CDM Inducts 2026 Omicron Kappa Upsilon Class
The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM) Epsilon Epsilon chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), the national dental honor society, welcomed a new class of inductees during its annual induction ceremony on May 4, 2026.
Founded to recognize scholarship, leadership, and character in dentistry, OKU membership is reserved for students who distinguish themselves academically and professionally during their dental education. Faculty and honorary inductees are recognized for their contributions to the profession and advancement of dental medicine.
Dr. Jason Psillakis, associate professor of dental medicine and Secretary-Treasurer of Columbia’s OKU chapter, spoke about the history of the organization and the significance of induction into the society. Established at CDM in 1934, the Epsilon Epsilon chapter includes more than 500 alumni, faculty, and honorary members.
Dr. Sidney Eisig, President of Columbia’s OKU chapter and the George Guttmann Professor of Clinical Craniofacial Surgery, also spoke in celebration of the inductees and their accomplishments.
Inducted as this year’s honorary member was Dr. Angela V. Olinto, provost of Columbia University and the Rutherford Professor of Astronomy and Professor of Physics. During the ceremony, Olinto reflected on her own academic journey and shared words of encouragement with graduating students as they prepare to enter the next stage of their careers in dentistry.
“We know Provost Olinto as a close colleague and a steadfast supporter of CDM,” said Dr. Dennis Mitchell, dean of CDM. “She does the heavy lifting to ensure our research and teaching meet the highest levels of integrity. This is entirely consistent with the mission of OKU: to recognize those who don't just meet expectations, but set them.”
The 2026 student inductees were Neeve K. Chen, Isabel Rong Ji, Youri Jung, Leah Yunbin Kim, Christine D. Lee, Janet Seungyeon Lee, Yoniel Enrique Fermin Polanco, Eddy Raad, Varun Neelesh Rangnekar, Hadi Saker, and Matthew John Yee.
The faculty inductee, recognized for contributions to the art and science of dentistry and for professionalism and leadership, was Dr. Ezzard C. Rolle Jr., assistant professor of dental medicine at CUMC, Division of Operative Dentistry.
Established in 1914 at the Northwestern University Dental School, Omicron Kappa Upsilon honors dental professionals who demonstrate exceptional scholarship and dedication to the professionals who demonstrate exceptional scholarship and dedication to the profession.
