Dr. Sam Borden, a respected Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry academic, passed away on Sept. 23, 2024.
Dr. Borden earned his doctor of dental medicine at the University of Toronto and continued his training in Chicago. In 1964, he joined the UM dental school, where he served in various positions – head of periodontics and graduate periodontics, Stomatology Chair (now DDSS), and eventually acting dean of the faculty.
Dr. Borden was an engaged academic and received many teaching awards, including the Dr. and Mrs. Hugh H. Saunderson teaching award, which recognized him as an outstanding teacher from the University of Manitoba. He was passionate about dental education and was an integral part of the faculty that supported the college for many years.
In 2017, in recognition of all his accomplishments, funds were raised in his honour to name the graduate periodontal clinic the Dr. Sam Borden Periodontology Clinic. It is a testament to the esteem that colleagues held for him that a successful fundraising campaign allowed the complete renovation of this clinic at the college.
“Dr. Borden was my teacher and later acting dean during my student days at the college,” said Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. “He was kind, personable and always encouraging. I was delighted to present to him, in my position as program director of periodontics, the newly installed sign in the Graduate Periodontal Clinic. He will be missed.”