Visions Alumni Magazine - Winter 2020

Visions ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Winter 2020

Kapperman Family Establishes Scholarship Honoring Dr. Betty Harville PAGE 14

COVID Update Page 4

New Donor Recognition Page 15

Vietnam Memories Page 20

Gratitude

As challenging a year as 2020 may have been, SCO’s mission remains the same. Our students and employees join in expressing gratitude to our many alumni and friends whose generosity throughout the years helped SCO prepare for weathering a storm like the pandemic.

Our supporters have never been more appreciated.

Your commitment to optometric education is making a difference when it counts most. Your visit to sco.edu/give will help our students into 2021 and beyond as SCO prepares the next generation of optometrists to succeed.

A MESSAGE FROM

Our President

ALUMNI MAGAZINE Winter 2020

for their patient care encounters.

SCO was their first choice of

Our faculty and staff have

optometry schools because of

embraced new technologies and

our welcoming and supportive

incorporated staggered schedules

atmosphere, our outstanding

and social distancing into their

clinical programs, and the proven

daily routines.

track record of our students to perform well academically,

Yes, some of the challenges were daunting. Several students and

scores.

Until the pandemic subsides, we

As 2020 comes to a close, it’s

memory, the college ended its

know that the immediate future

safe to say that this year was

fiscal year with a loss. Patient

will continue to be challenging.

unlike any experienced in SCO’s

care looks different today than it

However, our alumni and friends

88-year history. The COVID-19

did at the start of the year after

can take pride in knowing that

crisis impacted us all. Colleges and

we incorporated the necessary

SCO’s talented students are joined

universities were particularly hit

precautions to keep us all safe.

by a dedicated group of faculty

disease posed a specific challenge to institutions of higher learning with lecture halls filled with hundreds of young people. For health professions, the additional

that we can to thrive. The same

so much better than many other

commitment to quality and

colleges and universities. We

high standards will continue to

started the fall semester with a

motivate and guide us.

organizations say that your

this issue, we were able to award

support makes the difference.

more first-year scholarships than

At SCO, we mean it, because

We’ve all learned and adapted

ever before. We reached the

we hear from students that a

in 2020, but perhaps the

24-year mark of going without

scholarship made the difference

greatest thing we’ve seen at

a federal student loan default.

in being able to attend the top

SCO is the ability of a large

National Board numbers have

optometry school of their choice.

group of dedicated individuals

been released, and SCO's ultimate

Your support truly counts. We’re

to work together to meet this

passage rate was 98.5%! The

more appreciative than ever, and

historic challenge head on. Since

national rate for all schools was

we intend to continue earning

our reopening in June, SCO’s

92%, and SCO had the highest

your support in 2021. On behalf

resilience can inspire all of us.

ultimate passage rate of all the

of the entire SCO community, may

Our students have adapted in

schools and colleges of optometry.

the New Year be a healthier and

spite of the stresses of remote learning and working with PPE

Erin Jaffe VISUAL DESIGNER

Philip Tribble Melissa Hansbro

BOARD CHAIR

Ryan Powell, OD ’02 BOARD MEMBERS

Amanda Brewer-Lord, OD ’97 David A. Cockrell, OD ’81 Steven L. Compton, OD ’78 Anita Davis, PhD Mark Kapperman, OD ’87 Jennifer Lyerly, OD ’11 Stacey J. Meier, OD ’84 Dave Sattler Lynn T. Shaw, AWMA A. L. Spivey III, OD ’67 Stuart J. Thomas, OD ’84 Leticia W. Towns, FACHE Terry L. Tucker, OD ’84 Chris W. Wroten, OD ’02 FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE

Wilson McGriff, MPH, OD

SCO history. As you’ll read in

complexity.

Susan Doyle WEBSITE AND SOCIAL NETWORKING MANAGER

full entering class which had the You’ve no doubt heard many

encounters added an additional

Jim Hollifield SENIOR CREATIVE DESIGNER

and staff members in doing all Yet through it all, SCO has fared

highest GPA and OAT scores in

presence of live patient care

George Miller, CFRE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

CREATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR

19. For the first time in recent

hard. The infectious nature of the

Lewis Reich, OD, PhD VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

including their National Board

employees contracted COVIDLEWIS REICH, OD, PH.D.

