COMMENCEMENT2023
TUESDAY, MAY SECOND
TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-THREE
ONE O’CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON
CANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
The mission of Southern College of Optometry is to lead the profession by educating the best possible healthcare providers, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a personal commitment to service.
RDER OF COMMENCEMENT
PROCESSIONAL
Welcome
Lewis Reich, O.D., Ph.D.
PRESIDENT OF SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
50-Year Reunion Class Recognition
Lewis Reich, O.D., Ph.D.
PRESIDENT OF SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Class Address
Anna Britt
PRESIDENT OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Commencement Address
J. Martin Regan, Jr., J.D.
Christopher Borgman, O.D
Presentation of Candidate for Honorary Degree and Special Recognition
J. Bart Campbell, O.D. ’87
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS
PROFESSOR EMERITU S
J. Martin Regan, Jr., J.D.
Glen Steele, O.D. ’69
Presentation of Graduates for Special Recognition
J. Bart Campbell, O.D. ’87
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
CO-VALEDICTORIANS
The Optometric Oath
Wilson McGriff, O.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Laurel Mary Heskett
Seth Daniel Jones
Molly Laurana Marie McNally
Caroline M. Sutton
Presentation of Candidates for Graduation
J. Bart Campbell, O.D. ’87
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Conferring of Degrees
Lewis Reich, O.D., Ph.D.
PRESIDENT OF SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Honorary Placement of Hoods
Patrick Fiddler, O.D., ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
David Hall, O.D., ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Brian Knight, O.D. ’14, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Announcement of Graduates
Joseph H. Hauser, M.B.A.
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES
Military Service Commissioning Oath
Colonel (Ret.) U.S.A. Dean M. Swick
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES
RECESSIONAL
ANDIDATES FOR HONORARY DEGREES AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION
DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS
Upon approval of the Board of Trustees of the College, this honorary degree is conferred on those who have made outstanding contributions and have rendered distinguished service to the profession of optometry and to the field of visual science.
J. Martin Regan, Jr., J.D.
J. Martin Regan, Jr., J.D. is an attorney in the Lewis Thomason Law Firm. Mr. Regan has served as legal counsel to SCO since 1985. In addition to serving as general counsel to SCO, Mr. Regan serves as senior staff attorney to the City of Memphis, general counsel to the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and several other nonprofits in the Memphis community. He also serves as a director of Memphis Grizzlies Foundation, director of the Memphis Land Bank, Inc., director and officer of Alliance Healthcare Services, Inc., and director and officer of Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc.
Mr. Regan has received several honors, including the Edward F. Barry Award, the National Conference for Justice Humanitarian Award, and The Commercial Appeal’s “Sportsman of the Year” award for leading the pursuit team/Memphis Grizzlies NBA basketball team relocation from Vancouver. Mr. Regan was named the 2023 Municipal Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Memphis and has been named to The Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law, Municipal Law, and Public Finance Law.
PROFESSOR EMERITUS
Glen Steele,
O.D.
’69
Dr. Glen Steele joined SCO’s faculty following his graduation in 1969. When he retired in August 2022, his 53 year-service was the longest of any employee in SCO history.
Dr. Steele has dedicated his career to preparing future optometrists to provide patients the best possible eye and vision care. His extensive research and practice in pediatric optometry has made him one of the nation’s leading experts on the subject. He has made a remarkable difference, not only for those patients he’s personally served, but for tens of thousands of children across the country through his role in cofounding the InfantSEE® program.
He has received numerous awards and accolades, including receiving SCO’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and he was inducted into the American Optometric Association’s Optometry Hall of Fame as well as the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association Hall of Fame.
SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY ANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY
Weston Acosta Covington, Louisiana
Michelle Lynn Alaimo
Cincinnati, Ohio
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Jacob M. Allan
Deltona, Florida
Anna Elizabeth Anderson
McKenzie, Tennessee
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Madison Jenae Angell
Plains, Kansas
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Andrea Antic Cordova, Tennessee
CUM LAUDE
Nathaniel James Baggett
Brookland, Arkansas
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Linsey Alane Bergstrom
Atlanta, Georgia
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Kylie Marie Bible
Flintstone, Maryland
Samantha Ann Blanke
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Karli Ann Boober
Martinsburg, West Virginia
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Jacob Michael Bray
Bentonville, Arkansas
CUM LAUDE
Anna Britt
Lawrenceville, Georgia
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Alayna Jordan Brown
Pineville, Louisiana
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Celeste Bryant
Memphis, Tennessee
CUM LAUDE
Justin Tyler Buoch
Kenner, Louisiana
Kimberly Ann Carter
Fleming Island, Florida
Hsuan Ariel Chao
Vancouver, Canada
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Yuan Chen
Memphis, Tennessee
CUM LAUDE
Makayla Laree Cornwell-Young
Hampton, Virginia
CUM LAUDE
Amy Rhea Langford Cox
Hickman, Kentucky
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Gabrielle Marie Crockett
Walled Lake, Michigan
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Angelina Bich Huyen Dang
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Jacqueline Dang
South El Monte, California
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Charla Shea Darby
Enid, Mississippi
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Radhi Rajnikant Daya
Greenville, Mississippi
Aleece Kanai Dietz
Denver, Colorado
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Matthew John Eidom
Akron, Ohio
Sara Nicole Eveler
Granger, Indiana
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Hannah Mae Fairchild
Lexington, Kentucky
CUM LAUDE
Apryl Caralee Fincher
Tyler, Texas
CUM LAUDE
Katelyn Fleischman
Columbus, Ohio
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Jessica Nicole Fordyce
Parkersburg, West Virginia
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Christopher David Frampton Lehi, Utah
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Meredith Anne Fry
Milan, Tennessee
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Shalin Mukul Gandhi Parkersburg, West Virginia
Mary Hannah Byrd Garber Brandon, Mississippi
Ethan Gerstein Springhill, Tennessee
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Erin Geyer Frisco, Texas
CUM LAUDE
Emme Taylor Gilchrist
Kansas City, Missouri
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Alice E. Hanson
Clifton Park, New York
CUM LAUDE
William Harrison Davidson, North Carolina
Lane Eren Herndon
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Laurel Mary Heskett
Omaha, Nebraska
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Kimberlie Hodne Manning, Iowa
Hun Ki Hong Burke, Virginia
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Brie A. Hughes DuBois, Pennsylvania
CUM LAUDE
Maha H. Jabbar Louisville, Kentucky
Jessica Ginette Jacob
Orlando, Florida
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Mary Elizabeth Jones
Conway, Arkansas
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Seth Daniel Jones
Mocksville, North Carolina
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Edgar Fernando Judd
Cedar City, Utah
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Melisa Kalac
Jacksonville, Florida
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Jon-Erik Thomas Kampwerth
Carlyle, Illinois
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Chloe Inhye Kang
Duluth, Georgia
CUM LAUDE
Jamie Kao
Chantilly, Virginia
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Chan Yoon Kim
Duluth, Georgia
Will Steven Kreuser New Prague, Minnesota
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Tanner James LaFont Cutt Off, Louisiana
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Maria Claire Layton
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Phaedra Jane Lipsey
Ames, Iowa
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Madyson Nicole Locke
Albers, Illinois
CUM LAUDE
Terry Lam Lu
Jennings, Louisiana
CUM LAUDE
Jacqueline Malish Coppell, Texas
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Amira Marsid
Savannah, Georgia
CUM LAUDE
Morgan Mathis
Savannah, Tennessee
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Molly Laurana Marie McNally
Norfolk, Nebraska
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Lucas James Medeiros
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
CUM LAUDE
Tyler Benjamin Meek
Lehi, Utah
