The Visionary Fall 2009

NSU College of Optometry students broke all-time records this year by achieving a first-time pass rate of 98 percent on both NBEO Part I (applied basic science) administered this March and NBEO Part II (clinical science) administered in December 2008. In related news, the college’s fourth-year students achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on NBEO Part III. Additionally, Evan Brinton, a fourth-year student, received the Dr. Norman E. Wallis Award for Excellence for attaining the highest score in the nation on the NBEO Part I examination. Brinton received his award during the American Optometric Association’s conclave held in Washington, D.C., this past June. On April 21, 2009, the university held its 10 th Annual Student Life Achievement Awards (STUEY) ceremony, which serves as a celebration of NSU’s best in scholarship, leadership, involvement, service, commitment, integrity, and responsibility. When the festivities concluded, fourth-year student Amanda Woodie walked away with the evening’s most coveted prize: NSU Student of the Year. Woodie, who served as president of the College of Optometry’s Student Government Association (SGA), was recognized for her all-around skills and numerous accomplishments, which include maintaining a high GPA while managing to revamp the SGA constitution and successfully encouraging all student classes to come together and act as a cohesive unit. She also organized the inaugural Organizational Fair and was deeply involved with several optometry student organizations, such as the American Optometric Student Association and the College of Vision Development. The college also received nominations in two other categories: Student Government of the Year and Staff Person of the Year for the college’s admissions counselor, Fran Franconeri. Optometry SGA was selected as a STUEY finalist for helping to foster school spirit, bringing the individual classes together, and enhancing student life for future students. Franconeri, who was selected as a Staff Person of the Year finalist for the second consecutive year, was recognized for her skill in recruiting the most qualified students in the college’s history and creating an incredible connection with incoming students. We congratulate our finalists on a job well done and applaud Amanda Woodie, who has made the College of Optometry very proud by being selected as NSU’s Student of the Year. Student Leader Amanda Woodie Takes Top Honors at NSU STUEY Awards By Barbara Karpel, M.S. Director of Administration and Associate Editor, The Visionary To learn more about Woodie’s amazing rise to optometric distinction, please read the feature article titled “Excellence Exemplified: NSU Student of the Year Amanda Woodie” on page 15. NSU President Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., presents Amanda Woodie with the NSU Student of the Year Award. eye-witness news NSU President Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., and Fran Franconeri.