NYCCT Honors Norman Russell of Nobel Biocare

City Tech recognizes alum for his long-standing commitment to its dental technology program.

During his most recent college reunion at the New York City College of Technology, Norman Russell, CDT, received a special honor from the Department of Restorative Dentistry. NYCCT President Russell K. Hotzler, PhD, and Department Chair Anthony Sena, BS, MBA, CDT, recognized the alum for his long-time contributions to the dental technology program during the School of Professional Studies reunion on November 6, 2010. More than 300 donors and School of Professional Studies alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and other guests attended a “Tastes of New York/Casino Night” Alumni Reunion Dinner Dance and Distinguished Donors Plaque unveiling on in NYCCT’s Namm Hall in downtown Brooklyn.

Russell, who is now a senior product systems representative at Nobel Biocare, graduated from the program in 1976 and proceeded to quickly climb the corporate ladder. “He has become an iconic figure to many dental technicians through his continuing dedication to the profession and to education,” says Daniel Alter, BS, CDT, MDT, an assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry.

A long-standing member of the department’s advisory committee, Russell meets with the department annually to discuss any new and innovative trends and to advise them about ways to prepare students to be more competitive in the ever-evolving world of dental technology. Each year, the department’s graduating class receives a special invitation from Russell to spend the day at Nobel Biocare for a tour of the facilities and training on some of the newest products. “Norman also invites the faculty to come, and always makes himself available to any student or faculty member during these meetings,” says Alter, who coordinates the trip. “This is something I took advantage of on several occasions, which allows me to confidently teach these concepts accurately to my students.”

Russell has generously donated time, materials, and expertise to the school over the years—he was instrumental in making NYCCT’s program the first in the country to have CAD/CAM training. “He has been and continues to be a true gentleman, a icon for the dental technology profession, a mentor, and a great friend to the Restorative Dentistry Department at City Tech,” Alter says.

Alumni and faculty members at New York City College of Technology gathered on November 6, 2010 for the School of Professional Studies reunion, where Norman Russell was honored.

Pictured (from left to right): Alumnus Daniel Solomon, Assistant Professor Daniel Alter, BS, CDT, MDT; Department Chair Anthony Sena, BS, MBA, CDT; Honoree Norman Russell, CDT; Assistant Professor Renata Budny, MBA, CDT, MDT; and Professor Nicholas Manos, MS, CDT.