PRESIDENT

brighter one for us all.

Newly recruited prospective students continue to tell us that

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Tessa Lau, ’22

Visions is a magazine for alumni, faculty, staff, and other friends of Southern College of Optometry.

It is published through the Office of Institutional Advancement.

A digital version is available online at sco.edu/visions.

Please forward comments, address changes, and contributions to: Institutional Advancement 1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38104-2222 800-238-0180, ext. 4

sco.edu @SCOnews

@southerncollegeofoptometry

southerncollegeofoptometry

SCOedu

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SCO Tackles COVID-19 Successfully operating a college campus is no small feat in ordinary times, much less in an unprecedented global pandemic. Like other colleges and universities around the country, SCO has worked diligently to adapt and respond to the daily demands of safely working around COVID-19.

As the campus prepared to reopen in the summer, a COVID19 testing operation was set up in the Activity Center as a local health group tested all students, faculty, staff, and new residents.

A small number of students tested positive as Memphis was caught up in the summer spike of infections.

An aggressive pre-screening protocol was implemented to take temperatures and ask about symptoms or exposure risks

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at three key entry points to the tower and The Eye Center.

Didactic instruction resumed virtually after having been successfully implemented for the duration of the spring semester.

A rigorous use of personal protective equipment and daily cleaning procedures allowed interns to resume lab and clinical assignments as the summer semester was successfully completed. Throughout July and August, SCO President Lewis Reich, OD, PhD, and the college’s President’s Council of key leaders

met weekly to plan for a first-year class becoming a part of the SCO family like no other entering class before it.

The Class of 2024 successfully quarantined before all 136 students passed their COVID19 tests in late August. Key components of the traditional two-day Orientation sessions were recorded in advance. A shortened and socially distanced Orientation event allowed new students to begin meeting each other in four groups as they picked up their white coats and

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2 equipment and participated in icebreaker events.

In September, a successful mock exam with our new students demonstrated that the college was ready for the return of in-person exams for students.

Spread out across four different locations with proctors assisting faculty, exams and midterms have been safely administered.

The sight of masked students taking their exams together marked another milestone to boost morale on campus.

COVID UPDATE Surveys administered during the summer and to the new students in the fall noted a high level of anxiety, a common effect of the pandemic reported at other colleges throughout the nation.

If studying and passing exams is stressful during normal times, student life during COVID-19 has taken on higher than normal anxieties.

To help students adjust, the college’s Academic Support Services worked to share counseling resources. Virtual lunch groups and other activities were designed to offer students the opportunity to talk with one another and build a support system to support each other.

1

With high rates of COVID-19 infection continuing in the Memphis area, patient care capacity remains at 50 percent at SCO’s three clinical locations.

The MobilEYES unit was adapted to dispense frames for patients outdoors, enabling Clinical Programs to concentrate more safely on patients arriving for appointments inside.

Saturday clinics were added at intervals throughout the fall. Each saw care provided to more than 100 patients and boosted patient care encounters for a significant number of interns.

Elsewhere, student recruitment is well underway for next year’s entering class. Virtual interviews have proven extremely successful with prospective students, although small, socially distanced tours have been arranged on Saturdays when campus traffic is lighter. Student Ambassador Marie Huegel, ’21, recorded a complete tour of The Eye Center and the SCO campus, with the video proving useful for prospective students to view in advance on the college’s YouTube channel.

In October, free flu shots were offered on campus. SCO’s Board of Trustees gathered off campus for an in-person, socially distanced meeting after convening virtually in the spring. SCO’s Campus Store started selling different masks branded with the college’s logo. Digital and traditional signs around campus reminded

everyone to wear their masks, wash their hands, and maintain a social distance.

