(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — 92 members of the State University of New York College of Optometry Class of 2026 came together to celebrate a major milestone on the way to becoming eye doctors during a White Coat Ceremony hosted on campus and broadcast virtually on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Signifying a traditional rite of passage, the White Coat Ceremony symbolizes the transition of third-year optometric students from classes, practice labs and coursework to clinical patient care in The University Eye Center. Starting in the third year, the student focus becomes more centered on patient care under the supervision of faculty and in preparation for the final year of externships.
WATCH CEREMONY
Dr. Michael McGovern, ’97, chief medical officer for the University Eye Center hosted the event, giving his opening remarks and providing a history of the importance and symbolism represented by the white medical coat. He noted that at the turn of the 20th Century, “Medicine moved to bioscience, and this transition to a more scientific approach to modern medicine would culminate by physicians adopting the most recognizable symbol of science, the white laboratory coat.” Dr. McGovern introduced SUNY Optometry president, Dr. David A. Heath, who was marking his 17th and final White Coat Ceremony before retiring at the end of June.
Dr. McGovern then introduced Dawn Rigney, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director, SUNY College of Optometry Foundation Board. “There is an underlying support wrapped around you as you make this journey and this transition,” Ms. Rigney noted, speaking on behalf of the Foundation Board and the Alumni Association, “There are over 3600 alumni who are your silent champions. They are here to support you. Leverage them as you move through your clinical journey and beyond. They want you to succeed, because your success is also their success.”
Other ceremony speakers included: Nicholas Premnauth, president of the Class of 2026; Dr. Suresh Viswanathan, chair, department of biological and vision sciences; Dr. Michael Sullivan-Mee, chair, department of clinical education; Dr. David Troilo, vice president and dean for academic affairs; and Liduvina Martinez-Gonzalez, FACHE, executive director and vice president for clinical administration.
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During the ceremony, members of the Class of 2026 were individually draped in white coats by University Eye Center clinic area chiefs, including Dr. Matthew Bovenzi, Dr. Mariana Butera, Dr. Shelby Leach, Dr. Daniella Rutner, Dr. Amy Steinway and Dr. Diane Calderon-Villanueva. Led by Naela Naasan, SUNY AOSA Trustee and Christina Chan, NYSOA student chapter president, the coating ceremony was followed by reciting “The Optometric Oath”—a statement recognizing and affirming the values and ethical responsibilities to patients, colleagues, fellow health providers and the public the students will serve.
Every year, the class is asked to select a faculty member to address them at this joyous ceremony. The Class of 2026 selected Dr. Joan Portello, ’86. “A degree is only a license to learn. Your patients are your greatest teachers. Your faculty give you guidance, but listen to your patients. They will provide so much information to you and will help you on your way to be a professional. Always be vigilant on how you can change and improve. Never stop learning.”
The SUNY Optometry Alumni Association generously provided the white coats noting their support of the students through their journey to become optometrists.
To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit here.
