91 graduates earn degrees alongside honorary degree recipients Dr. Stephen Burns and Richard E. Feinbloom
Keynote address given by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 30, 2024
New York, NY: The State University of New York College of Optometry held its 50th commencement last Thursday for 91 Class of 2024 graduates earning PhD, OD, and MS degrees during an in-person ceremony at the historic Gotham Hall. The ceremony was also broadcast virtually reaching over 25,000 views.
The ceremony began with the College’s official mace being carried by Dr. Matthew Bovenzi, Presiding Officer of the Faculty Executive Committee, who led the procession. Upon taking the stage, President Dr. David A. Heath reflected during his opening remarks that this class came together in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, to persevere and thrive for the next four years leading up to this momentous day. “As you enter your professional careers, you are doing so at a time when there is a tremendous demand by society for your knowledge, your skills, and perhaps more than ever, your compassion,” Dr. Heath noted, “Where ever you go, I am very confident that you will serve your patients and the public well.” He then added on a personal note, “Each of you has a wonderful profession ahead of you, with 50 years of SUNY Optometry graduates to continue to cheer you on and support you in every phase of your career. You also hold a special place, with me, because you are my final graduating class.” Recognizing Dr. Heath’s upcoming retirement from the College, he was presented with an endowed and enduring scholarship in his honor, created from donations made by members of the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation board, College Council, alumni, and industry partners.
The audience then heard from Class President Dr. Margaret Fernicola who offered a heart-felt tribute and call to action. “Today we join the esteemed ‘club’ of helping professions. Helping is a part of the human experience and what a privilege it is to join a profession that fulfills, what I believe to be, an innate drive in all of us. I am very proud to be counted among you today, and I look forward to witnessing all the wonderful doctors you will all become. Please, never stop helping.”
The featured keynote address given by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. spoke of the importance of optometry in the healthcare profession and of how it offers the opportunity to change lives. He spoke of the ways that SUNY Optometry was a ‘Hidden Gem’ in the ‘SUNY Crown.’ “This is a vital institution for the health and well-being of the entire state of New YorkChancellor King included a personal story noting the ‘gift’ of teachers in his life who identified his need for vision care that led to his first pair of eyeglasses. “Do as much as you can to make sure that every child has the vision health that gives them the best possible chance at a great education and a great life.”
Additionally, SUNY Optometry celebrated two honorary degree recipients: Dr. Stephen Burns who received the doctor of science, honoris causa, degree in recognition of his inspirational work and dedication to vision research; and Mr. Richard E. Feinbloom, a SUNY College of Optometry Foundation Board Member and President of Designs for Vision, who received a doctor of humane letters, honoris causa.
“It’s been a real privilege to be able to work in our field,” Dr. Burns humbly noted. “It’s a wonderful field that ties together people with all sorts of backgrounds, all trying to learn more, and do more, for people of the world.”
Mr. Feinbloom gave an emotional speech that acknowledged his family and his late father, Dr. William Feinbloom, a world renown optometrist. He went on to address the Class of 2024 by saying, “As new doctors of optometry, remember to never lose sight of your Optometric Oath, to serve the community and that none shall lack for proper care.”
Among the College’s newest alumni are 2 master of vision science degree recipients, 1 advanced certificate in optometry business management, 1 PhD recipient in vision science, 5 OD/MS recipients and 12 doctor of optometry graduates who additionally completed a microcredential program in a specialized area of vision care. 23 members of the class were also recognized with awards for academic achievement, research, and service.
For more information about academic programs, residency, and patient care at SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.
To donate to the Presidential Scholarship or any of our other initiatives that help improve lives and help people see better each day, visit www.sunyopt.edu/giving
Contact: Rob Rosiello, communications@sunyopt.edu
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About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. All classrooms, research facilities and the University Eye Center, which is one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, are located on 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.