Compared to other colleges, SCO has fared remarkably well with a small number of infections among students and employees. As a healthcare profession, optometry is well suited to teach students about their role in keeping each other and their patients safe.

Looking ahead, the entire campus will be tested again upon return from the winter break. Lab groups will enlarge to allow more students to participate with each other. Whether a vaccine arrives in the spring or beyond, the college continues to respond to the challenges caused by a pandemic.

Above all, the same sense of community that helps make SCO a top choice for optometry students is helping the campus thrive under difficult circumstances.

Everyone at SCO is committed to working together to maintain our focus on the academic and clinical standards that will carry SCO into its 90th year in 2022.

1 ) New students in the Class of 2024 participated in a shortened and socially distanced Orientation.

2) To help introduce the Class of 2024 to the rest of the campus, a display featuring each student’s photo and undergraduate institution was installed on the fourth floor along with panels sharing class facts.

3) Until it’s safe to gather the entire first-year class for their traditional group white coat photo, individual photos were staged outdoors with the campus as a backdrop.

4) Stephen Wetick, OD ’08, talks to interns in The Eye Center. Patient care resumed on campus in the summer.

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FIRST YEAR HONORS

First-Year Scholarships Thanks to the generosity of SCO’s alumni and friends, the college awarded a record 88 scholarships totaling more than $660,000 to members of the first-year class.

SCO expanded the number of scholarships from 73 the year prior and 36 two years ago, reflecting the college’s commitment to attracting top prospects. To our alumni

FRONT: Samantha Thompson (IA), Amanda Rohrs (WI), Emily

Faccin (MI) | BACK: Kelsey Daberkow (NE), Addy Adkisson (TN), Mallory Wright (NC)

Madison Schnell (MI), Natalia Gorski (MD), Jenna Getman (FL)

FRONT: Grace Gillispie (TN), Emily Kyle (KS), Linda Luu (NC)

| BACK (L-R) Noble Chun (FL), Ben Friedman (FL), Cameron Cramer (TX), Zachary James (TN) | BACK:

FRONT: Creighton Ladd (KY), Mallory Gilmer (AL)

Austin Brian (KY), Josh Kavanagh (KS), Zach Groves (WA), Peter Anderton (UT)

FRONT: Morgan Heimes (NE), Katelyn Miller (IA), Tracie Thibault

|

(KS) BACK: Katelyn Perez (IA), Sabina Banit (GA), Andrea

Black (MS)

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FRONT: Katie Whaley (TN), Laurie Niederbrach (IL), Macy Lewis

(NC) | MIDDLE: Aideen McEnaney (MO), Jessica Rischling (NE) | BACK: Jacob Blackman (NC), Tanner Harsin (NE)

Set Record and friends who have supported SCO’s scholarship program, your gifts strengthen the college’s recruiting effort.

Having just passed their COVID-19 tests, this year’s award recipients briefly unmasked at Orientation for their photos. They included (pictured L-R):

FRONT: Jenna Kokkat (IL), Dao Nguyen (LA), Charne’ Ellis

(AK); | BACK: Maxwell Prosser (IL), Tanisha Perlmutter (MN), Kate Stubbs (OR)

FRONT: Anna Osborn (IL), Brooke Penn (KS), Clara Lee (MI)

FRONT: Alexis Anderson (CO), Emma Panning (MN), Nancy Fisher

| MIDDLE: Hannah Starr (FL), Tori Pierce (NC) | BACK:

Andrew Murphy (NE)

(LA) | MIDDLE: (L-R) Derek Anderson (TN), Spencer Robertson (UT) | BACK: Donnie Koonce (NC), Shivam Patel (TN)

FRONT: Raeghan DeCuir (LA), Jessie Scheid (VA), Serena

FRONT: Ashley Lemonds (MO), Minyoung Kim (FL), Weronika

McArthur (TX) | MIDDLE: Alexandra Smith (IL), Michael Bifano (MI) | BACK: Kimberly Cao (MI), Katie Doan (OK)

