Herman Ostrow Donates $35 Million to USC School of Dentistry

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LOS ANGELES, January 20, 2010 — Herman Ostrow, a USC trustee, alumnus and lifelong Southern Californian, has donated $35 million to the University of Southern California for its School of Dentistry. The gift was announced today by university President Steven B. Sample at a gala unveiling ceremony at the Norris Dental Science Center on the USC University Park campus.

In recognition of the gift – believed to be the largest individual donation to a dental school in the United States – the school has been renamed the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Sample announced.

“This magnificent gift will be a powerful catalyst for innovations and improvements in human health, and for building on USC’s long tradition of leadership in dentistry,” Sample said. “Since the school’s founding in 1897, USC’s dental programs have contributed significantly to oral health in our region, our nation and the world by educating the best practitioners, by advancing scientific research and by providing dental care to underserved members of our community.”

The gift will be pivotal in raising the school to the next level of effectiveness, by providing resources to renovate and improve clinical facilities, to bring in new faculty members, to continue to support dental and craniofacial research, to enhance service programs in downtown Los Angeles, and to attract and retain the best students, according to Avishai Sadan, dean of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.

“We are grateful and proud that an alumnus of our school has chosen us to carry his legacy,” said Sadan. “Our tradition of excellence in clinical education, research and community outreach; our world-renowned, dedicated faculty and staff; and loyal alumni such as Dr. Ostrow will safe¨guard the lofty reputation of the school for decades to come.”

Herman Ostrow, who earned his DDS from USC in 1945, has a long history of hard work and entrepreneurship. He spent 17 years practicing dentistry, including both private practice and service in the Army Dental Corps, before delving into the Los Angeles construction and real estate market. He also enjoys growing rare fruit trees.

“I’m proud to give my support and my name to the USC School of Dentistry, an institution with a well-earned reputation for excellence,” Ostrow said. “I am thrilled that my legacy will provide tomorrow’s talented professionals with opportunities to achieve great successes.”

The Ostrow School of Dentistry’s traditional curricula include the Doctor of Dental Surgery program, the Baccalaureate in Dental Hygiene program, and several postdoctoral programs in dental specialties. Other available degrees include combined D.D.S./M.B.A. and D.D.S./M.S. programs, Gerontology programs, Master’s and Ph.D. opportunities in the Craniofacial Biology program, and the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists.