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  • IU Dentistry Graduates the Class of 2020

IU School of Dentistry Class of 2020 Forges Ahead

Friday, May 15, 2020

Dean Murdoch-Kinch presides over this year's live televirtual ceremony Terry Wilson

The COVID-19 pandemic has asked much from the Class of 2020 in terms of quick-thinking action and adaptability. These qualities were again on display as the School of Dentistry was forced to forgo our traditional, in-person commencement ceremony, and instead honor this year’s graduates with an online recognition event.

IUSD Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch; lead this year's event LIVE from the IU School of Dentistry. She was joined remotely by keynote speaker Dr. Paul Halverson, founding dean of the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health; and other honored speakers in a live video stream on Friday, May 15, 2020.

"There is power in the act of coming together in celebration of the significant moments in our lives and being together to mark them in the passage of time." Said Dean Murdoch-Kinch, "Traditions exist to mark and celebrate important  transitions in our lives with the people who have been significant to us along the way. Today, we more fully appreciate the privilege of coming together, as the risks to personal and public safety from being in close contact are very real. Nevertheless, we gather in a way that is emblematic of the past months, and how we, as an IUSD family, have responded to our current and past challenges – with ingenuity, resilience, collaboration, and caring. This is who we are."

Help us celebrate our remarkable new oral health care professionals during these unprecedented times!


Download This Year's Print Program

 

Description of the video:

PROCESSIONAL

TITLE SLATE

2:00 PM Recorded Music from White River Brass

DEAN, standing, gives opening remarks

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Program Note – Dean’s Welcome and Opening Remarks

Graduates, families, friends, faculty and staff…

Welcome, to our 2020 Recognition Ceremony!

Class of 2020, congratulations!  

There is much to celebrate today as we come together, in a historic way, to honor and recognize our graduates. Certainly, we may be grappling with a sense of disappointment and loss that we will have to wait to watch our graduates, garbed in full commencement regalia, walk across the stage. Our traditional commencement ceremony will be re-scheduled to a time when we can safely come together as a large group. However, wherever we are, and however we witness, honor and celebrate our graduates today, we are thankful to have been a part of their journey, and proud of all they have accomplished.

There is power in the act of coming together in celebration of the significant moments in our lives and being together to mark them in the passage of time. Traditions exist to mark and celebrate important  transitions in our lives with the people who have been significant to us along the way. Today, we more fully appreciate the privilege of coming together, as the risks to personal and public safety from being in close contact are very real. Nevertheless, we gather in a way that is emblematic of the past months, and how we, as an IUSD family, have responded to our current and past challenges – with ingenuity, resilience, collaboration, and caring. This is who we are.

The external world, and the dental profession, are being impacted currently in a way previously seen only during wartime and with other infectious disease epidemics. Thirty years ago, at the beginning of the AIDS pandemic, I spent five years here at Indiana University School of Dentistry as a resident. The IU School of Dentistry revealed itself as a leader in caring for affected individuals in its Special Care Clinic. What I saw at IUSD during my time here, was a commitment to tackling tough problems through a combination of creating and applying new scientific knowledge, excellent technical skills, and soul. We used our heads, our hands, and our hearts, by embodying care and compassion for our patients and each other. We have leaned on those same core values these past months, to guide patient care, re-design our curriculum, support the academic progression of all of our students, and to produce today’s recognition ceremony for the Class of 2020.

Graduates, while this day is usually bittersweet – a time of endings and of new beginnings – today is made more poignant by our physical separation. It is often during times of crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when what really matters is tested, and our true character is revealed. You have met the challenges of your training with intelligence, curiosity, determination, patience, and heart. You have developed new perspectives and relationships through self-reflection and openness to your colleagues, faculty, staff, and patients. Science and technology will continue to change and evolve, and your passion and commitment to be life-long learners will be essential. Yet, the personal and professional values that you have developed will be the foundation upon which you can continue to build excellence as an oral health care provider. No race is ever won in the first mile, but rather with the finish, and Class of 2020, you have finished strong.  

I know that I, along with the faculty and staff, are proud not only of all that you have achieved, but also for the manner in which you achieved all that brought you here today

 I also want to thank and congratulate the faculty and staff who supported you; thank your families and friends who have supported and encouraged you and for being the wind beneath your wings!!!; and thank all of our students for being engaged and flexible during this great upheaval in your education and in the world. You are ready to fly!


