Alumni Spotlights:
2020 Reunions
IN CELEBRATION OF CLASS REUNIONS TAKING PLACE IN 2020, we asked several members of our celebrating classes to reminisce about their dental school days, offer advice to current students or catch us up on where life has taken them. See what they have to say below:
Quick Links
Class of 1970
David Eggleston DDS ’70, PROS ’72
Who at USC Dentistry made a difference in your life and how?
The giants in USC prosthodontics made all the difference in my life. Dan Gordon, Alex Koper, Bernie Levin and Max Sosin gave me the best prosthodontic education opportunity of any school in the country. Bernie Levin caught me at my graduation and convinced me to attend the grad pros program. He also arranged for me to work one-on-one with the loveable genius, Max Sosin, on a difficult denture patient, start to finish. Alex Koper accepted me into the grad pros program and mentored me for two years. Dan Gordon offered me an associate position in his private dental practice in Orange County. I was able to practice with Dan for 10 years until his untimely passing in 1984. The only way I can ever repay them is to pay it forward and support the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC.
What’s your best memory from the USC School of Dentistry?
My best memory was treating a 12 -year-old patient who was handicapped with ectodermal dysplasia, partial anodontia, blindness and syndactyly. Restoration of the maxillary and mandibular dentition allowed her parents to see her truly smile for the very first time.
Class of 1980
Marlene Godoy DDS ’80
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
Being a private person, not one to talk about myself, I will briefly share aspects of my life after USC, which has had its many challenges, opportunities and adventures. I truly enjoyed a successful solo private practice with a great staff and wonderful patients. I experienced a variety of opportunities outside of practice, serving on various committees in my local dental society and the board of directors of our Dental Health Foundation. Served as a consultant to dental insurance companies and the California Dental Board. Served as a course director and clinical assistant professor at USC. Provided pro bono dentistry for the Assistance League and Children’s Clinic in Orange County. Served on the advisory committee for the building of Hoag Hospital Irvine. V.P. for eight years on the board of directors for the UC Irvine Alumni Association. Serving on various committees at UCI, my undergraduate alma mater. Honored by UCIAA twice with Lauds & Laurels Awards in 1980 for community service and 2017 as the Distinguished Alumna. Had the privilege and honor to be Mace Marshal twice at UCI Commencements and 2008 Commencement Speaker for UCI BioSci. Am a UCI Legacy Society Member having endowed awards and funds to honor UCI undergraduates. Traveled extensively. Played amateur tournament tennis for 20 years. Golfed extensively both here and Scotland, Ireland, and golf heaven the Old Course at St. Andrew’s. Survived several life-threatening illnesses and the life challenges that so many of my classmates and friends have experienced. Been blessed with wonderful friends and family. Happy to greet each new day!
What about your USC dental education made the biggest impact on your career?
The four years of being a USC Dental Mobile Clinic staff member made the greatest impact on my career. Without the clinical, organizational and leadership skills acquired during my dedicated involvement, solo private practice would have been difficult and daunting! Mobile Clinic gave me the confidence to deal with anything that came my way both at USC and beyond. And it gave me several treasured lifelong friends, the ability to serve the children of many small farming communities in the Central Valley.
Who at USC Dentistry made a difference in your life and how?
There are several individuals that made a difference in my life while and after USC. Many of the staff were kind and supportive, making many a dreadful day bearable. On faculty, my “dental dads” were Drs. Charlie Goldstein and Clifton O. Dummett. They were great mentors while at USC and dear friends until their passing. They are greatly treasured and missed. Drs. Donald Curnette, Robert Ziehm and Norman Bitter were also great mentors. Dr. Sandra Bolivar, former dean of admissions, is a mentor, cheerleader and treasured friend to this day. Respecting their privacy, several close lifelong friends will go unnamed (you know who you are) and still share the same PTSD experience of our years at USC, only now we can laugh about it! Thank goodness we are all still crazy after all these years!