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Jacquelyn Renee Melton
Houston, Texas
Kristin Nichole Miller
Lewistown, Illinois
Coralis Dara Millien
Wellington, Florida
Caitlin Elise Millsaps
Knoxville, Tennessee
Cailey Ruth Mokry
Bartlett, Tennessee
Michelle Morrison
Moundridge, Kansas
Andrew Murphy
Fayetteville, Arkansas
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Jadyn Evelyn Anne Nelson
Karlstad, Minnesota
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Carlee Jo Nestrud
Oakdale, Minnesota
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Cam Tieu Ngo
Charlotte, North Carolina
CUM LAUDE
Nha Ngo
Biloxi, Mississippi
CUM LAUDE
Joanne Thanh Binh Nguyen
Houston, Texas
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Noam Nicholson
Seattle, Washington
CUM LAUDE
Gillian Norris
Lake City, Florida
Taylor Elizabeth O’Daniel
Mantee, Mississippi
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Lauren Olmstead
Millington, Michigan
Lindsey Kathryn Parnell
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Emily Noel Pratt
Middlesboro, Kentucky
Heather Carolyn Quintanilla
Winchester, Tennessee
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Jeelan Bassam Rahhal
Raleigh, North Carolina
Kendra Marie Raths
Sartell, Minnesota
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Adam James Reichert
St. Henry, Ohio
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Joelle Nicole Reitz
DuBois, Pennsylvania
CUM LAUDE
Aaron Renfrow
Nesbit, Mississippi
CUM LAUDE
Rachel C. Ressler
Phoenix, Arizona
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Elizabeth Ann Richardson
Owensboro, Kentucky
CUM LAUDE
Haven Louise Richardson
Wayne City, Illinois
Adiba Safi
Memphis, Tennessee
CUM LAUDE
Sakshi Sata
Marion, Arkansas
CUM LAUDE
Matthew Schroeder
Orlando, Florida
Nathaniel Schumm
Napoleon, Ohio
Kylie Noelle Scott
North Royalton, Ohio
CUM LAUDE
McKenna Rae Scott
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Karrie Irene Sestak
St. Paul, Nebraska
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Julia Ann Sewell
Cincinnati, Ohio
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Farhin Mohammadsalim Shaikh
Raleigh, North Carolina
Ashley Shannon
Frisco, Texas
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Nathan G. Sharp
Saint George, Utah
CUM LAUDE
Maverik Nicholas Shumway
Blanding, Utah
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Diana Tran Spring
Lafayette, Louisiana
Daniel Drennan Stacy
Franklin, Tennessee
CUM LAUDE
Cameron Steflik
Elko, Nevada
Kaitlyn Robin Streachek
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Caroline M. Sutton Warrenton, Virginia
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Rachel Swearingen Cordova, Tennessee
CUM LAUDE
Shane Talley Memphis, Tennessee
Mary Theresa Victoria Taormina North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Rim Tarzi
Toronto, Canada
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Olen Thomas Tatham III Canton, North Carolina
Natalie Helen Terryberry Elizabeth City, North Carolina
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Kalen Thompson Tarpon Springs, Florida
CUM LAUDE
Sarah Avera Thrower Meridian, Mississippi
CUM LAUDE
GRADUATING CLASS OFFICERS
Anna Britt, PRESIDENT
Jacqueline Malish, VICE PRESIDENT
Ariel Chao, SECRETARY
Kendra Raths, TREASURER
CLASS REPRESENTATIVES
Brie Hughes
Carolyn Tran
2022-23 SGA PRESIDENT
Anna Britt
Lindsey Morgan Tillery
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Carolyn Tran
Avondale, Louisiana
Khoathu Nguyen Tran
Lawrenceville, Georgia CUM LAUDE
Adam Treviño
San Antonio, Texas
Ashley Vu
New Orleans, Louisiana
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Tianyu Wang
Beijing, China
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Braiden Joseph Werth
Hays, Kansas CUM LAUDE
Jonathan Wetzel
Biloxi, Mississippi
Courtney Ann Whitlock
Springfield, Missouri
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Nicole Wohlfort
Fallston, Maryland
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Preston James Yahr
Germantown, Wisconsin CUM LAUDE
Michelle Zhu Yan Hillsdale, New Jersey
STUDENT AMBASSADORS
Anna Britt
Amy Cox
Emme Gilchrist
Jacqueline Malish
Adam Reichert
Kaitlyn Streachek
Thomas Tatham
Kalen Thompson
Braiden Werth
Michelle Yan
PTOMETRIC OATH
With full deliberation, I freely and solemnly pledge that:
I will practice the art and science of optometry faithfully and conscientiously, and to the fullest scope of my competence.
I will uphold and honorably promote by example and action the highest standards, ethics and ideals of my chosen profession and the honor of the degree, Doctor of Optometry, which is being granted me.
I will provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern, with compassion and with due regard for their human rights and dignity.
I will place the treatment of those who seek my care above personal gain and strive to see that none shall lack for proper care.