 

[IDP RECOGNITION]

This class is special not only for graduating during Indiana University’s bicentennial celebration and a global pandemic, but also because of our 6th cohort of students graduating from our International Dentist Program. We are privileged to have engendered the trust of these men and women, already dentists in their home country, who chose IUSD for our International Dentist Program to become licensed to practice in the United States.

Since the mid-20th century, the School of Dentistry has prioritized programs that attracted international students. We have valued their contributions to IUSD, the global community, and the relationships that have resulted, paving the way for important research, education, and service opportunities. Strategic Globalization is one of IU President McRobbie’s key 2020 Bicentennial priorities. We are fortunate to have our own long history of international education in our graduate and post-graduate dental programs and our relationship with a university that actively supports global engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly reveals our need to collaborate with our colleagues across borders to address human issues unfettered by geographic boundaries.


 

[AWARDS RECOGNITION]

At this time, I’d like to acknowledge our many recipients of honors and awards, which are listed in the front of your program. Traditionally, we would have recognized these deserving students for their academic, clinical, and community achievements at an Annual Awards Dinner earlier this month. We regret that we were unable to honor them in that way this year, but hope that they know how proud we are of their high achievements, which will be acknowledged on their individual slides as their names are read.

Class of 2020, we will watch with pride as you begin this next chapter, as IUSD alumni, in service to your patients and the broader global community. You will lead with science, integrity, and compassion as you address the needs of the individual, while advocating for and influencing the systems to improve the oral health of the public.


 

PROGRAM NOTE – INTRODUCTION OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT DR. AMY GERARDOT

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

It is now my pleasure, to welcome the president of the Indiana University School of Dentistry Alumni Association, Dr. Amy Gerardot. Dr. Gerardot graduated from IU Bloomington with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Psychology in 1997, and from the IU School of Dentistry in 2001. She grew up in Anderson, Indiana, and located her general dentistry practice in nearby Muncie, where she has served the community since 2004. Her patients’ trust is a guiding element of her practice philosophy, which is to recognize each patient as an individual, and center her delivery of dental care on relationship building through the prevention, early detection, and treatment of disease. She has served on the IU School of Dentistry Alumni Board since 2012. Her professional career is balanced by her loving family, which includes three teenage daughters. Dr. Gerardot….

DEAN throws to ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Play Recorded comments from ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT


 

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Dr. Gerardot, for those words.

PROGRAM NOTE – INTRODUCTION OF IDA PRESIDENT ELECT DR. STEVEN HOLLAR

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Next, I would like to welcome the President-Elect of the Indiana Dental Association, Dr. Steven Hollar.

Dr. Steven Hollar graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1993, and has practiced in Warsaw, Indiana, for the past 27 years. Dr. Hollar has been actively involved in numerous professional, community, and civic organizations. He has served in the ADA House of Delegates, and as the 7th District Chairman of the Public Affairs and Legal and Legislative Councils. He is also an IDA delegate and Chairman of the IDA COVID-19 Task Force. He has served as President of the Indiana State Board of Dentistry and the North Central Dental Society. Under Representative Todd Rokita, Dr. Hollar was appointed to the Health Care Advisory Committee of the United States Congress. He has been recognized for his service contributions as a Fellow of both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists, andwas recognized by the Indiana Section of the American College of Dentists in 2014 with the Ethics Achievement Award. In 2016, Governor Pence awarded Dr. Hollar the Sagamore of the Wabash award for his distinguished service.

In addition to his profession and his community, basketball and family have played central roles in Dr. Hollar’s life. He was a point-guard on the Warsaw Community High School Basketball State Championship team in 1984, played the role of Rade Butcher in the 1986 film, Hoosiers, and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

This is a special time for the Hollar family. Dr. Hollar’s son, Bennett, graduates today in the DDS Class of 2020. And his younger son, Charlie, begins his DDS studies with us in July. Charlie is the namesake of his grandfather, Charles Hollar, who graduated from the IU School of Dentistry in 1964, and I imagine is watching along proudly as his grandsons continue his legacy as the third generation of IUSD dental graduates.