William Jungman DDS ’80
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
Immediately after graduation, I moved back to San Diego County, settling in Escondido. In 1981, I married Julie Kangas DDS ’81, and we staggered our days in the office I opened (we worked elsewhere as well). In 1985, we moved our practice to a retail location, naming it Citracado Dental, and in 1996, we moved into our own free standing office building.
We have four sons (1986 to 1995). Our oldest, Robert (married with a baby girl) attended UCLA (2012), did a GPR and joined our practice as a partner. Brian (married May 2020) is an electrical engineer, Nicolaus attended USC (go Trojans-class of 2018), did a GPR and joined our practice while he also works elsewhere, and David is a computer programmer.
We have traveled extensively since our honeymoon. We have had yearly family vacations (mostly camping in our trailer) and have explored the western half of the U.S. and Canada, with a family finale by driving to Alaska. We have traveled with our families and friends (Europe and cruises), as well as I have had a number of hunting and fishing trips and volunteered on four lengthy dental mission trips (USNS Mercy 2x, Honduras and India).
I never imagined the opportunities and adventures I have experienced after attending a Cub Scout recruitment meeting with Robert on my 41st birthday. I have camped, hiked, canoed and led Cub and Boy Scouts, as well as others — and along the way — spent a lot of time with my four Eagle Scout sons. I have also attended two national Jamborees and a World Scout Jamboree last year. Serving on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Imperial Council of Boy Scouts as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego is very rewarding.
These 40 years have been absolutely spectacular.
Class of 1985
Darren Chu DDS ’85
What advice would you give to dental students today that you wish you’d known?
I decided I wanted to be a dentist when I was 14 years old, and that is when my journey began. Dentistry has afforded me a rewarding and comfortable lifestyle. And now, after 35 years, I am happy to be a part of this profession. I plan to be in private practice for many more years to come. Dentistry continues to be satisfying, challenging rewarding and, now, more fun than ever. I say this because I have set up my dental practice and career on my own terms, in a way that is desirable and satisfying for me. Advice I would give to a USC dental student is to reach deep within yourself and determine what would be your ideal way to practice dentistry and what you want out of your career. Steer your dental journey towards that way. Don’t give up when times get tough, and they will! I encourage you to seek mentorship and continuing education to keep yourself on track. In this way, you will find satisfaction in your profession and create a long satisfying career.
Sandy Chu DH ’85
Catch your classmates up on your after USC Dentistry.
Life after USC Dental School has been full and we are grateful for the opportunities that our education has bestowed upon us. Darren and I met in our senior year, and here we are 35 years later, still practicing in dentistry and loving it.
We are proud parents of two USC Marshall School graduates … no, they were not interested in dentistry at all.
When we are not working we enjoy giving back to our community and to USC. Darren has been involved with the Rotary Club of Anaheim Hills for the last 30 years. Together, and separately, we have served on 10 USC Boards and committees. We are currently members of the Associates and Friends of Dentistry. The friendships made in these two organizations, as well as the boards and committees we have served on, are lifelong and worldwide.
We also enjoy USC football as a family. Traveling to home and away games from Orange County fills our Fall weekends. It was especially fun for us to watch our daughter represent USC as a Song Girl. We truly are a proud Trojan Family.
Class of 1990
Marina Jimenez DH ’90, MHA ’09
What about your USC dental education made the biggest impact on your career?
My USC dental education has, simply stated, instilled in me to lead by USC example with integrity, honesty, professionalism and pride.
I truly believe that doing the right thing professionally and personally, standing with pride on the shoulders of USC foundations, rarely disappoint. As a result of my exceptional experience and education in the rigorous USC dental hygiene program, I was given the tools to grow into a profession and career that I absolutely love!
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
After graduation, I enjoyed working in private practice for several years, married my husband Eric, had three amazing sons, Adrian (23 y, USC 2019) Brandon (22y, USD 2020), Marco (18 y,USD 2024) and for the past 23 years, have made Studio City, CA our home.
I practiced as a dental hygienist in private practice from 1990-2004. In 2004, I set aside my clinical work and transitioned into an administrative role at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, and leaning on my education and clinical experience, built a Quality Assurance program at the School.