I will hold as privileged and inviolable all information entrusted to me in confidence by my patients.
I will advise my patients fully and honestly of all which may serve to restore, maintain or enhance their vision and general health.
I will strive continuously to broaden my knowledge and skills so that my patients may benefit from all new and efficacious means to enhance the care of human vision.
I will share information cordially and unselfishly with my fellow optometrists and other professionals for the benefit of patients and the advancement of human knowledge and welfare.
I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country and humankind as a citizen as well as an optometrist.
I hereby commit myself to be steadfast in the performance of this my solemn oath and obligation.
ETA SIGMA KAPPA
HONORARY SCHOLASTIC FRATERNITY
Membership in Beta Sigma Kappa is awarded annually to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
Michelle Alaimo
Anna Anderson
Madison Angell
Linsey Bergstrom
Samantha Blanke
Anna Britt
Alayna Brown
Hsuan Chao
Amy Cox
Gabrielle Crockett
Angelina Dang
Jacqueline Dang
Charla Darby
Aleece Dietz
Sara Eveler
Hannah Fairchild
Apryl Fincher
Katelyn Fleischman
Jessica Fordyce
Meredith Fry
Emme Gilchrist
Lane Herndon
Laurel Heskett
Hun Ki Hong
Jessica Jacob
Mary Beth Jones
Seth Jones
Melisa Kalac
Jamie Kao
Tanner LaFont
Phaedra Lipsey
Jacqueline Malish
Morgan Mathis
Molly McNally
Andrew Murphy
Jadyn Nelson
Cam Ngo
Joanne Nguyen
Noam Nicholson
Taylor O’Daniel
Heather Quintanilla
Kendra Raths
Adam Reichert
Joelle Reitz
OLD KEY HONORARY OPTOMETRIC SOCIETY
Rachel Ressler
Adiba Safi
Sakshi Sata
McKenna Scott
Karrie Sestak
Ashley Shannon
Kaitlyn Streachek
Caroline Sutton
Rim Tarzi
Natalie Terryberry
Kalen Thompson
Sarah Thrower
Lindsey Tillery
Khoathu Tran
Tianyu Wang
Braiden Werth
Courtney Whitlock
Nicole Wohlfort
Gold Key International is an honor society whose membership is restricted to ten percent of the fourth-year class. Membership is awarded to students demonstrating outstanding leadership and professional and ethical attitudes toward the College, the profession, and society. These members are recognized by wearing gold stoles with key insignia.
Katelyn Fleischman, PRESIDENT
Jacqueline Malish, VICE PRESIDENT
Nicole Wohlfort, SECRETARY
Lindsey Tillery, TREASURER
Anna Britt
Hsuan Chao
Amy Cox
Meredith Fry
Melisa Kalac
Kylie Scott
McKenna Scott
Carolyn Tran
Michelle Yan
LASS OF 2023 SENIOR AWARDS
The following graduates are being recognized for their outstanding academic and clinical accomplishments. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, these graduates are receiving awards, plaques, and optometric equipment to honor their achievements.
EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
NATIONAL BOARD OF EXAMINERS PART I AWARD
Seth Jones
Will Kreuser
NATIONAL BOARD OF EXAMINERS PART II AWARD
Seth Jones
EXCELLENCE IN ADULT PRIMARY CARE
NATIONAL VISION, INC. AWARD
Angelina Dang
DR. BERNARD L. KAHN MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Anna Britt
Coralis Millien
SOUTHERN COUNCIL OF OPTOMETRISTS (SECO) CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sarah Thrower
EXCELLENCE IN CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENT
LUCY KATHERINE BONE ORGAIN AWARD
Carlee Nestrud
Cam Ngo
Kaitlyn Streachek
CHRISTINE AND GEORGE DUCOTE, OD ’40 SCHOLARSHIP
Will Kreuser
DR. ROBERT AND EVELYN HENRY OUTSTANDING CLINICIAN AWARD
Adam Reichert
Jacob Bray
Carlee Nestrud
Nicole Wohlfort
Madyson Locke
Lauren Olmstead
Madison Angell
Elizabeth Richardson
Caitlin Millsaps
Kaitlyn Streachek
ESSILOR LABS OF AMERICA AWARD
Morgan Mathis
Heather Quintanilla
EXCELLENCE IN CONTACT LENS
BAUSCH & LOMB ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Molly McNally
SOUTHWEST CONTACT LENS SOCIETY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Mary Elizabeth Jones
Lindsey Tillery
JOHNSON & JOHNSON/AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC FOUNDATION
“AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN CONTACT LENS PATIENT CARE”
Karrie Sestak
EXCELLENCE IN LOW VISION REHABILITATION
DR. DEBORAH MOY THEIA VT/LOW VISION AWARD
Samantha Blanke
EXCELLENCE IN OCULAR DISEASE
DR. MOHAMMAD RAFIEETARY ACADEMIC AND CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
Adam Reichert
Taylor O’Daniel
OPTOMETRIC RETINA SOCIETY AWARD
Phaedra Lipsey
Coralis Millien
EXCELLENCE IN PEDIATRICS AND VISION THERAPY
ALICIA A. GROCE SCHOLARSHIP IN NEURO-REHABILITATION
Jacob Allan
GLEN T. STEELE, OD AND L. ALLEN FORS, OD DEVELOPMENTAL VISION ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Kimberlie Hodne
Nathaniel Baggett
THE SOUTHEAST VT FORUM SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF DR. SAM HORNER JR.
Heather Quintanilla
EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT RESEARCH
BURNETT ENDOWED AWARD FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN RESEARCH
Hsuan Ariel Chao
Samantha Blanke
Meredith Fry
FOR COMMITMENT OF SERVICE TO THE PROFESSION OF OPTOMETRY AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE
BAYS FAMILY ENDOWED SERVICE AWARD
Maria Layton
SUSAN GRISSOM MEMORIAL ENDOWED AWARD
Gabrielle Crockett
Maverik Shumway
JAMES “BEAU” WILLIS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Hannah Fairchild
Kylie Scott
SECO PAST PRESIDENTS ENDOWED AWARD
Nathan Sharp
DR. MARC A. KRANZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Michelle Morrison
CLASS OF 1967 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Katelyn Fleischman
Nicole Wohlfort
DR. DAVID P. SLOAN MEMORIAL AWARD
Mary Garber
SOUTHWEST COUNCIL OF OPTOMETRY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Seth Jones
SPARROW, EVANS, WAYMON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Jacqueline Malish
MAULDIN FAMILY MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Lucas Medeiros
DR. STANLEY M. DICKERSON ENDOWED LEADERSHIP AWARD
Lindsey Tillery
TO HONOR A GRADUATE’S COMMITMENT TO PURSUING PRIVATE PRACTICE OPTOMETRY
DR. WILLIAM M. DICKERSON ENDOWED LEADERSHIP AWARD
Charla Darby
KEVIN ROGERS, OD ’08 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AWARD
Lindsey Tillery
DR. FRED H. MOTHERSHED ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Nathaniel Baggett
Alayna Brown
WINSTON FAMILY ENDOWED AWARD
Edgar Judd
Alayna Brown
TOM AND LOUIS HYDE SCHOLARSHIP
Edgar Judd
Christopher Frampton
EDELSTEIN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Amy Cox
DR. JAMES D. SANDEFUR ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Tanner LaFont
Ashley Vu
HALPERN FAMILY ENDOWED AWARD
Nicole Wohlfort
SPIVEY FAMILY ENDOWED AWARD
Morgan Mathis
Sakshi Sata
2023 FACULTY AWARDS COMMITTEE
Cheryl E. Mengelt, O.D., CHAIR
Mary Hoang, O.D. ’14
Jennifer L. Jones, O.D. ’06
Aaron M. Kerr, O.D. ’98
Taylor Keys, O.D. ’12
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Christopher Borgman
Carrie D. Lebowitz, O.D. ’06
Daniel Powell, O.D., Ph.D.
Jennifer A. Sanderson, O.D.
Esla S. Speth, O.D. ’10
Marc B. Taub, O.D., Ed.D.
OUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
OUR FACULTY
PROFESSORS
Marie Bodack, O.D.
J. Bart Campbell, O.D. ’87
Mike Christensen, O.D., Ph.D.
Patricia M. Cisarik, O.D., Ph.D.
Daniel G. Fuller, O.D.
