Slavkin Saluted by Peking University

One of the most renowned universities in China has recognized USC School of Dentistry Dean Harold Slavkin with an honorary professorship.

Slavkin said he is thrilled by the recognition from Beijing’s Peking University.

“Peking University is very prestigious; one might say it’s the Harvard of China,” he said. “When such an institution refers to you in this manner, it’s the highest compliment.”

Slavkin has received honorary degrees from Georgetown University, the University of Maryland, the University of New Jersey, the University of Connecticut, the University of Montreal and the University of Paris.

The latest distinction is his first honorary degree from an Asian university. This is a special honor for a dean who has worked to form close connections between USC and institutions across the Pacific since assuming his post in 2000.

As with institutions in 13 other nations, USC shares a formal memorandum of understanding with the Peking University School of Stomatology. This relationship allows professional schools to take part in current research and educational collaborations between faculty and students. It also promotes vital cross-cultural study, Slavkin said.

Peking University leaders will honor Slavkin on Oct. 10 during a ceremony celebrating the university’s new building for its School of Stomatology.

Slavkin will travel to Beijing with his wife, Lois, and Yang Chai, professor and chair of the School of Dentistry’s Craniofacial Sciences and Therapeutics division. Chai, the director of the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, is an alumnus of the School of Stomatology.

Slavkin, who is proud of the USC School of Dentistry’s international reputation, said, “It’s a nice feeling to have your body of scholarship appreciated by people who don’t necessarily know you personally,” he said. “It’s a great validation of the USC brand of academics.”