School of Dentistry Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumnus in Dentistry Award
PETER J. POLVERINI, D.D.S., ARTS '69, DENT '73
Ann Arbor, Mich.
A highly respected researcher and scholar who assumes presidency of the American Association for Dental Research in March 2013, Peter has studied the growth of blood vessels and how it relates to cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Since 2003, he has been dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where he also is a professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine.
Outstanding Dental Service Award
JAMES L. VAN MILLER, D.D.S., DENT '70
Green Bay, Wis.
Dr. Jim — as he is known — recently retired after 40 years of practicing pediatric dentistry, but that hasn't stopped him from helping kids achieve the sense of self-esteem that comes with a bright smile. He's now board chairman of the Brown County (Wis.) Oral Health Partnership, a program that provides dental services to needy children in the Green Bay school system. He also is a longtime member of the Dean's Advisory Board for the School of Dentistry.
