DEAH DAY brings dental school community together
For the 10th year, Adams School of Dentistry faculty, staff and students served others to honor those tragically killed in 2015.
Faculty, staff and students at UNC Adams School of Dentistry came together Oct. 2 for an annual day of service honoring the lives of Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha and Razan Abu-Salha, who were killed in 2015.
At the time of their deaths, Barakat was a second-year student in the dental school and Yusor, his wife, was planning to enter the dental school that fall. Her sister, Razan, was a student at NC State University. The letters of DEAH DAY stand for “Directing Efforts And Honoring Deah And Yusor.”
“DEAH DAY is a special day here at ASOD. It’s such a wonderful way for us to embrace the spirit of service and truly honor the lives of Deah, Yusor and Razan we lost to tragedy. I’m so proud of our students, faculty and staff for choosing to give back to our community and make a difference,” said Dr. Janet Guthmiller, dental school dean.
Because acts of service were important to Barakat, teams of dental students, faculty and staff worked across the Triangle on various service projects. Volunteers supported several local charities and organizations, including the Durham and Raleigh rescue missions, Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge and Carolina Community Garden. They also helped to clean up waterways near Jordan Lake.
Two students visit with goats at the Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge. Projects included clearing brush, cleaning chicken coops and building a railing to secure the goat area. (Adams School of Dentistry)
Student organizers are key to making this event possible, and it’s a labor-intensive task, but the rewards are endless for the participants.
“ASOD is filled with incredible leaders who inspire me daily with their dedication, humility and empathy. Watching them inspires me to step up to put into action what I’ve learned from them and make a greater impact. I can think of no better way to honor the lessons I’ve learned here than by participating in DEAH DAY,” said Olivia Maidans ’27 (DDS), one of the site leaders for the day. “Participating in DEAH DAY is important to me because it’s a day dedicated to putting our school’s values into action, which is something I believe truly makes ASOD unique. I strongly believe that volunteering and engaging with the community offers as much to us as we give back. It allows me to step outside of my routine, work with new people, and gain insight into the needs of our community.”
Faculty and staff members also enjoy giving back to their communities, working alongside students and helping community organizations in need.
Staff members worked to clear brush at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge. (Adams School of Dentistry)
“I enjoy participating each year in DEAH DAY to serve the community in honor of the three students who left a lasting impact on the school of dentistry and surrounding community. Also, it’s nice to see the whole school come together on this day, sharing bonding moments with my department, as well as working with other members of the school that I wouldn’t necessarily interact with in my day to day,” said Annalise Beebe, digital communications specialist at the dental school.
“I have been participating in DEAH DAY since 2021, and I plan to continue to do so,” said Monique Hayes, administrative support associate. “DEAH DAY to me, will always hold a special place in my heart.”