Dr. Steve Hollar…

Play Recorded comments from Dr. HOLLAR


 

DEAN live in Studio DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Dr. Hollar.

PROGRAM NOTE – INTRODUCTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE INDIANA DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Next, I’d like to welcome the President of the Indiana Dental Hygienists’ Association, Ms. Sheli Taulbee.

Ms. Taulbee has both Indiana and dentistry in her blood. A Fort Wayne native and the daughter of a dentist, she has long distinguished herself as a licensed dental hygienist since 1981, when she earned her Associate in Science Degree with Distinction from Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. Along with her steadfast commitment to her profession, she is dedicated to community service and leadership through the Matthew 25 Dental Clinic and the Indiana Dental Hygienists’ Association. She has been recognized for her devotion to service with the IDHA Community Service Award and the Isaac Knapp Component Gloria Huxoll Membership Award, named after the first director of the School of Dental Hygiene at the Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne campus. Ms. Taulbee…

 Play Recorded comments from SHELI TAULBEE;

DEAN live in Studio DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Ms. Taulbee, for those words.

PROGRAM NOTE – INTRODUCTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE INDIANA DENTAL ASSISTANTS’ ASSOCIATION

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Next, I’d like to welcome the President of the Indiana Dental Assistants’ Association, Ms. Elizabeth Vollrath.

Ms. Vollrath grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, and left to attend the University of Southern Indiana. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with degrees in Dental Assisting and Health Administration. She proudly holds her CDA and is also an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. Ms. Vollrath is an assistant for the dental practice of Dr. Mark Sitzman and Dr. Michael Wolf in Southern Indiana and has served as President of her local dental association, among other officer positions and committees. She has been an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association and continues to work to get more dental assistants involved in their organizations. Ms. Vollrath…

Play Recorded comments from MS. VOLLRATH

DEAN live in Studio DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Ms. Vollrath, for your supportive remarks.

PROGRAM NOTE – INTRODUCTION OF THE DEAN OF THE RICHARD M. FAIRBANKS SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

It is my absolute pleasure to introduce our keynote speaker, Dr. Paul Halverson, who is founding dean of the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health in Indianapolis. Dr. Halverson is a colleague, as well as a friend and enthusiastic partner to the School of Dentistry as a world-recognized expert in public health.

Dr. Halverson came to Indiana University from the Arkansas Department of Health, where he served as state health officer and director. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Halverson served in senior management roles at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including senior advisor in the office of strategy and innovation, senior scientist and director of the division of public health systems development and research, director of the CDC’s World Health Organization’s Collaborating Center for Public Health, and director of the National Public Health Performance Standards program. Before joining the CDC, Dr. Halverson served as the senior health policy advisor for the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources.

Dr. Halverson began his career in health administration as a hospital and health system executive and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned his master’s degree in health services administration from Arizona State University and a doctorate in public health from the University of North Carolina. During the COVID-19 health crisis, Dr. Halverson and his faculty members have been interviewed in numerous newspapers and journals to lend their public health expertise. Thank you, and welcome, Dr. Halverson.

Play Recorded comments from Dr. HALVERSON

PUBLIC HEALTH DEAN DR. PAUL HALVERSON (Keynote Speech)

DEAN live in Studio DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH


 

Thank you, Dr. Halverson.

As we move into the future, global progress will depend on the prioritization of public health measures and international collaboration. Public health is close to my heart, personally and professionally. My vision for IUSD to be a truly excellent dental school is that we must excel in not only education, patient care, and research, but also effect changes in public health that reach beyond our own backyard and address the very systems that are at the root of health inequities, both locally and globally.

PROGRAM NOTE – RECOGNITION OF STUDENTS ENGAGED WITH ARMED SERVICES

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Now, we would like to recognize the members of the U.S. Armed Services who are graduating today. The IUSD family deeply values the service, commitment and sacrifice of our U.S. Armed Service members. First, we recognize our Doctor of Dental Surgery candidate recently commissioned into the United States Armed Services.

  • Reed McKinney, who was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army.

The Class of 2020 also includes active and retired U.S. Armed Services members.

