Detroit Mercy Dental Vivere ex Missione recipient, Steven Santarossa

The Vivere ex Missione awards are presented each year to four graduating students whose time at University of Detroit Mercy was marked by leadership, service and scholarship. Nominations are made by students, staff and faculty and the awardees are chosen by a committee of staff and faculty.

“Vivere ex Missione” means “to live the mission” and Steven Santarossa did just that as a Detroit Mercy student. Below is the text of the citation from Santarossa who received this honor:

Detroit Mercy Dental strives to graduate dental professionals who have demonstrated they are leaders in the field of dentistry and socially conscious, caring members of society. Steven Santarossa is that student. 

Early on as a student, Santarossa was driven to expand his knowledge of his chosen specialty, oral surgery, by continuing research he began as an undergraduate in 4-D technology, so he could better understand certain conditions and provide care that improves patient outcomes. He tutors peers, is the academic chair of his dental fraternity and a mentor to dental students as they embark on research. While he is an exemplary practitioner, it is the concern and care for the world around him that makes Santarossa worthy of this recognition, though he would never seek it. 

Santarossa demonstrated leadership skills and expanded his cultural horizons by organizing dental volunteer trips to Guatemala and India. Closer to home, he dedicates himself fully to his community through his work. He is known for the care he takes to learn about his fellow students and his patients, demonstrating through his actions how to treat everyone with respect, and finding ways to bridge gaps that sometimes arise between patients and students. 

“This award is a true honor and a huge blessing to receive,” Santarossa said. “I am grateful for the many mentors, family and friends in my life that have supported my growth into a man deserving to receive this highest recognition. I plan to continue living out the mission of the University of Detroit Mercy in my future endeavors, beginning with my oral and maxillofacial surgery residency in Omaha, Nebraska. I wish to thank those who nominated me for this recognition and to the University for fostering my growth.”

Congratulations Steven!