As we prepare to celebrate the Seven Degrees Brunch Gala, it is with great pride and gratitude that we honor Dr. Andrea Bonnick, a woman whose remarkable career and unwavering commitment to education and service have left an indelible mark on the field of dentistry and beyond. Dr. Bonnick’s story is one of perseverance, groundbreaking achievements, and a deeply rooted belief in the power of giving back.

A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Leadership

Dr. Bonnick’s journey began at the University of the West Indies, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry. Driven by an insatiable desire to excel, she pursued her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the prestigious Howard University College of Dentistry. Her passion for oral health and her quest for excellence led her to specialize in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, completing rigorous residency training and becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

In her illustrious career, Dr. Bonnick shattered ceilings and carved new paths, becoming the first board-certified African American President of the DC Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the first female person of color to direct an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training program. These milestones reflect her trailblazing spirit and commitment to creating opportunities for those who follow in her footsteps.

Dr. Bonnick spent 26 years at Howard University College of Dentistry, where she served as an Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Dentistry at Howard University Hospital, and Director of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program. She worked closely with predoctoral students and postgraduate programs, mentoring countless future dental professionals. Her dedication to research and teaching led to numerous publications in respected journals, focusing on quality of life issues for maxillofacial surgery patients and domestic violence awareness.

A Heart for Service

Dr. Bonnick’s influence extends far beyond academia. She has long embraced the philosophy that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Guided by this principle, she has volunteered her skills through surgical outreach missions, serving communities in the Caribbean, West Africa, and the Philippines. Her commitment to serving others is a testament to her profound empathy and sense of purpose.

Today, Dr. Bonnick continues to practice in Maryland and Washington, D.C., where her expertise and compassion touch the lives of patients and colleagues alike.

A Woman of Many Passions

Outside of her professional achievements, Dr. Bonnick is a mother to four biological children and a cherished maternal figure to many unofficially adopted ones. She is a woman of vibrant interests—a voracious reader, eclectic antique shopper, and HGTV aficionado, as well as an enthusiastic world traveler whose adventures have taken her across the globe.

Honoring a Legacy: Lifetime Achievement in Educational Leadership

At the Seven Degrees Brunch Gala, we are honored to present Dr. Andrea Bonnick with the Lifetime Achievement in Educational Leadership Award. This award recognizes her extraordinary contributions to dentistry, her pioneering leadership in academia, and her tireless dedication to uplifting future generations of oral health professionals.

For me personally, Dr. Bonnick holds a place of unmatched significance in my life. At a time when I was on the brink of failing out of dental school, she rescued me. Dr. Bonnick took me under her wing, adopting me into her family and rebuilding my confidence when I needed it most. In her words, she “made it her business” to ensure that I graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry, and because of her relentless belief in me, I did.

Her impact on my journey—and on countless others—is the very definition of a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and service.

A Brunch of Gratitude and Inspiration

The Seven Degrees Brunch Gala is not just about celebrating milestones—it’s about honoring the people who inspire us to dream bigger, do more, and believe in ourselves. Dr. Andrea Bonnick is the embodiment of excellence and a shining example of what it means to lead, serve, and uplift others.

Here’s to Dr. Andrea Bonnick—recipient of the Lifetime Achievement in Educational Leadership Award—a woman of excellence, a force of nature, and a true inspiration.

Learn more about the Seven Degrees Brunch Gala here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1027669967537?aff=oddtdtcreator

“To whom much is given, much is expected.” Dr. Bonnick has exceeded every expectation and left a legacy of impact that will inspire generations to come.