Always welcoming a good challenge and a thirst to further develop my administration skills, I received my Masters in Health Administration from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy in 2009. Shortly afterwards, along with overseeing the Quality Assurance program, I was appointed as the Director of Patient Relations.
Fast forward to today, I have been the Sr. Clinical Administrator at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Dental Faculty Practice since 2015, overseeing the operations of a multi-disciplinary practice currently made up of 17 esteemed faculty dental providers, 8 hygienists and support staff.
Eric and I have recently joined the Friends of Dentistry, established the Jimenez Family Scholarship fund and are excited to share it with deserving dental students-giving back to an institution who has gifted me so much in so many ways. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling near and far, exploring new cuisine, the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. I love USC football, traveling to away games (ND is my fave!) and last but not least, the Trojan Marching Band (the best band in the Universe)!
Kamran Saidara DDS ’90
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
After graduating fro USC Dentistry and a couple of stints as an associate dentist, I proceeded to establish a multi- specialty dental practice in Lancaster, Calif., with the goal of providing complete dental care for the whole family under one roof. I’ve been volunteering as an adjunct faculty at the USC Dentistry Department of Restorative Sciences since 2012. My son, Gideon, is currently a freshman at Ostrow.
What’s your best memory from USC dental school?
My best memory from USC dental school is the lifelong friendships that I made while in school and have maintained since graduation.
What advice would you give to USC dentistry students today that you wish you had known?
The curriculum at USC Dentistry is rigorous and challenging. Nevertheless, enjoy every moment of every day while at school. You are getting top dental education in one the best dental education institutions in the world, learn as much knowledge and pick up as much hands on experience as you can while in school.
Class of 1995
Arleen Azar-Mehr DDS ’95
Catch your classmates up with your life after USC Dentistry.
After I graduated from dental school, I attended USC’s postgraduate orthodontic residency. I graduated from my residency in 1998. During my residency, I met my husband who is also an orthodontist (University of Connecticut 1993), and we were married in 1997. We have two girls, ages 19 years old and 17 years old. After my graduation from USC grad ortho, I bought an existing orthodontic practice in Granada Hills, Calif. In 2001, I moved my practice to Northridge, Calif. and I have been practicing there for the past 19 years.
What about your USC dental education made the most impact on your career?
I think the most important lesson I learned at USC Dental School that affects every aspect of my life and especially my career, is to learn how to be organized and efficient. Dental school requires you to master didactic studies, lab work and clinical skills in a very short period of time. Many times, I felt like there weren’t enough hours in a day to be able to get everything done. It was in dental school where I learned how to manage my time efficiently in order to excel. I feel that this skill has helped me balance a busy family life and manage a successful private practice.
Who at USC dentistry made a difference in your life and how?
It is difficult to choose one person who made the most difference in my life at USC, but I feel that Dr. Richard Kahn was a pillar in laying the foundation for my dental carrier. Dr. Kahn was an incredibly dedicated teacher. His clinical skills were the golden standard of clinical excellence. His moral compass inspired me to have the high ideals of what a doctor should strive to be, and his dedication to the school and the students were second to none. He taught me to take pride in the level of work that I do. Many times when I am faced with a difficult situation at work, I think about what I imagine Dr. Kahn would do in a similar situation, and that gives me the peace of mind to know that I have done my best.
What’s your best memory of the USC School of Dentistry?
I think my best memory of dental school was the day I graduated. I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment. I remember feeling that my classmates and I shared a deep bond that no one else could possibly understand because only we, as the class of 1995, had gone through this grueling process together, shared life events with each other and came out of it together. We went in as eager students and came out as doctors. That day is one of the high points of my dental career.
What advice would you give to USC dentistry students that you wish you had known?
I think the best advice I can give current dental students now is that they should embrace the difficult moments that they will inevitably encounter in dental school, because these moments will help you become a better doctor when you are out of school. I remember dreading making a mistake or having a situation not go smoothly. I now realize that I learned much more from those “disaster moments” and how to rectify the situation than I did from the cases that went smoothly and as expected. Dentistry is not a mathematical equation, there are many variables that we cannot always control; learning how to anticipate and manage those unexpected variables in dental school can reap unmeasurable rewards later when you are on your own in private practice.