Przepiora (FL) | BACK: Eliel Trejo (KS), Cory Zwahlen (ID), Patrick Huettemann (AL), Matthew Moe (SD)

FRONT: Joseph Bateman (AL), Madison Bailey (TN), Shae

Wilson (WV) | BACK: Philip Brock (TN), Kellianne Huffman (TX), Matthew Theirl (MN) VISIONS

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SCO HOSTS VIRTUAL Scholarships were presented to students, along with recognition of faculty and staff. Receiving Faculty of the Year Awards were:

CLASS OF 2021 Clinical.......................................... Catherine Hogan, OD ’17 Didactic......................................... Taylor Keys, OD ‘12

CLASS OF 2022 Clinical.......................................... Christina Newman, OD Didactic......................................... John Mark Jackson, OD ’99

The college hosted a virtual Convocation ceremony in September in lieu of the traditional campus-wide gathering. SCO President Lewis Reich, OD, PhD, introduced the event, with award presentations announced by Awards Committee Chair, Taylor Keys, OD ’12.

CLASS OF 2023 Clinical.......................................... Betty Harville, OD Didactic......................................... John Mark Jackson, OD ’99

BSK TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Clinical.......................................... Mary Hoang, OD ’14 Didactic................... Scott Ensor: OD ‘01 John Mark Jackson was additionally recognized by his faculty peers with the Burnett Faculty Recognition Award, an honor bestowed on Dr. Jackson several times in recent years by his colleagues.

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The Class of 2021 chose Dr. Catherine Hogan

Graduation Tributes

’17 as their

Alumni, friends, and parents alike helped celebrate

Clinical Faculty of the Year

this year’s graduating class by making tribute

recipient.

donations in honor of the class. Many alumni sponsored students from their hometown or undergraduate alma mater and sent words of wisdom and encouragement as the class culminated their four-year journey.

Dr. John Mark Jackson ’99 was

We are pleased to acknowledge each of these donors for their support. Alumni can be

named Didactic

on the lookout in Spring 2021 for the opportunity to make a similar impact on the next

Faculty of the Year for the

graduating class!

Classes of 2022

Utham P. Balachandran, OD ’13

Steven E. Goldenberg, OD ’97

Jaymini Nayee, OD ’08

Ron M. Bannister, OD ’77

Glenn I. Goldring, OD ’78, and Jamie Goldring

Michael Neff, OD ’68, and Jane Neff

J. Randall Goodman, OD ’79, and Elizabeth Endicott Goodman, OD ’79

James M. Newman, III, OD ’73, MS

and 2023.

Allan L. Barker, OD ’75 and Susan Barker Sharon Berger Moscow, OD ’80, and Billy S. Moscow, OD ’78 Larry W. Bloomingburg, OD ’75 William C. Branan, OD ’49 Dr. Betty Harville was the Class of 2021 Clinical Faculty of the Year recipient.

Dorothy Brodmann, OD ’90 Kendria Cartledge, OD ’10 Betsy L. Cathey, OD ’01 William E. Cochran, OD ’68, and Carolyn Cochran William C. Coffee, OD ’72, and Mrs. Dixie T. Coffee Walter F. Cygan, OD ’69 Daniel D. David, OD ’78

A full listing of Basic and Clinical Science Awards, Military Services Scholarships, Class Scholarships, Alumni and Friends Awards, State and Professional Association Awards, and additional awards from Corporate Partners and the Ophthalmic Industry may be found on SCO’s website along with a recording of the virtual ceremony.

