Pitt Faculty and Alums Among New Pittsburgh Courier’s 2009 Men of Excellence

Two University of Pittsburgh faculty members, David A. Anderson (DEN ’84) and Laurence Glasco, have been named 2009 New Pittsburgh Courier Men of Excellence. A total of 50 honorees were recognized for individual contributions to their professions as well as to the local community during the Courier’s Nov. 19 Men of Excellence Awards Reception at The Rivers Club at Oxford Centre, Downtown.

Anderson, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Prosthodontics in Pitt’s School of Dental Medicine and the school’s first director of diversity initiatives, has been a member of the dental faculty since 2008. He is a past president of the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania and a past chair of the Pennsylvania Dental Association’s political action committee. In addition to his responsibilities in the School of Dental Medicine, Anderson has maintained a private practice for more than 25 years.

Glasco, a Pitt history professor, has taught African American history at the University since 1969. Through his work as a historian, he has been heavily involved with documenting the contributions of African Americans to Western Pennsylvania. Glasco is the author of the book The W.P.A. History of the Negro in Pittsburgh (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2004). He also played instrumental roles in the Pitt-produced exhibition and catalogue Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in the 18th and 19th Centuries and the documentary Blue Gold & Black: From Doorway to Distinction, among other projects.

The Courier also honored James T. Johnson, Jr. (A&S ’82, A&S ’88G), founder and executive director of the Afro American Music Institute and a lecturer in Pitt’s Department of Music, as well as Rep. Joseph Preston (CGS ’79, CGS ’79), the Governor’s Representative to Pitt’s Board of Trustees.

The following Pitt alumni also received Men of Excellence Awards: Randolph W. Brockington (GSPIA ’86), deputy director, Allegheny County Department of Human Services; Richard Garland (CGS ’92, SOC WK ’96), founder, One Vision, One Life; Charles Gladney (EDUC ’75G), director of community program implementation and development, Highmark; Rodney Jones (SHRS ’81G), vice president of operations, UPMC Braddock; Walter H. Smith Jr. (A&S ’72, EDUC ’73G, EDUC’90G), executive director, Family Resources; and Joseph K. Williams (A&S ’81G), Judge, Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.

—By Anthony M. Moore