Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, and Dr. Alan Lurie, professor and chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences, both received high alumni honors from their dental schools, Columbia College of Dental Medicine and UCLA School of Dentistry.

Lepowsky received the 2025 Columbia College of Dental Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award for Notable Achievement in Academic Dentistry.

“Your leadership role as Dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine has brought you to the fore of an extraordinary field of candidates for this recognition,” said Dr. Dennis Mitchell, interim dean of the Columbia College of Dental Medicine in an announcement.

Lepowsky received his DDS from the Columbia College of Dental Medicine in 1986, and was on the faculty at Columbia from 1987-1993 where he served as the director of the general dentistry residency program and the director of the year three clinical program before joining UConn in 1993.

Lurie was awarded the 2025 Alumnus of the Year from the UCLA School of Dentistry. The award was given to Lurie in honor of his distinguished five-decade career in oral and maxillofacial radiology research and education, and commitment to public service.

Lurie received his DDS from UCLA in 1970.

“Dr. Lurie’s impact on dental radiology and public health is immeasurable,” said UCLA School of Dentistry Dean and Professor Dr. Paul H. Krebsbach in the official announcement. “He embodies the very best of what our alumni contribute to science, service, and the broader health community.”

Krebsbach spent time alongside Lurie at UConn in the late 1980s and early 1990s.