Tommy J. Ducklo, OD ’78 Van M. Dunn, OD ’79 Devin Duval, OD ’14 Lillian Fasman, OD ’15 Cecily Freeman Phillip A. Gelwick, OD ’76 Charles G. Glaser, OD ’74, and Cathy Glaser

Neil R. Gurwitz, OD ’50 Garry Haas, OD ’67 Ronald D. Hall, OD ’74 Jordan L. Hamric, OD ’17 Kamil A. Hill, OD ’19 Brian D. Hinkley, OD ’81 Edward R. Hoge, Jr., OD ’67 Sherrie E. Holman, OD ’91 Mona G. Howard Donald P. Humphrey, OD ’72 John J. Hutnick, OD ’80 Harold L. Jennings, OD ’64 Steve and Brenda Johnson Michael D. Jones, OD ’71 Christopher Keefer

Jerry M. Overall, OD ’66 Dawn Rakich, OD ’83 Bradley J. Richlin, OD ’17 Frank E. Roofe, III, OD ’80 Walter S. Rose, OD ’90 F. Mason Smith, OD ’76 Hosea J. Soileau, Jr., OD ’79 Terry M. Swinger, OD ’64 Chuck and Rebecca Taylor Kelsey L. Teneycke, OD ’19 Tammy Pifer Than, OD ’95 Domenico Trocchi, OD ’91 Christina Vranich, OD ’09 Kenneth A. Weinberg, OD ’77 Ray D. Williams, OD ’66 Lauren Windham, OD ’10

Alexander J. Leong, OD ’18 Kristopher A. May, OD ’01 Kevin and Lee-Anne Miskowski

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SEEKING A NEW ASSOCIATE?

Introducing SCO’s Class of 2021 Kory Allen

Pooja Alloju

Richard Barnes

Emily Barron

TX TN LA

TX

AR

AL GA MA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Courtney Beaumont FL

Shandi Beckwith

Monica Bhula

Daniel Bloemer

CO UT WA

TX FL NC

KY TN NC

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Clarissa Burns

Cameron Byergo

Savannah Caro

Lindsey Caudle

Elsie Chang

CO CA

OK

TN KY WV

UT CO TN

Chisom Chukwumerije

Aspen Chun

OH IN KY

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

MI GA IL

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Samantha Ellington-Harris

Brittany Darnley

Samantha Davis

Whitney Driver

Brianna Easton

Hunter Edwards

Jonathan Eide

Tara Elam

PA VA WV

SC FL TN

NE MO TN

VA

MS

TN FL CO

TN KY MS

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

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OH UT GA

IA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Zeke Grissom

Jake Haberman

Kristy Heath

James Hildebrand

Eva Hudson

Marie Huegel

TN

IA CO MN

SC GA NC

SC TX NM

AR

NC VA SC

IL WI IN

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

VISIONS

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Jonathan Ismond

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed our introduction of the Class of 2020 back in what would have been the Spring issue of Visions. In these uncertain times, the Hayes Center of Practice Excellence has been working well in advance with next year’s graduates, as well as the rest of SCO’s students, to provide career counseling and placement services.

Because the Hayes Center has been prioritizing post-graduation plans earlier in the four-year program, we’re pleased to introduce next year’s graduates, along with a notation of those who were planning residencies at presstime.

Additionally, each senior was asked to list three states which most interested them in possibilities for practicing after graduation. To our alumni, please take a moment to familiarize yourselves with next year’s graduates and their states of interest.

Please contact Dr. Lisa Wade, ’84, or Mike McKeever in the Hayes Center if you’re interesting in sharing your practice opportunities as we encourage our seniors to plan ahead for their postgraduation success in 2021.