Michael D. Gerstner, O.D. ’97
Cynthia G. Heard, O.D.
John Mark Jackson, O.D. ’99
Christopher W. Lievens, O.D.
Lewis N. Reich, O.D., Ph.D.
Pamela Schnell, O.D. ’01
Marc B. Taub, O.D., Ed.D.
Lisa R. Wade, O.D. ’84
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS
Christopher J. Borgman, O.D.
Michael Dorkowski, O.D. ’04
Jason D. Duncan, O.D. ’96
Lindsay M. Elkins, O.D. ’07
Scott M. Ensor, O.D. ’01
Rachel Grant, O.D.
David Hall, O.D.
Kristina Haworth, O.D., Ph.D.
Jennifer L. Jones, O.D. ’06
Aaron M. Kerr, O.D. ’98
Carrie D. Lebowitz, O.D. ’06
Renna Lepine, O.D. ’11
Wilson McGriff, O.D.
Cheryl E. Mengelt, O.D.
Christina Newman, O.D.
Janette D. Pepper, O.D.
OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Daniel Powell, O.D., Ph.D.
Jennifer A. Sanderson, O.D.
Richard S. Savoy, O.D.
Beth Sparrow, O.D. ’98
Esla S. Speth, O.D. ’10
Karen Squier, O.D.
Mary Bartuccio-Valentino, O.D.
James E. Venable, O.D. ’89
Patricia Walker, O.D.
Gregory S. Wolfe, O.D.
Melissa Zarn, O.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS
Kristin Adams, O.D.
Theresa, Cassidy, O.D. ’18
Darah McDaniel-Chandler, O.D. ’16
Patrick Fiddler, O.D.
Glenn I. Goldring, O.D. ’78
Mary Hoang, O.D. ’14
Catherine Hogan, O.D. ’17
Laurel Kelley, O.D. ’18
Tyler Kitzman, O.D. ’16
Brian Knight, O.D. ’14
Lisa Koehler, O.D.
David Maze, O.D.
Morgan Ollinger, O.D.
Amy Perkins, O.D. ’11
Shaleen Ragha, O.D. ’16
Chawan Rasheed, O.D. ’20
Elyse Rayborn, O.D. ’20
Lily (Yueren) Wang, O.D.
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
William E. Cochran, O.D. ’68
Amanda Brewer-Lord, O.D. ’97 CHAIR
Allan L. Barker, O.D. ’75
Betty Harville Brown, O.D.
David A. Cockrell, O.D. ’81
Arthur R. Dampier, O.D. ’97
Anita Davis, Ph.D.
Vicki Farmer
Charles G. Glaser, O.D. ’74
Mark R. Kapperman, O.D. ’87
Charles W. Kinnaird, O.D.
James K. Kirchner, O.D.
Jennifer E. Lyerly, O.D. ’11
Stacey J. Meier O.D. ’84
Lynn T. Shaw
Christopher W. Wroten, O.D. ’02
Michael Dorkowski, O.D. ’04
FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE
Andrew B. Murphy, ’24
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
OUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
OUR MISSION, OUR STUDENTS, OUR IMPACT
Established in Memphis in 1932, SCO is a nationally renowned, private, nonprofit educational institution offering a four-year post-baccalaureate program in optometry. With the Class of 2023 representing 32 different states and two other countries, SCO continues its tradition of recruiting and educating highly qualified students who now will enter the profession of optometry.
Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and its associated structures, as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions. Optometrists use prescription glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, low vision aids, and pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of ocular disease. Optometrists are the major providers of primary eye care in America, with approximately 38,000 of them nationwide.
As one of only two dozen U.S. graduate optometry programs, SCO takes pride in its academic excellence and extensive pre-graduation clinical experience for its students. The Eye Center at SCO provides care to thousands of patients each year in midtown Memphis. The college’s Clinical Programs also serve additional patients through a number of external programs throughout the community, including vision screenings for school children throughout Shelby County. The college’s nursing home program takes geriatric care to seniors.
External clinical care opportunities reach a variety of patient segments, including SCO’s University Eye Care, a full optometry practice located on the University of Memphis campus, and FocalPoint at Crosstown Concourse. SCO additionally operates a mobile vision exam program
called MobilEyes. Using a large recreational vehicle retrofitted with two complete optometric exam lanes and an optical materials display, the unit’s capacity can provide comprehensive care to as many as 20 patients a day.
