A Speech I Gave From Henry Nahoum's 90th Birthday Party

I represent three people today.

One of them is Dr. Thomas Cangialosi. Tom was one of Henry’s students at Columbia. It didn’t take long for Henry to figure out that Tom was going to be a super orthodontist, and he also was aware of Tom’s dream to become an academician like himself. Henry encouraged and mentored Tom in those early days, as he does now. Tom has done so much to make Columbia a great institution and to further our profession nationally. He can’t be present today for many reasons, one of which is the recent loss of his mother who lived to be 101. He has sent a letter that really says it all.


We also present this plaque, from everyone at Columbia

The second person I represent is Dr. Malcolm Meistrell. Malcolm was also one of Henrys students, and I don’t know that Henry thought that Malcolm was anything special. But I know what Malcolm thought of Henry---he thought he was the smartest man he ever met. Now Malcolm knew from smart. He went to fancy schools and had encountered many very intelligent people in his life. In his opinion, Henry topped them all. He said so many times, “Henry Nahoum has forgotten more than most people ever learned.” One of the last conversations between Tom and Malcolm, perhaps the last, was about Henry’s letter to our journal. Malcolm told Tom that he wished he were one tenth as smart as Henry. Tom consoled him, and told him that in fact he was one tenth as smart, maybe even a bit more.

As their relationship changed from student-teacher to colleague to friend, Malcolm grew to appreciate Henry’s compassion, principles, dedication, generosity and unique take on life. Henry grew to appreciate Malcolm’s compassion, principles, dedication, generosity and unique take on life. Although a continent separated them, they made time to enjoy each other’s company and develop their friendship. And when I came along, I had the great fortune of learning to know and appreciate Henry also.

Henry, you know that Malcolm would want me to proclaim his love and admiration for you today. So that is why I am up here.

Henry said he doesn’t remember interviewing me for the ortho program 23 years ago, but I can see it so clearly. We were in the faculty room and Malcolm was shuffling around drinking coffee while Henry asked me all the standard questions and I gave all the standard answers. Then he asked Malcolm if he wanted to “interview the candidate”. He grumpily refused.

Nevertheless I was accepted into the program. I have so enjoyed being an orthodontist. It is a great match for my skills, and has given me rewards beyond my greatest expectations. To the surprise of everyone, including ourselves, Malcolm and I fell in love, and spent 20 years harassing, loving, supporting, and nurturing each other.

So Henry, I really owe you.

Today is grandparent’s day. You aren’t old enough to be my biological grandfather, but I think of you and often speak of you as my professional grandfather. Teacher of my teachers, friend of my friends, benefactor to my profession, and even my matchmaker.


Thank you and happy birthday