Class of 2000
Chethan Chetty DDS ’00
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
After graduation, I got married to my beautiful wife, Avani, and now have two boys, Ishaan, 19 years old; and Rushil, 17 years old; and one daughter Diya, 11 years old. I joined the family practice with my dad, with whom I continue to practice. My dad and other mentors have instilled in me a strong sense to be involved in organized dentistry. Through this, I continue to serve on the board for the USC Century Club Alumni Association. I had the honor of serving as president of the CCAA in 2015-2016. I am also very involved with the Academy of General Dentistry. I served as president of the California Academy of General Dentistry and am currently the national chair for membership. My involvement in organized dentistry has been a huge part of my growth as a dentist, leader and parent.
What’s your best memory from the USC School of Dentistry?
Wow, so many memories! A day doesn’t go by where I am reminded about dental school. I think the collective memories of late nights in the labs during second year. Lots of laughs and tears. Something about sharing that experience, bonds you for life. I am still close to many of dental school classmates. And still chat regularly. They continue to be my safety net and trusted source for advice.
Justin Do DDS ’00
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
—Private practice in Huntington Beach, California.
—Returning to USC part-time in 2002 to help out with night clinic sessions.
—Traveling the world: Immersed heavily in humanitarian dental care locally (Central and Southern California
counties) and internationally (Colombia, Jamaica, the Philippines and Mexico). Throughout this travel, it has
brought me great contentment to have met new people, learned about different cultures, and enjoyed incredible food!!! Most importantly, I was given the opportunity to carry out my passion for helping others and making a difference
in their lives.
What about your USC dental education made the biggest impact on your career?
Excellent and dedicated faculty in the best of their fields to pass on their experience and guidance. Clinical expectation of excellence and relentless attention to details. Continual strong network of alumni support during and after dental school.
Who at USC Dentistry made a different in your life and how?
Dr. G. Donald Montgomery DDS ’25, mentor during my pre-dental years in Laguna Hills, Calif., where I worked part-time as the Rossmoor Tower’s recreational activities aide during high school years and throughout college. His love for dentistry, compassion and giving back to USC had cemented my vision forward. Dr. Carl E. Rieder DDS ’59, guidance during last two years of USC dentistry. Continuous mentoring of life beyond dentistry: leadership, life-long learning, camaraderie and foodies.
What are your best memories from the USC School of Dentistry?
—USC Trojan band practice before UCLA games.
—Investing cast gold late at night, casting them on third floor with Dr. Kahn early next day before class.
—Having lunches with Sandi Bolivar.
What advice would you give to USC dentistry students today that you wish you had known?
—Volunteer in private practice during your off-time to learn front-office’s business side of dental practice and mentor’s mode of operation in real practical world of dentistry.
—Assist upper or same classmates in clinic as early as you can. One can learn a lot and gains much confidence and knowledge along the way. Be active and ask supervising faculty relevant questions behind different treatment planning options and why.
Saro Setian DDS ’00
What about your USC dental education made the biggest impact on your career?
When I had the fortune of being accepted to USC dental school, I knew I would be getting an education from the premier dental school in the country. What I didn’t know is how many doors it would open for me when I graduated. As soon as a patient or another doctor heard that I went to USC, the expectation of knowledge and top-notch clinical expertise was understood. Being trained by the best faculty in the world prepared me above and beyond for all the challenges I would face in the real world. All the USC clinical professors and instructors played a significant role in shaping me into the dental professional I am today.
What’s your best memory from USC dental school?
Easily my best memory from USC dental school is all the friends I made. Without a doubt, the camaraderie and the bond we shared during those four years was second to none. During the struggles and hard times in the first couple years of lab and then transitioning to the clinical floor would have been unbearable had it not been for the shared experiences I had with my classmates. To this day, 20 years later, we still joke and laugh about those days in dental school, as we look back and reminisce. I’m very fortunate to say that some of my best friends today were my classmates during my time in dental school.