Jesse Boles

Logan Bone

Scott Bothwell

Rachel Briggs

Bret Brill

Trevor Brock

Nicole Brown

Cadence Brunzlick

KY IN TN

AR TN LA

AZ ID TX

LA TX AR

MA NY CT

KS MO CO

VA

CO UT WI

Alexis Clay-Hogan

Marly Coleman

Lindsey Coley

Grant Criger

Lauren Criswell

Tommy Cung

Trent Daiber

PA NY NJ

TN GA NC

TN GA VA

AR MO OK

AR TN CO

MD

AR

Dianna Elrod

Malena EricksonLandon

Hannah Fann

Ishan Gandhi

Elizabeth George

Lindsey George

Anna Girsky

Meredith Goforth

MD

WV VA TN

FL GA TN

AR GA

TN

TN NC SC

IA

NM MT CO

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Nathan Jackson

Kenneth Jarrett

Nathaniel Jensen

Sophia Johnson

Dylan Johnston

Ethan Jones

Leslie Jones

ID NE CT

AR

UT

GA

SK AB BC

VT

TN MS LA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Stephanie Jones

Meade Kendrick

Bert Ketchum

Autumn Killop

Ye Ji Kim

TX UT VA

TN

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

MI

GA

Mackenzie Kirkpatrick

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

TX

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Emily Knobbe NE

Casey Krug TN NC CO

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Zach Lott

Chelsea Lula

Katelyn Marks

Alexandria Marsh

Stephanie Martich

Mario Martinez

NE MI MO

GA SC WI

GA FL CO

TN NC CO

GA SC TN

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Charles Newcomer

Katherine Mathews LA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Michelle Nagro

Marina Naguib

Anita Nguyen

Natalie Nibert

Neda Norouzi

Joshua Oliver

Casey Oltman

SC

TN NC SC

FL GA

LA OK MO

AZ GA CA

TN VA IN

WA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Michael Sayonh

Arianna Schabauer

NC

MT ID CO

Noelle Schmitter-Schrier

Cubdeerix Robinson MS TN LA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Breeley Sellier

Eliza Seros

MS LA

VA MI GA

TX LA NV

RRESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Lauren Watson

AZ CA CO

Shelvi Shah

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Mark Sullivan

Tim Szu

Catherine Thomas

John Tompkins

Jordan Ukena

Alec Waters

TX

LA

GA NC SC

IA MO KS

NE IA CO

MD PA MA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Emily Laga

Lorin Larson

Riley Laster

Samantha Lee

Joseph LeMay

FL SC NC

MN

TN AR MS

GA MN NC

TN

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Andrew Leto

Anna LetsonLansdell

Carlos Liranzo

MS

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Madeleine McBain

Lindsey McCallon

Eliza McCauley

Athena Mears

Garet Miliner

Emily Moody

Maddison Moulico

MI OH IN

UT CO TX

TN KY FL

SC TN MD

MN IA WI

AR TN

CT NH RI

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Theresa Osborne

Junhwan Park

Paige Parkhurst

Makayla Porter

Peyton Porter

Greyson Ramos

Snaha Rana

Brian Randolph

TN MO TX

GA

MI CA

MI

OK AR

TN AR FL

IL

VA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Pheba Shibu

Kelly Sieps

Trevor Smith

Michaele Snyder

Brooke Spivey

Caitlyn Stakeley

NC GA TX

NE IA LA

UT CO AZ

TN CA SC

TN KY LA

KY OH WA

MN NC SD

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Kelsey Whitcomb

Valerie Williams

MI IL IN

NY MA CO

Alexis WilliamsSmith

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

VA MD PA

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

Sara Stockwell

Tyler Wills

Thomas Wyman

Jake Wysiadlowski

Danielle Zasoski

GA FL SC

KY OH

NC CO TN

TN

RESIDENCY CANDIDATE

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New Harville Scholarship Established

When longtime SCO Professor Betty Harville, OD, officially retired at the end of August, she was joined by a small group of friends and family on the SCO campus as others joined virtually from around the country.

Two surprise remote guests included SCO Board of Trustees member Mark Kapperman, OD ’87, and his son, Conner Kapperman, OD ’20, as they announced that their family is establishing an endowed $1,000 annual scholarship in Dr. Harville’s honor.

The senior Dr. Kapperman was a first-year student when Dr. Harville joined the faculty, and the junior Dr. Kapperman graduated during Dr. Harville’s last year on faculty.

“Dr. Harville was a professor that everyone came to know and love,” said the senior Dr. Kapperman. “An endowed scholarship will allow future students to know of her importance to SCO in the years to come.”

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“Everyone wants their career to have an impact, and Dr. Harville has, without a doubt, impacted the lives and practices of thousands of doctors across the nation,” said Dr. Conner Kapperman, pictured. “What an honor it is to have bookended her career with my father’s and my own.”