  • Ashley Piercy, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, is a retired Staff Sargent in the U.S. Air Force
  • Terrence Roberts, Doctor of Dental Surgery, is a retired Senior Airman in the U.S. Air Force
  • Shaun Herron, Doctor of Dental Surgery, is a 1st Lieutenant in the Indiana Army National Guard
  • Maria Contreras, Doctor of Dental Surgery, is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard
  • Geoffrey Seidl [SIDE-el], Doctor of Dental Surgery, is a retired 2nd Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy
  • Justin Watson, Master of Science, is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy

Please join me in a moment of silence to recognize and thank these members of the armed forces for their service.

PROGRAM NOTE – AWARDING OF PROGRAM CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

It is now time in our program to award certificates and diplomas to graduates of the Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Doctor of Dental Surgery, and PhD and Master of Science in Dentistry programs. Following the presentation of our graduates in each of our programs, the association’s representative will lead each group in reciting their profession’s pledge.

PROGRAM NOTE – INTRODUCTION OF SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS PRESENTS CERTIFICATES IN DENTAL ASSISTING [INCLUDING FORT WAYNE]

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

I would like to welcome our Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Dr. Paul Edwards, to present this year’s candidates for the Certificate in Dental Assisting.

Play Recorded DENTAL ASSISTING names

  1. EDWARDS (Reads Dental Assisting Graduates Names)

DEAN live in Studio

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Dr. Edwards. Congratulations, Dental Assisting graduates!

PROGRAM NOTE – DENTAL ASSISTING PLEDGE

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

To lead our Dental Assisting Certificate Graduates in the reading of the Dental Assistant’s Pledge, I welcome back Ms. Elizabeth Vollrath.

Play Recorded DENTAL ASSISTING PLEDGE

  1. ELIZABETH VOLLRATH

“In my practice as a dental assistant, I affirm my commitment to improve the oral health of the public, and to promote high standards of quality dental care. I shall faithfully respect the Principles of Professional Ethics by the profession.

I pledge to continually improve my professional knowledge and skills, and to uphold the highest standards of professional competence and personal conduct in the interests of the dental assisting profession and the public I serve.”

DEAN live in Studio DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Ms. Vollrath.

NOTE – SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS PRESENTS DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE CANDIDATES

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Dr. Edwards will now present this year’s candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Bachelor of Science in Public Health Dental Hygiene Degrees.

Play Recorded BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE names

  1. EDWARDS

(Reads BS in Dental Hygiene Names)

Play Recorded BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH DENTAL HYGIENE names

  1. EDWARDS

(Reads Bachelor of Science in Public Health Dental Hygiene Names)

DEAN live in Studio

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Dr. Edwards. Congratulations, Dental Hygiene graduates!


 

PROGRAM NOTE – DENTAL HYGIENE PLEDGE

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Ms. Sheli Taulbee will now lead our Dental Hygiene graduates in the reading of the Dental Hygienist’s Pledge.

Play Recorded DENTAL HYGIENE PLEDGE

  1. SHELI TAULBEE

“In my practice as a dental hygienist, I affirm my personal and professional commitment to improve the oral health of the public, to advance the art and science of dental hygiene, and to promote high standards of quality care. I pledge continually to improve my professional knowledge and skills, to render a full measure of service to each patient entrusted to my care, and to uphold the highest standards of professional competence and personal conduct in the interests of the dental hygiene profession and the public it serves.”

DEAN live in Studio

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Ms. Taulbee.


 

PROGRAM NOTE – DDS PROGRAM FACULTY HOODERS

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Before we present our candidates for the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, we would like to recognize the faculty members chosen by the students to be this year’s honorary faculty hooders.

In 1897, the National Association of Dental Faculties chose lilac as the color of Dentistry to convey the valued qualities of compassion, purpose, and inspiration. Each year, our graduating Doctor of Dental Surgery class selects faculty whom they have identified as making a significant impact on their educational development. Traditionally, during our commencement ceremony, these honored faculty would place the lilac hood on the shoulders of our graduates. Instead, this year, these faculty members have prepared special messages for the Doctor of Dental Surgery graduates. They are Dr. Daniel Bennett, Dr. Daniel Shin, Dr. Michael Sovanich, and Dr. Jeffrey Steele.

Play Recorded DDS HOODER Video

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you all.

