The Visionary Fall 2009

Dr. Barry Frauens Lester E. Janoff Scholar Award Fund Dr. Mark Marciano College of Optometry Scholarship Fund Terry Ingraham Scholarship Fund Dr. Lori Vollmer Lester E. Janoff Scholar Award Fund Dr. Christina M. Llerena College’s Greatest Needs By N. Scott Gorman, O.D., M.S., Ed.D., FAAO Professor of Optometry and Director of Development, Alumni Relations, and Continuing Education I t’s genuinely hard to believe that 20 years have passed since the College of Optometry matriculated its first students. It’s even harder for me to believe that I’ve been with the college since January 1991— almost 19 years. During that time, I have witnessed significant growth and maturation of the college into one of this country’s finest. In my work with the college, I do a lot of traveling, and no matter where I go, I always hear accolades about our program from optometrists and students alike. No longer do I hear, “Nova…where’s that?” Our reputation now precedes us. Whether you are a graduate of Southeastern University of the Health Sciences College of Optometry or Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, you can be proud of your alma mater. After only 20 years, we have earned a reputation for being an optometric institution of excellence. Our faculty members are second-to-none and our students are top notch. I can remember back to the college’s beginnings and the struggles the early classes had getting through the national board exams. Today, with a first-time pass rate on Part I and II of 98 percent and 100 percent on Part III, we can now say with confidence that the college has truly scaled the heights of accomplishment. One of the challenges all optometric institutions face is stretching the use of tuition dollars. Unfortunately, no institution is immune from this. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry is tuition-driven and depends on the goodwill of its alumni and friends to help support growth of its programs. This year, the College of Optometry implemented its Annual Fund Campaign, with the initial purpose of growing the College of Optometry Scholarship Fund. These funds will be used to provide scholarships to entering students. Although we have 800 applicants for 100 seats, we are losing some of the best candidates to other colleges that have the capacity to provide scholarships. Consequently, we need to remain competitive, and to do so, we need to competitively place ourselves on a level playing field. As we strive to maintain and expand our status as an outstanding optometric college, we are hopeful that you—our distinguished alumni— will help us achieve this goal. So become a visionary by making a monetary contribution to the College of Optometry Scholarship Fund. Your gift will make it possible for the college to attract superlative students and build on its fine reputation. Best Regards, (Please keep in mind that your gift is tax deductible.) Become a Visionary CONTRIBUTIONS The College of Optometry recognizes the generosity of the following individuals for their gifts to various college funds: Dr. Aaron M. Sako College of Optometry Scholarship Fund The Visionary – Fall 2009 • Page 23