During the late October Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Harville came onto campus to join the senior Dr. Kapperman for lunch. She expressed her appreciation for the recognition and will be working to help establish the criteria for the scholarship.

In addition to Drs. Kapperman, other virtual guests who spoke at Dr. Harville’s retirement ceremony included Drs. Sherrol Reynolds, NOA If you’re among the nearly 5,000 students taught by Dr. Harville during her 36-year career at SCO, your gift will enable the Kapperman family’s scholarship to reach endowment sooner in order to help deserving minority optometry students. Contact George Miller in the Office of Institutional Advancement at gmiller@ sco.edu or at (901) 722-3216 to learn more.

President, Ed Marshall, Past NOA President, and Vera Burns, Dr. Harville’s roommate at Indiana University.

Drs. Lewis Reich and Bart Campbell ’87, also spoke in person, while others shared their sentiments on a special video, including President Emeritus Billy Cochran, OD ’68, and Dr. Cynthia Heard, among others. Dr. Campbell shared a newspaper clipping from Dr. Harville’s high school graduation as valedictorian as she aspired to become an accountant.

Janice Frazier-Scott from SCO’s Human Resources Department presented Dr. Harville with a couple of special proclamations in her honor, including one from the NAACPMemphis Branch in recognition of Dr. Harville’s historic status as the first Black woman optometrist in Tennessee and the first Black woman to achieve the full rank of Professor at any of the nation’s optometry colleges.

Welcome

PHILANTHROPY FOCUS

First-Time SCO Donors

Southern College of Optometry is pleased to welcome the following first-time contributors to the SCO donor ranks. Listed below are those who gave generously between January 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020.

ALUMNI

David B. Anders, OD ’17 Brian M. Celico, OD ’85 Mary E. Chase, OD ’18 Elizabeth C. Fahy, OD ’18 Meagan R. Fazzio, OD ’18 Ronald D. Hall, OD ’74 Brian D. Hinkley, OD ’81 Sherrie E. Holman, OD ’91 Morgan L. Kickliter, OD ’18 Philip E. Larrabee, Jr. OD ’74 Julie M. Rallo, OD ’18

Dr. Harville was joined by her husband and daughters.

Michaela J. Sasse, OD ’20 Andrew T. Smith, OD ’17 Domenico Trocchi, OD ’91

Sherry Sachritz Linda and David Schlesinger Rebecca Taylor David Wilk

FRIENDS

Andrea and Brian Barrach Lawrence Beck Laurie Galanti Brenda Johnson Missy Ludman Lee Anne Miskowski Thomas Nelson Katherine Perkins

SCO STAFF

Pam Brown Tina Cook Elaine Turcotte Mary Gayle Wilkins Shuntae Williams Ashley Williamson

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DONOR AND SUPPORTING THE COLLEGE’S EFFORTS TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING OR OTHER NEEDED ASSISTANCE TO OUR STUDENTS?

Guests spoke virtually to Dr. Harville to share greetings.

Please contact Advancement Services Coordinator Alexis Williams at (901) 722-3216 or awilliams@sco.edu today to start making an impact on the next generation of optometrists. You may also give online today at www.sco.edu/give.

Board Honors Dr. Powell At its fall meeting, SCO's Board of Trustees approved the establishment

Lindsay Elkins, OD ’07, Bart Campbell, OD ’87, Lewis Reich, OD, PhD, Dr. Harville, Janette Pepper, OD, Carrie Lebowitz, OD ’06

of a $25,000 Dr. C. Clayton Powell Memorial Scholarship in honor of the optometry pioneer who died recently at age 93.

In 1969, Dr. Powell co-founded the National Optometric Association as a nationally recognized organization comprised of Black doctors of optometry.

SCO's new scholarship will provide $1,000 a year to reimburse student travel to the annual NOA meeting, in perpetuity. Dr. Powell is pictured visiting the SCO campus a few years ago.

