Dr. Christopher D.D.S.

Christopher and I will never forget the day back in August 2007 when he got the call letting him know he had been accepted into dental school.  We knew then the journey would be long and hard, but we never imagined how fun and exciting it would be also.   After 4 years of hard work, LOTS of patience (and patients!) and hundreds of hours at the dental school Christopher is officially a Dentist.  On May 13th, we celebrated this huge accomplishment with our friends and family.  It was a great day and I have never been more proud of Christopher.

Early in the morning we headed to campus, so Chris could join his classmates for the main campus ceremony.  My parents and I headed over to the Dental School's graduation tent and made sure to get good seats.

President C.L. Max Nikias speaking to the graduates.

Christopher's family waiting for the dental school ceremony to begin.

The proud graduate walking in with his classmates.  That smile is priceless to me!

Graduates who have immediate family members who are USCSD Alumni are able to choose to have that family member take part in the ceremony.  Chris' dad is a graduate of the class of 1980, so of course Chris asked Dennis to hood him.  It was a very special moment and one that I know both Chris and Dennis will cherish forever.

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Shamlian

The Shamlian Family

My parents came down to share in the excitement.  They have always been so supportive of us and it was wonderful to have them there.  Donna, is a close family friend and it was so sweet of her to be there too.

D2 (minus Gina, Yazan and Troy.) We will miss all of you so much!!! 

Uncle Robert, Aunt Zepure, Alex and Raquel.  They have been our escape from the city for the last 4 years and we are so thankful for their love and hospitality. 

Brian Steele.  The messenger that changed our lives forever. (Brian was the guy that called Chris with his acceptance.)  We have become friends with him over the years and found it rather ironic that graduation day was his last day at USC.  Thanks Brian and good luck on your new endeavors.

Back on main campus enjoying all the beautiful flowers they plant just for graduation (then dig up a few weeks later.) Oh the small things we'll always remember about USC.

After the ceremony we gathered at Maggiano's Little Italy for more celebrating.  It wouldn't be a party without decorations!!!

I promised Christopher I would make him a tooth cake when he graduated and here is the finished product.  It wasn't easy, but he LOVED it.  He was even willing the share the spot light for a moment with the two other Dr. Shamlian D.D.S.' of the family.

It is now time for us to close this chapter in our lives and pack our bags.  It's been fun USC, but now we're headed to Fresno!