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

In addition to the faculty hooders selected, we recognize family members of our DDS candidates who are degreed members of learned professions.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank ALL health care providers, who are called upon to serve in these extraordinary times.

PROGRAM NOTE – SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

PRESENTS DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY GRADUATES

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

We welcome back Dr. Edwards to present this year’s candidates for the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

Play Recorded DDS NAMES Video

  1. EDWARDS

(Reads DDS Graduate Names)

DEAN live in Studio

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Dr. Edwards. Congratulations, Doctors!

PROGRAM NOTE – DENTIST’S PLEDGE

Now we have a special presentation of our DDS graduates as they recite The Dentist’s Pledge

Play Recorded DDS PLEDGE video

DDS STUDENTS

“I, as a member of the dental profession, shall keep this pledge and these stipulations.

I understand and accept that my primary responsibility is to my patients, and I shall dedicate myself to render, to the best of my ability, the highest standard of oral health care and to maintain a relationship of respect and confidence. Therefore, let all come to me safe in the knowledge that their total health and well-being are my first considerations.

I shall accept the responsibility that, as a professional, my competence rests on continuing the attainment of knowledge and skill in the arts and sciences of dentistry.

I acknowledge my obligation to support and sustain the honor and integrity of the profession and to conduct myself in all endeavors such that I shall merit the respect of patients, colleagues, and my community. I further commit myself to the betterment of my community for the benefit of all of society. I shall faithfully observe the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct set forth by the profession. All this I pledge with pride in my commitment to the profession and the public it serves.”

DEAN live in Studio DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you all. The profession and the public will benefit greatly from your commitment to service.

PROGRAM NOTE – MSD AND PhD PROGRAM FACULTY HOODER

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Before we present our Master of Science in Dentistry and Doctor of Philosophy in Dental Science candidates, we welcome a message for our candidates from Dr. Richard Gregory, Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Director of the PhD Program.

Play Recorded MSD/PhD HOODER Video

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Dr. Gregory.

PROGRAM NOTE – SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

PRESENTS MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DENTISTRY DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Dr. Paul Edwards will now present this year’s candidates for the Master of Science in Dentistry Degrees and Certificates.

Play Recorded MSD DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE STUDENT names

  1. EDWARDS

(Reads MSD Degree and Certificate Student Names)

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Dr. Edwards and Dr. Gregory. Congratulations, MSD Graduates!

PROGRAM NOTE – SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

PRESENTS DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN DENTAL SCIENCE DEGREE

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

At this time, I invite Dr. Paul Edwards to announce the candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy in Dental Science degree.

Play Recorded PhD STUDENT names

  1. EDWARDS

(Reads PhD Candidates names)

DEAN live in Studio

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Thank you, Dr. Edwards and Dr. Gregory. Congratulations, PhD Graduates!

PROGRAM NOTE –CLOSING REMARKS

DEAN CAROL ANNE MURDOCH-KINCH

Amidst the Great Depression, in 1932, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke in reference of his New Deal, "In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice...the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man." Americans and the world are facing complex social challenges similar to the Great Depression, which require the attention and investment from all. Dentistry, while sometimes in the background, has a critical role to play. Graduates, as you step away from the safety and security of your alma mater, the Indiana University School of Dentistry, and into the known and unknown paths of your professional roles as oral health care providers, step with courage, pride, and optimism. While there is still much anxiety and uncertainty about the impact of COVID-19 on the practice and the profession of dentistry, you are the future. And the future of dentistry is oral health fully recognized and valued as an integral component of  overall health. Dentistry has the potential – with graduates like you – to be an essential member of the interprofessional team of health care providers in service to the needs of society, and critical to the overall wellbeing of humanity. You have been prepared, are ready, to make an impact on your communities and the world!

Keep learning! Keep growing! Keep caring! And keep in touch!

On behalf of the entire IUSD Family of faculty and staff, I extend our sincere congratulations to our graduates and best wishes for your path ahead.

Thank you to all who made today possible, including the love and support of the families and friends of our graduates, who have supported them in realizing their dreams.

We thank the White River Brass ensemble, who will provide our recessional music as we say… goodbye.

Play Recorded RECESSIONAL MUSIC

 

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