What advice would you give to dentistry students today that you wish you had known?
One piece advice I would give to dental students is to never stop learning. Four years of dental school is certainly not going to be enough to learn all there is about dentistry. Try to learn as much as you can while you are in dental school, but understand that you’re only at the very beginning of a long journey. There is so much more to learn once you graduate. Having an attitude of knowing-it-all will not make you highly successful. Another piece of advice I would give would be to join a professional organization. Whether it be about implants, orthodontics or organized dentistry, find a field that interests you. The networking, support and knowledge you’ll receive is invaluable and irreplaceable. Never stop your pursuit to learn as much as you can in the field of dentistry.
Class of 2010
Pearl Caligiuri DDS ’10
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
After graduation, I worked at the community clinic where I had externed during my senior year of dental school. I moved to Los Angeles after marrying my fellow 2010 classmate, Matthew Caligiuri. I served as adjunct faculty at USC and left to work at a community clinic in the San Fernando Valley, where I have been for almost 8 years. Matt and I have a happy and active little boy and are enjoying parenthood.
What about your USC dental education made the biggest impact on your career?
USC has a strong connection with its surrounding communities, and the dental school has a plethora of outreach programs which are a testament to such dedication to service. I became involved early on with AYUDA and continued exploring community health care as an extern in my senior year. These experiences shaped the type of dentist I wanted to be and solidified my passion for serving the underserved. In 2010, it was difficult finding work, but I was lucky enough to be hired by the clinic in San Diego where I externed. It was a perfect transition from school to real life and my boss (and former teacher) served as a great mentor. Then, when I had to move to LA, this opportunity gave me the experience I needed to land my current position. I’ve been at my community clinic for 8 years and love going to work everyday.
What advice would you give to USC dentistry students today that you wish you had known?
My advice to current students is to step out of your comfort zone while in school. This is the time to hone your skills and try procedures you may feel less confident about because you have the support and supervision of world class faculty. As a new grad, the greater your breadth of skills, the more desirable you are as an associate and the more confident you will be as a practitioner.
Camille Nishikawa DDS ’10
Daryn Nishikawa DDS ’10
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
We can’t believe it has been 10 years since our dental school graduation. We have been really fortunate to have stayed in the Los Angeles area with our families, and to also have been able to keep in touch with some amazing friends that we made while we were at the dental school. After dental school, Daryn completed a GPR at UCLA and began as an associate with various offices. He spent some time developing and working as the on-site dentist at SpaceX, before establishing his own practice near our home in the South Bay. He serves as the southern chapter liaison for the Western Los Angeles Dental Society, and is involved in sports dentistry through the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and as a team dentist for the Los Angeles Football Club (MLS). After dental school, Camille received her pediatric certificate in Ohio and returned to work part time in private practice near home. She also works at Ostrow as the section chair of the pediatric community programs and the clinic director for the QueensCare Mobile Dental program. Daryn and Camille live in Torrance, California now, and have a 2 year old son (Broderick) to go along with their “four-legged” one (Harvey). They still look forward to yearly Thanksgiving gatherings and family trips with their dental school friends/classmates.
What about your USC dental education made the biggest impact on your career?
The accessibility to so many different programs while in dental school made a huge impact on our career. Camille found her interest in pediatrics and community dentistry, and Daryn was able to pursue his interest in special care dentistry and served on the IV sedation team. They often joke that although they were in the same class they had very different schedules and interests that they were able to pursue.
Who at USC Dentistry made a difference in your life and how?
Camille’s answer is easy. For all those who decided to pursue pediatric dentistry coming out of USC dental school almost all will answer that they were mentored and supported by the duo of Dr. Gardner Beale and Dr. Julie Jenks. To this day Camille is grateful to them for their support of her path in pediatrics and their continued guidance in her teaching career.
