The Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry held commencement exercises May 17 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.

In all, 77 doctor of dental surgery graduates participated in commencement, 27 dental hygiene graduates received bachelor’s degrees, 21 students received specialty certificates and nine master’s degrees in various specialties were awarded.

The Teachers of the Year carried the college’s ceremonial mace during the commencement processional and recessional. Dr. Mark Gannaway, assistant professor in restorative sciences and director of comprehensive care for the third-year program, was the dental honoree. Keri Pearson, assistant professor in HSC-BCD’s Caruth School of Dental Hygiene, was the dental hygiene honoree.

Dr. John Findley served as keynote speaker. A 1970 graduate of HSC-BCD and a trustee of the American Dental Association, Findley practices general dentistry in Plano, Texas. He is a past president of the Dallas County Dental Society and the Texas Dental Association. He received the Dallas County Dental Society’s Dentist of the YearAward in 1995 and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1996.