Robert C. Adler of Malibu receives Distinguished Alumni Award from Arts & Sciences at Washington University

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Robert C. Adler

ST. LOUIS, MO (04/12/2011)(readMedia)-- Robert C. Adler of Malibu, Calif. (90265) recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Washington University's College of Arts & Sciences. Arts & Sciences recognized the achievements of Adler and four other alumni during the 14th Annual Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony, held March 24 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.

Gary S. Wihl, PhD, dean of the faculty of Arts & Sciences and the Hortense and Tobias Lewin Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, and the Arts & Sciences National Council, led by Chair Barbara Schaps Thomas (AB '76), hosted the awards dinner.

National Council members who are previous Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and a former dean's medalist introduced this year's awardees. During the ceremony, the five honorees shared personal stories about the impact of their educational experiences on their lives and accomplishments.

Four alumni received the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes graduates who have exemplified the ideals embodied by an Arts & Sciences education and have brought honor to Washington University through their lives, work and service.

Wihl presented the Dean's Medal to Earle H. Harbison Jr., LLD (AB '48), chairman of Harbison Corp., a family financial holding company that invests in manufacturing.

The Dean's Medal is awarded to a person who has made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of the ideals of an Arts & Sciences education.

Distinguished Alumnus: Robert C. Adler, DMD (AB '72, DMD '76), introduced by Sanford C. Loewentheil (AB '76), 2006 Distinguished Alumnus

As an undergraduate student in anthropology, Adler learned to apply rigorous critical thinking by doing research on cell membrane changes during severe blood loss (hypovolemia).

Following Adler's graduation from the School of Dental Medicine, he became an adjunct faculty member there. He conducted research and practiced dentistry in St. Louis until the University of California, Los Angeles, recruited him in 1983 to be co-investigator on a grant investigating the neuroscience of pain.

Adler, who also earned a master's degree in computer science, founded Pain Management Associates, one of the first multidisciplinary pain-management practices in Southern California. He continued his practice until he retired in 2006.

Adler then launched a voluntary, independent effort to build a pillar for peace in the Middle East.

A past health-care plan design consultant, among multiple other interests, Adler has worked effectively with Palestine's Ministry of Health to implement state-of-the-art health care based on the latest technology and Israel's efficient health system.

Adler and his wife, Alexis Deutsch Adler, also strongly support children, youth and families through many organizations, including Phoenix House, Every Child and International Medical Corps, and provide extensive service to Washington University.