatto attended Pitt Dental Medicine after earning an undergraduate degree from Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering and competing on the wrestling team. He has made many contributions to the field of dental medicine, including serving as president of the American Association of Orthodontists. He returned to Pitt Dental Medicine in 2013 as a faculty member in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics where he continues to mentor future orthodontists.
“I told residents I have a dream,” Buzzatto said. “It may be 10, 20, 30 or 40 years from now when you reflect on the people that made a difference in your careers, and I hope I’m one of them.”
Dean’s Scholars Recognized
The Dean’s Scholarship is a merit scholarship that assists Pitt Dental Medicine predoctoral students by providing them with tuition support. Thousands of students have applied for the scholarship, but only 49 students have received it since its founding in 2001.
This year’s Dean’s Scholarship recipients are Sebastian Afshar and Riddhi Patel, Class of 2029.
Cassia Clayton, Class of 2026, said the Dean’s Scholarship is a vote of confidence. “It showed me that if I’m excellent enough to receive this scholarship, then I’m worthy of going into patient care,” she said. Nathaniel Semanek, Class of 2027, agreed: “It says to me, ‘We believe in you,’ and it’s been life changing for me.”
Sonia Chemerisov, Class of 2025, who is far away from her home in the Dominican Republic, said, “The scholarship allowed me to focus on my career without limitations. Instead of focusing on debt, I have been able to focus on what matters—patient care and community support.”
The Dean’s Scholarship provides alumni the opportunity to give back to their alma mater, and the Distinguished Alumni Reception allows donors to meet scholarship recipients.
Dean Oakley expressed her gratitude to school supporters. “The secret sauce of Pitt Dental Medicine is truly our people: alumni, students, faculty and staff members.”
Pitt Dental Medicine alumni Paul Moore (A&S ’69; DEN ’73, ’77; SPH ’99G) and Bob Weyant (A&S ’76; SPH ’78G; DEN ’82) also attended the event because they believe strongly in the importance of scholarships. Professor Emeritus Moore taught pharmacology, dental anesthesiology and dental public health at Pitt Dental Medicine. Weyant is associate dean of dental public health and community outreach, professor and chair of the Department of Dental Public Health and interim associate dean for faculty affairs. In their time earning degrees and serving as faculty at Pitt Dental Medicine, they have seen firsthand how scholarships strengthen the school and support students.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can support scholarships and give back to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, please contact Brooke Capolupo or give online.