(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — The SUNY College of Optometry Foundation recognized 55 current students during the College’s annual Scholarship Presentation on Wednesday, November 13 with an audience of donors, students, alumni, parents, and foundation board members. Hosted annually, it brings together scholarship recipients and donors to celebrate academic achievement, dedication, and philanthropy.
SUNY College of Optometry Foundation’s scholarship program has grown substantially over the past two decades. Starting with 5 scholarships awarded to 6 students, the efforts have grown to 28 named scholarships supporting over 50 students annually. The generosity of donors allows the foundation to provide nearly $420,000 in total scholarship and grant support to deserving SUNY Optometry students on their journey to becoming eye doctors.
“It is an honor, every year, to bring together dedicated student scholars and the generous donors who make the annual scholarships possible,” stated SUNY College of Optometry Foundation President, Dr. Richard Soden. “The students of today, some of the best and the brightest, will be the leaders of tomorrow, hopefully paving the way and supporting their future colleagues in optometry.”
“Tonight, is a celebration of achievement and generosity,” added President Dr. David Troilo. “From the dedication of our students to the incredible kindness of our donors, this event celebrates and advances the college’s mission to educate, research and improve eye and vision care.”
Dr. Troilo went on to proudly add that the Foundation was able to create a new scholarship, the President David A. Heath Academic Leaders Scholarship, donated by alumni and friends of the college. Dr. Heath was on hand to give the inaugural award.
“It is with great pride, and on behalf of the entire SUNY College of Optometry Foundation, that I share our enthusiasm as we raise the funds to continue this great tradition of bestowing scholarships,” added Dawn Rigney, Executive Director of the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation. “This year-round effort not only benefits our current students, but paves the way to continue the legacy of support and philanthropy that will also support the next generation.”
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To establish a named or endowed scholarship in support of SUNY College of Optometry students, contact Dawn Rigney, at drigney@sunyopt.edu or (212)-938-5600.
Click here to see the livestream event from November 13, 2024
2024 Scholarships and Recipients
Dr. Nathan and Laura Millman Scholarship
Anna Sorrentino Class of 2027
Renee Chan Class of 2027
Izabella Bangiyeva Class of 2027
Aisha Saleem Class of 2027
Madison Ruiz Class of 2027
Omni Eye Scholarship for Clinical Excellence in Glaucoma Care
Emma Goodwin Class of 2025
NJAO Scholarship
Sia Pyati Class of 2028
Aishwarya Arumugam Class of 2028
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Dr. Alden Haffner Scholarship (NYSOA)
Christina Chan Class of 2026
Abirami Shiyamsaran Class of 2026
Alumni Scholarships
Mavalyn Mau Class of 2028
Win Pham Class of 2027
Alumni Memorial Scholarship
Sonia Mim Class of 2028
Dr. Sandra Goldman Cohen ’82 Memorial Scholarship
Clare Hwang Class of 2025
Paul Canney Scholarship
Jailine Carrion Class of 2026
Milton Scholarship
Xiang Chen Lin Class of 2028
Meet Surti Class of 2028
Lucille Meier Class of 2026
Alessandra Priante Class of 2028
Inji Kang Class of 2026
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Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship (ClearVision)
Lauren Hermina Class of 2027
Harold Spielman Scholarship
Christopher Melendez Class of 2028
Optical Community Scholarship
Melinda Morvai Class of 2026
Jailine Carrion Class of 2026
Harold & Sheila Wilshinsky Scholarship
Kendra Kim Class of 2025
Barbara Saltzman Scholarship
Yolette Bukai Class of 2028
Dr. Sanford and Claire Levy Scholarships (Central NY Foundation)
Kendall Carni Class of 2028
Eden Shiomos Class of 2027
Anna Camporese Class of 2025
Carlie Stalker Class of 2026
Victor Cardona Class of 2028
Dennis and Lesley Gehr Scholarship
Christian Colon Class of 2028
Dr. Jerome Weiss Scholarship
Laura Baldino Class of 2025
Jeff White Memorial Scholarship
Brian Song Class of 2025
Scott Tasker Folsom Scholarship
SeongEun Kim Class of 2026
Monica Van Duyne Class of 2026
Priya Felix Class of 2026
Lucille Meier Class of 2026
Gabriella Sinoway Class of 2026
Page Hazen Class of 2026
Niyati Boghani Class of 2026
Claire Goucher Class of 2026
Grace Ji Class of 2025
Arturo Vale Class of 2025
Christina Canellos Class of 2025
Melinda Morvai Class of 2026
Dr. Mark Feder Scholarship for Clinical Excellence in Primary Care
Katie Law Class of 2025
P. Gregory Hess Scholarship
Tahmina Keya Class of 2026
OCNY Scholarship for Clinical Excellence
Christina Canellos Class of 2025
Eyes on New York Scholarship
Angela Fasulo Class of 2028
Community Health Leaders Scholarship
Maisha Hoque Class of 2028
Dr. Harold Solan Memorial Scholarship
Sweta Patel Class of 2025
Mary & Samuel Gurkin Memorial Scholarship
Man Yi (Joyce) Gao Class of 2026
Philip & Sylvia Soden Memorial Scholarship
Zeke Bourgeois Class of 2027
President David A. Heath Academic Leaders Scholarship
Julianna Dolinski Class of 2025
Media contact: Rob Rosiello, communications@sunyopt.edu, 212-938-5600
