On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Department of Periodontics held its annual awards luncheon in W220 in the Dental Science Building. Dr. Siva Prakasam, DEO, hosted the event with awards presented to D2 and D4 students. Awards were presented by Dr. Shaoping Zhang, and Anthony (Tony) Smothers.
There was also a special presentation on the Dr. Paula Weistroffer Award for Excellence in Periodontics. The award was first given to a student in 2021 and will be presented to a current D3 student at next year's ceremony to allow for fuller evaluation of the class from fall and spring rotations.
The Perio awards and awardees are:
Dr. R. A. Greenawalt Scholarship
On June 30, 1993, The University of Iowa Foundation received a gift from the estate of Mrs. R. A. Greenawalt to establish a scholarship fund for students enrolled in the College of Dentistry with preference to be given to individuals pursuing a degree in the Department of Periodontics. Dr. Greenawalt graduated from Iowa in 1905. This award is granted to a D2 predoctoral student. The criteria for selection are based on academic achievement, clinical proficiency, research accomplishments or financial need.
The recipient of this year’s Dr. R.A. Greenawalt Scholarship, which includes a $4,000 scholarship, is Keshav Wagle.
The Dr. Paula Weistroffer Award for Excellence in Periodontics is granted to a D3 student who has demonstrated excellence in the specialty of Periodontics and comprehensive person-centered care. The criteria are based on academic achievement, clinical proficiency, and research accomplishments. The awardee receives a certificate of recognition and a $2,000 scholarship.
The winner of this award will be announced at next year’s luncheon, this is in order to give the faculty more time to evaluate the first and second rotations of the D3 class.
AAP Student Award
This plaque is given to a promising senior student who demonstrates high academic and clinical achievement in Periodontics. This award is underwritten by a generous grant from the Procter & Gamble Company. The names of the recipients appear on the AAP website.
In addition to the plaque, the Department of Periodontics will be providing a $2,000 scholarship as part of this award.
The recipient of this year’s AAP Student Award is Ben Gilles.
The Dr. Jo Rummelhart Aspiring Periodontist Award
The Dr. Jo Rummelhart Aspiring Periodontist Award was created to provide one or more annual scholarships to deserving students enrolled in the College of Dentistry at the University who demonstrate merit and are in good academic standing who have been accepted into a graduate program in periodontics anywhere in the United States.
The recipient of this year’s Dr. Jo Rummelhart Aspiring Periodontics Award and a $10,000 scholarship is Sam Allen.
