OKU NEWS
President’sMessage
Dear Pi Pi Chapter Members,
As we reflect on this past year, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for your commitment, energy, and support Together, we achieved something extraordinary our chapter was recognized as the National Chapter of the Year. This honor reflects not only our hard work but also our dedication to the mission of Omicron Kappa Upsilon: to promote and recognize scholarship, character, ethics, and professional development within the dental profession I would like to thank our growing number of Alumni whose generosity
continues to strengthen our chapter, support our students, and sustain OKU programs Your ongoing involvement demonstrates the lifelong impact of OKU membership I also encourage our HUCD faculty who are OKU initiates to renew their commitment and continue to serve as role models for scholarship and professionalism
As we look ahead, please remember that annual dues were due September 1st. Your contributions ensure we can maintain strong programming and opportunities for our members. Keep an eye out for this year’s upcoming initiatives and events we are excited to continue building on our momentum and impact
Thank you again for making this such a successful year With your continued engagement, I know the Pi Pi Chapter will reach even greater heights
With appreciation,
LaToya Barham
LaToya Barham, DDS, FAAPD, FICD
President, Pi Pi Chapter
Omicron Kappa Upsilon
National Dental Honor Society
Row 1: Baron Edmonson AEGD U.S. Air Force, Sulan Fung, Private Practice; Morgan Anderson, Ortho Univ of MD; Sydney Tompkins, AEGD Air Force; Gianna Muse, Ortho Howard; Back Row: Khodi Dobson AEGD, Nesredin Redi, AEGD; Timolin Heacock AEGD UPenn; Ilham Sphinger, Orth Univ of WV; Taylor Spruill, UNC Chapel Hill GPR; Henny Shelton, GPR UNLV
THE AWARD WINNING PI PI CHAPTER
Officers
Dr. LaToya Barham President
Dr. Craig Barham Vice President
PiPIChapter’s Recapof2025
The Pi Pi Chapter has launched a new wellness initiative to support members and students through the practice of yoga The Fall programTBA
Our first Research Day was a success Students engaged in research at the College of Dentistry, the greater University campus, and National Institute of Craniofacial and Dental Research Students were able to share their studies and were provided with information on continuing their involvement in research
The chapter held it’s holiday social in December, hosted by Dr William Ebbs Members collected toys and warm clothing for a family in Washington DC who were displaced during the holidays
THANK YOU to Alumni and OKU members who supported the student aid fund and sponsored student tickets for the annual banquet!!! Your commitment to our students’ success is indicative of the character in OKU members.
Dr. Briana McRae Secretary-Treasurer
Dr. Reginald Salter President-Elect
Dr. Marianne Siewe Immediate Past President
Dr. Andrea D. Jackson* Dean *Life Member
More celebrations are on the horizon for OKU- Pi become Fellows in three of the prestigious honor congratulate: Dean Andrea D Jackson- Inductee
Dr Craig Butler and Dr LaToya Barham- the Ame McIntosh- the International College of Dentists. O inductee elect for the American College of Dentis
Dr. Leo Rou
PiPiChapterAwards scholarshipstothree students
D3 students honored during the 2025 banquet were:
Mr. Jachike Ndubuisi Pi Pi Chapter’s Dr. Thomas Jeter Memorial Award
Ms. Sasha Joseph Oral Health Foundation Pierre Fauchard Award
Mr. Raheem Pierre OKU DR. Kramer Award
Dean Emeritas prestigious aw commitment t education, and advocacy He received the David B Kriser award during NYU dental commencement and Life Membership status in the National Dental Association for thirty plus years of service to the association Congratulations Dr Rouse!
Dr. Alison Glascoe Awarded HUCD Distinguished Faculty Award
Dr. Alison received the HUCD Distinguished Faculty Award conferred during the College’s annual Commencement Week and Alumni Luncheon, recognizing outstanding contributions in teaching, research, and service to the College community. She is currently Chair of the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry.
OKU: A Family Affair
OKU Banquet 2025 offered Alumni members to celebrate with their loved ones who were honored, making the 2025 banquet a Family Affair! Dr Angelique Rodgers (initiated at Meharry Medical College) is the mother of “U” Club HonoreeSydney Rodgers Dr Rodgers is an HUCD Ortho Alum Dr Tamanah Sphinger (2023 Pi Pi chapter initiate) welcomed her brother Ilham to OKU- Pi Pi chapter Dr T Sphinger’s husband- Dr Minh Nguyen is also a Pi Pi chapter initiate They met at HU and were married in November 2024 Is this our first Pi Pi + Pi Pi married couple?
Dr.StephenHardenRetires
Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Harden on his retirement from Howard University College of Dentistry after many years of dedicated service as an Associate Professor. His commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and patient care has left an enduring mark on our students, colleagues, and the profession of dentistry We celebrate his contributions and wish him the very best in this new chapter of life
Dr.ArvindNandedkarAchievesLife MembershipStatus
Dr.LaToyaBarahReceivedsNDAColgateTeachingAward
Congratulations to Dr LaToya Barham, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, on receiving the National Dental Association–Colgate Minority Faculty Award for Teaching This honor recognizes her excellence as an educator, mentor, and leader in advancing pediatric dental education
Congratulations to Dr. Arvind Nandekar on achieving Life Membership status in Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Dental Honor Society. A longtime faculty member in the College of Medicine’s Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Nandekar has contributed greatly to teaching and research while exemplifying the values of scholarship, leadership, and service to the profession. Dr.ReginaldSalterCompletes
Congratulations to Dr. Reginald Salter on graduating from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Institute. This prestigious program is designed to develop the nation’s most promising dental faculty into future leaders in dental and higher education.
We were proud to welcome Dr Jaha Howard as a commencement speaker for the College of Dentistry in May A pediatric dentist with a thriving practice in Georgia, Dr Howard has also distinguished himself through his political service with the Cobb County school board and leadership roles in local government and community advocacy. His career reflects a strong commitment to both oral health and public service.
