OPT Visionary - Fall 2016

36 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Alumni News The NSUCO Alumni Chapter recently awarded its Alumni Chapter Scholarship to first-year student Yanara Barreras. The scholarship, now in its fifth year, was established to support an incoming optometry student who has demonstrated academic success, a history of outstanding leadership experiences, and a commitment to community service. The $1,000 scholarship is a one-time award that can be applied toward the student’s optometric education-related costs. Barreras, who is from Miami, attended Florida International University and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in December 2012 with a minor in chemistry. In addition to her outstanding academic performance, she has been involved with various leadership and community service projects. During her undergraduate studies, she served as president of the Biology Club and president and college buddy director of Best Buddies International. She was also a member of the Future Optometry Students of America, a peer tutor in various math courses, and an active volunteer in various community service activities. Additionally, Barreras was the recipient of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, President’s Volunteer Service Award, Service Learning Award, and Student Life Community Service Award. She was also accepted into the honors program at both Miami-Dade College and Florida International University. Lastly, not only was she inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, but she was also placed on the dean’s list while she attended Miami-Dade College and Florida International University, which is an honor bestowed on individuals who earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or more on the basis of 9 or more credit hours during a semester. The NSUCO Alumni Chapter would like to thank all our alumni for their past support and encourage future giving. Together, we can take the College of Optometry to new levels of excellence, so please consider giving to the Alumni Chapter Scholarship Fund at nova.edu/giving . u Yanara Barreras (left) with NSUCO’s Alumni Chapter president, Marlon Demeritt, O.D., M.B.A., FAAO Meritorious Student Receives Alumni Scholarship