Distinguished Service Award to Dean Emeritus, Dr. William Kotowicz

Photo by Per Kjeldsen

Dr. Daniel Edwards, chair of the School’s Alumni Society Board of Governors, presents Dr. William Kotowicz, dean emeritus, with the Distinguished Service Award. [Listen here]

Dr. William Kotowicz, dean of the U–M School of Dentistry for more than 15 years, received the Distinguished Service Award from the School’s Alumni Society Board of Governors at graduation ceremonies.

The annual award is presented by the Board’s chair at graduation to a U–M alumnus who has made significant contributions to the School of Dentistry, the dental profession, or to the School’s Alumni Society.

Kotowicz served as dean (1997–2002), acting dean (1995–1996), senior associate dean (1989–1995), and interim dean (1987–1989). He received his DDS from U–M in 1966 and, two years later, a Master of Science degree in denture prosthodontics. He joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 1969.

Dr. Daniel Edwards, president of the Board of Governors who presented the award, said Kotowicz, “is a deeply genuine person. Colleagues mentioned that his ability to maintain calm, even in highly stressful situations, instilled confidence in everyone.”

In his remarks after receiving the award, Kotowicz said, “I have great love for both the University and, more particularly, the School of Dentistry.” Mentioning by name some former colleagues including Drs. James Harris, Bill Godwin, Ross Margeson, and former librarian Susan Seger, Kotowicz said, “It’s the people, who in the past and in the present, bring a tradition of excellence to this great University and this School. I’m proud to be a small part of that tradition of excellence, and you will be too.”