Graduates in the Class of 2023 finished their fourth year at SCO by serving on three clinical rotations at externship sites around the country in a variety of private practice and institutional settings. Many of today’s graduates will go on to complete a residency program to further their educational training. Today’s graduates were first-year students when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. They spent most of their optometry school experience navigating the complexities of this public health crisis. We salute their dedication and commitment to reaching today’s milestone in their journey to becoming ODs.
Today’s graduates will join distinguished alumni who serve in leadership roles throughout their profession and within thousands of communities across the nation. Fourteen SCO alumni have served as president of the American Optometric Association. The expertise that today’s graduates gained here in Memphis will impact the eye and vision health of the public across the nation as they join 7,000 fellow alumni who practice in all 50 states and abroad.
SCO welcomes this opportunity for friends and family to join us in celebrating the success of the Class of 2023. Today’s ceremony is being livestreamed and recorded for posterity via YouTube. You may share your photos and memories from today’s event by using the #SCOgrad2023 hashtag on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Today’s graduates thank you for your attendance and support through their time at Southern College of Optometry.
CADEMIC REGALIA
The history of academic dress reaches back to the Middle Ages and the early days of the first universities. Those institutions were founded by the Church; and the students, being clerics, were obliged to wear their clerical gowns and caps for symbolic reasons (and probably for warmth, as well).
Through the ages, these costumes have changed to accommodate fashion and to identify the academic attainments and affiliations of the wearer. The once round cap has been transformed into a square mortarboard; and the cowl, originally attached to the gown and used interchangeably as a hood, a shoulder cape and a bag for the collection of alms, has become a separate colorful hood.
Academic dress no longer has religious significance, nor is it necessary for warmth. But it continues to reflect the level of the wearer’s academic degree, the field of study in which it was earned, and the institution which awarded it.
The cap, or mortarboard, is always black. The tassel is black or it may be the color of the major field of learning. Doctors and governing officials of institutions may wear gold tassels.
Gowns are usually black, but the way they are worn and their cut distinguishes the wearer’s academic degree. The bachelor’s gown is worn closed and its distinguishing characteristic is the long pointed sleeves. The master’s and doctor’s gowns may be worn open or closed. The master’s gown has oblong sleeves that are square in back and have an arc cut away in the front. The doctor’s gown is an elaborate costume marked by velvet panels down the front and around the neck. The bell-shaped sleeves are adorned with three velvet bars.
The hood is the most distinctive and symbolic feature of the costume. Its size and shape indicate the wearer’s degree; its satin lining displays the colors of the institution which awarded the degree; and its velvet collar reflects the color of the academic discipline.
Seafoam green is the color for Optometry and can be seen in the velvet trim of the hoods of the graduates. The satin lining of the hood is royal blue and gold, the colors of Southern College of Optometry.
Decorative cords of various colors may be worn by candidates who are graduating with honors. White reflects that the wearer is graduating cum laude, silver is for magna cum laude, and blue/gold signifies summa cum laude, the highest honor. Other honors include: royal blue worn by SGA and class officers; black and black/gold representing membership in Beta Sigma Kappa Honorary Scholastic Fraternity; and gold stoles embroidered with a black key is worn by members of Gold Key Honorary Optometric Society, the highest honor for leadership a student of optometry can achieve.
The mace is a heavy staff, carried by a dignitary as an ensign of his/her authority. The bearer leads the processional/recessional of the ceremony.
ounded in 1932, the college has built upon a remarkable history and produced some of the nation’s outstanding optometrists, a legacy that continues to flourish with each graduating class.
J. J. HORTON, M.D. Founder and President, 1932-1937
WILBURN R. CRAMER, M.D., D.O.S. President, 1937-1961
M. E. BROOME, PH.D. President, 1961-1965
SPURGEON B. EURE, O.D. ’54 President, 1965-1984
WILLIAM E. COCHRAN, O.D. ’68 President, 1984-2007
RICHARD W. PHILLIPS, O.D. ’78 President, 2007-2015
LEWIS N. REICH, O.D., PH.D. President
1245
MADISON AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38104
