A message to the class of 2022
As the new dean, I have not had the opportunity to know our graduates and many of the faculty and staff who accompanied the class of 2022 along their academic journey. But, in three short weeks here, I certainly have come to appreciate the strengths of all things VCU Dentistry. I am thrilled to be part […]
Ukraine situation
Dear SoD Community, My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine and everyone impacted by the situation in their homeland. This is an unpredictable and scary time for everyone, but especially for those with loved ones in that region. We are a family at this school, and we will support each other while ensuring […]
SoD green initiative
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations has been distributing VCU SoD water bottles throughout the week. If you have questions or feel you were left out, please contact Nan Johnson. When I became interim dean, one of the things I wanted to bring forward in the school was a “Green Initiative” to encourage everyone […]
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’ Day occurs every Feb. 14, and across the world candy, flowers, sweets and other gifts are exchanged between loved ones all in the name of St. Valentine. The origin of Saint Valentine’s Day is kind of murky. There are actually three saints that have the name Valentine and some sort of romantic, although tragic, […]
Reflections in January
For me, January is a month of reflection. As you know, my family is the most important thing in my life. My dad, Joe Robert Spatafore, passed away 13 years ago and I miss him every day. I grew up in a two-bedroom house with three sisters and one bathroom. My poor dad did not […]
Staying motivated in a time of uncertainty
Let me begin by wishing you and your families a happy and prosperous New Year. As we start 2022, we are faced with a great deal of uncertainty in our lives. If you are like me, if things are going well, I like to think of things to worry about, just in case. To name […]
Happy holidays and best wishes
Every family, every religion, every community has traditions that are special to them. My favorite family tradition is La Festa Dei Sette Pesci (The Feast of Seven Fish). It is a Southern Italian tradition, where on Christmas Eve the entire family gets together and has a meal that must include at least seven types of […]
Remembering Dr. Daniel Laskin
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Dr. Daniel Laskin, professor and chair emeritus of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at VCU School of Dentistry, on Dec. 8, 2021. Dr. Laskin is a legend here at the VCU School of Dentistry as well as in the specialty of oral and […]
Current events
VCU School of Dentistry Community, Recent and pending high-profile jury trials have elicited strong reactions here and across the country. I reflected over the weekend on the variety of emotions that members of the SoD community are experiencing. Understandably, many are asking questions about equity, the prevalence of weapons and violence in our society as […]
Reflections on Veterans Day
On this day, our great nation comes together to both honor and remember the sacrifices, service and dedication of the heroic men and women of the Armed Forces. I am truly humbled when I think back to all the sacrifices members of the military and their families have made over the years to make this […]