For Daryn, the question is not “who,” but “how many have made a difference in his life?” Truthfully, the entire experience at the USC School of Dentistry has shaped much of who he is and what he has accomplished thus far in his career and life. He knows that what he does goes further than just himself and his family. It is a representation of every Colleague, Director, Faculty/Professor, Administrator and even Staff member that he came in contact with has greatly impacted his life. Whether it being “challenged” or being “supported,” he is thankful for every individual along his journey. Most importantly, his wife, who continues to be a huge driving force for everything he does in life and professionally. From the day they met in Dental School, she has never let him waiver and is his biggest supporter no matter what. Daryn is also lucky to have had legacy before him to go through the Dental and Hygiene Schools at USC to help pave the way early on too.
What’s your best memory from USC dental school?
Ironically in discussion, the most significant days for us were the days we got into dental school and the day we graduated. They stand out to us as the clearest and most memorable days. Both coming from USC Dental families we understood the significance of our journey the moment we received our acceptances, but most special was the feeling of being hooded by those same family members who supported us throughout our journey the day we graduated.
Class of 2020
Aimi Nguyen DDS ’20
Catch your classmates up on your life after USC Dentistry.
Life after school has been a surprise in all the best ways. I joined the Air Force because I’ve always loved the idea of an adventure, and the chance to care for patients while exploring new places held massive appeal for me. Little did I know that my first assignment would be in Biloxi, Miss. Moving from Calif., to Miss., was not exactly what I had in mind when I initially signed up, and the military’s love of early mornings definitely took some time to become accustomed to, but I am currently in the middle of an AEGD-1 program and am incredibly grateful for my faculty, co-residents, and all the educational opportunities here. The Air Force AEGD offers residents training in areas not often taught in dental schools, such as IV moderate sedation and periodontal surgery.
What’s your best memory from USC dental school?
Too many come to mind, but in this particular moment I recall eating tacos after a long day of pa-tient care while surrounded by friends, both old and new. I was on a mission trip in Ensenada, Mexico, and that day I delivered dentures for an elderly gentleman who had been fully edentulous for several years. In the midst of the stress and chaotic logistical haze of patient management and completing clinical requirements, I sometimes lost sight of the reason I chose this profession in the first place. This trip helped me fluff the dust off and see with clarity again my younger self, fresh out of college, who was grateful simply to be in dental school and holding a handpiece, and so ex-cited at the prospect that one day I would be able to treat patients.
What advice would you give to USC dentistry students today that you wish you had known?
Sometimes the days in clinic and nights in lab seemed excruciatingly long, but the four years of dental school were some of the shortest ones of my life. In retrospect, the luxury of time was always an illusion, and I wish I had made mission trips and community outreach more of a priority. So, if there’s something that you think would make for a more expansive and memorable dental school experience, but you’re not sure if it’s worth the hassle, whether it’s going on mission trips, attending conferences, cultivating relationships with mentors, etc. imagine that you are already a fourth year about to graduate and ask that future version of you if they have any regrets about not pursuing that curiosity. Often times the most worthwhile things are also worth the hassle.
Andrea Taguinod DDS ’20
Catch your classmates up on your life after Ostrow.
As my final year of dental school at USC came to an end, I was eager to begin a new chapter! After graduating, I began pediatric dental residency at USC. I am learning so much about the growth and oral development of children. I am so grateful to be learning from some of the best educators and clinicians in the field. I am thrilled to be serving the pediatric population alongside my co-residents.
What about your USC dental education made the biggest impact on your career?
All the off-campus rotations and volunteer opportunities that we were given have easily made the biggest impact on my career. Until I experienced delivering dental care to the migrant community during mobile clinic or spending weekends giving dental care to underserved children and their families, I had not realized how passionate I was about pediatric dentistry. Unique experiences like this that were sprinkled throughout my four years at USC changed the trajectory of my career.
Who at USC dentistry made a difference in your life and how?
A group of people that made a difference in my life was my group practice. Dental school is full of many hard days, weeks, and months even, but I was so fortunate to be randomly placed with a group of people that worked so well together. These people made chaotic days more manageable and good days, even better. The diversity in backgrounds and beliefs of our group was special because it created opportunities for intentional and meaningful conversation, new perspectives, and a greater respect for each other. I am forever thankful for the lifelong friends that USC dentistry gave me.