Recognizing Outstanding Community Contributions: the 2025 Arbor Award Honourees

By Rachel Boutet

The 2025 honorees of the prestigious Arbor Awards from the Faculty of Dentistry have been selected, celebrating three individuals who exemplify outstanding volunteerism.

Assistant professors, teaching stream, Greg Anderson 8T6 and Susanna Chow 9T2, along with Cheryl Lee 7T3 are this year’s Dentistry recipients.

“Our Dentistry community is powered by the passion of our volunteers,” says Selina Esteves, director of advancement. “Their commitment and care over the years have shaped the experiences of our students, faculty, and alumni. They truly are the heart of our community.”

Anderson is being recognized for the time and expertise he generously dedicated to the Faculty as a volunteer on the Admissions Committee, where he brought decades of clinical and teaching experience to the selection of future oral health professionals. As a long-time educator and mentor, Anderson is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of ethical, skilled practitioners.

“Interview day represents such an important event in the lives of the candidates, which may very well change the direction and course of their future,” says Anderson. “Being a part of this process is a privilege. I spend the days meeting and speaking with candidates or serving as an interviewer. I endeavor to help them feel welcome and hopefully less stressed. Many students, upon entering dental school, often mention that they remember our conversations or that I was one of their interviewers. That means that the volunteering was very worthwhile.”

Anderson says although he does not volunteer for any recognition, this award signals that his efforts are appreciated, which is most gratifying.

“To be recognized as making a contribution to the education and futures of so many people means a great deal to me. It reaffirms that I have a role to play in serving the faculty in ways other than teaching.”

Chow was selected as a recipient for her dedication as a long-standing Admissions Committee interviewer, where she has contributed her time, insight, and mentorship to support the next generation of dental professionals. Chow is a dedicated clinician and educator who returned to the Faculty out of gratitude and a desire to give back, demonstrating a lifelong connection to the University and the spirit of mentorship, equity, and excellence that defines the Arbor Award.

“I’ve been doing admission interviews for approximately 20 years – I felt honoured when I was first invited to participate,” she says. “The Faculty provided proper training for the interviewers and I felt proud that I was able to contribute and give back to the Faculty when they needed me. I always wanted to be able to serve the community that I love and help to shape me into who I am today.”

Chow, having attended U of T for both her undergraduate and graduate studies, says the University is like a big family to her.

“I never expected to receive any awards but was nicely surprised when I learned that I’ve been recognized with this prestigious award. This year seemed to be full of surprises as I also received three other awards from the ODA for my services and leadership with the association and the Toronto Central Dental Society. I am truly blessed with the ability to give to others.”

Lee, the third 2025 recipient, was selected for her exceptional dedication to the DDS Class of 1973, where she has consistently organized reunions and mobilized class giving. Her passion for fostering community keeps classmates engaged and united, reflecting her deep commitment to the Faculty.

“Dentistry has afforded me a wonderful professional, personal and community life for the last 52 years,” says Lee. “I have donated hours and weeks to volunteer dental missions in many countries including Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Vietnam just to name a few. It has been my pleasure to serve citizens of these different countries and to mentor dental students from Western University and U of T.”

Year after year, Lee brings the U of T spirit to life, ensuring meaningful connections and celebrations. Her efforts have created a lasting bond among her peers, exemplifying the power of alumni leadership.

“The recognition of the Arbor Award will be as asterisk in my life's calling. By joining dental volunteer missions, I was able to follow my mother's adage: work before pleasure – combining work and pleasure!”

Top photo: Anderson, Chow and Lee