Distinguished Alumni and Awards

In 1965 the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine initiated the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award to recognize those dental alumni who had brought recognition to the University and the School of Dental Medicine through their contributions to society and the profession of dentistry. Each year the Distinguished Alumnus Selection Committee gathers to review nominations of individuals whose contributions have been exceptionally significant, beyond that which would normally have been expected, and whose high professional standards have been of such character as to have materially aided and advanced the art and science of dentistry. Starting in 1998, an advanced education program recipient and/or a dental hygiene recipient may be recognized.

Now Accepting Nominations for Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award

Award Criteria

• Nominee must be a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. This includes all Dental Medicine, Dental Hygiene, and Advanced Education graduates. 
• Nominee has an outstanding and notable record of distinction in the field of dentistry. Individual contributions have gone above and beyond that which is normally expected.
• Nominee has high professional standards which have significantly aided and advanced the art and science of dentistry.

Nominations must be received no later than Friday, November 15, 2024. 
Please only submit one nomination per survey. 

Submit Nominations Now >>

Distinguished Alumnus Recipients - Dental Medicine

Distinguished Alumnus Recipients - Advanced Education Program

Distinguished Alumnus Recipients - Dental Hygiene

Distinguished Alumni Award Categories

The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Distinguished Alumni Awards may be presented in each of the following categories: Distinguished Alumnus- Dental Medicine; Distinguished Alumnus- Dental Hygiene; and Distinguished Alumnus- Advanced Education Program, to individuals who have excelled in one or more of the following areas:

• One whose contribution of time and effort to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine has been exceptionally significant, beyond that which would normally have been expected.
• One whose significant attainments and high professional standards have been of such character as to have materially aided and advanced the art and science of dentistry.
• One whose public life and activities have been of such a nature as to reflect great credit upon the profession and the School of Dental Medicine.
• One who has contributed to original research in the dental profession.

Nomination Requirements

• A one-page biographical sketch of each candidate must accompany the nomination sent to the chairpersons of the Awards Committee.
• In the event that the Awards Committee decides in any year that no nominee has attained the above stated criteria, it shall so report.
• No member of the Awards Committee shall be considered eligible.
• The deadline for submission of nominations shall be November 1.
• The recipient of the Award shall be notified as soon as possible, but no later than 60 days before the presentation.
• The Dean, or a designee, shall make the presentation of these awards.
• Recipients shall be the guests of the Dental Alumni Association at the School of Dental Medicine Alumni Homecoming Weekend (or Dean's Scholarship Ball) during which the presentation is made.

The Awards Committee shall consist of six members:

• Two Co-Chairs as indicated by the By-laws
• A representative of the Faculty/Staff of the School
• The President of the Dental Alumni Association
• A previous recipient of the Award
• The Executive Director of the Alumni Association

The foregoing requirements and requests for nominees shall be outlined yearly in the Dental Alumni Association's Publication.

Approved by the Executive Committee November 21, 1997.
Approved by the Board of Directors December 1, 1997.
Effective Date: January 1, 1998
Guidelines amended for 2001, approved by the Executive Committee February 4, 2000 and the Board of Directors March 20, 2000.

Legacy Laureates

About The Legacy Laureates

Launched in 2000, the Legacy Laureate program recognizes Pitt alumni who have excelled both professionally and personally and who exemplify the best in leadership qualities and commitment to the greater good for their professions, communities, and the world at large.

Award of Appreciation

About The Award of Appreciation

The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine established the Award of Appreciation on September 1, 1986 to recognize individuals or groups who have contributed significantly to the Mission and Goals of the School of Dental Medicine.