Janice Frazier-Scott presented special proclamations to Dr. Harville

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LIFE OUTSIDE OF SCO

1981 Rick Bartlett, OD, and his family recently stopped by to visit the SCO campus and the exam room in The Eye Center named in honor of Dr. Barlett's family.

1950 Nathan Ford, OD, and his wife, Mary,

recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

1959 Bernard Mullen, OD, and his wife,

Ed White, OD, was recognized as a Sharp Shooter by the West Virginia Executive magazine for its 2020 Class.

1984 William Jones, OD, recently opened a new practice location in Cool Springs, Tennessee. Jason Chu, OD ’20, has joined the practice. Drs. Jones and Chu met at an SCO-hosted alumni meet and greet with students.

1979 Rick Bell, OD, retired from Bell Vision Center in Arkansas and passed the torch to Aaron Tollett, OD ’20.

Nona, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

1985 Daniel DeMarino, OD, reports that his daughter, Hannah DeMarino, graduated from Salus University in 2019 and completed a residency in Primary Eye Care at San Diego VA in June 2020. She now practices in San Diego.

1975 Mike Frier, OD, and Cathy (Loper) Frier, OD ’77, have retired from their practice in Missouri.

1977 U.S. Senator John Boozman, OD, was selected for induction into the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association's new Hall of Fame.

Larry Otten, OD, shared this photo of his daughter, Becky Chuda, getting an eye exam from Dr. Otten’s granddaughter, Grace, age 2. Dr. Otten’s daughter works in an optometry clinic performing coding and billing.

1987 Mark Greer, OD, shared this photo from earlier this year when his son, Blake, joined him in playing the Augusta National Golf Club. Dr. Greer reports that he made a hole in one on the 12th hole, perhaps the most famous par 3 in golf.

1980 Dean Gurley, OD, recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his Blytheville, Arkansas practice. Pictured are Christina Vranich, OD ’09, Matt Jones, OD ’09, Evan Button, OD, and Dr. Gurley.

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1990 Jarrett Johnson, OD, spoke virtually to SCO's NOSA chapter about “The Different Layers of Being a Minority in Optometry.”

2014 Jenna O'Brien, OD, opened a new pediatric clinic in St. George, Utah.

2016 Kate Allen, OD recently joined Karns Vision Center following the completion of her U.S. Navy service.

1993 Ben Mize, OD, and Christine (Davis) Mize, OD ’94, were recently joined in practice by their son, Dr. Jesse Mize, a 2020 ICO graduate.

1996 Richard Durocher, OD, recently purchased a new practice in Middle Tennessee.

1997 Lee St. Pierre, OD, and his family

Gabe Fickett, OD, joined the faculty of Pennsylvania College of Optometry, where he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Contact Lens and Primary Care departments. Dr. Fickett is pictured with his wife Nelly, and their children, Juniper, 3, and Wildon, 1.

were named the 2020 Arkansas State University Family of the Year. one of Mississippi's Top Entrepreneurs of 2020 by the Mississippi Business Journal.

recipient of the 2020 Theia Award of Excellence by Women in Optometry magazine

2017 Ayushi Amin, OD, became engaged in Memphis on June 21 to Las Vegas dentist Dr. Rahul Patel. They plan to wed in May 2021.

2010 Ragna Godtland, OD, recently joined a new practice in Minnesota.

John Michels, OD, has opened a newly updated practice in Sheldon, Iowa, where he has been joined by Madelyn Mullaly, OD ’20.

2011 Matt Willis, OD, was named the Nebraska Optometric Association's Young Optometrist of the Year.

2012 Tiffany Li McElroy, OD, was named the Mississippi Optometric Association's Helen St. Clair Young Optometrist of the Year.

Adam Ramsey, OD, was a panelist on a Zoom presentation hosted by the National Optometric Association about success in the post-COVID age.

2013 Jenny Elder, OD, attained Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry this year along with Enrique Palacios, OD ’15, and Amy Parsley, OD ’16.

Jim Boucher, OD ’61. Dr. Boucher was a former member of SCO's Board of Trustees, an SCO honorary degree recipient, former chair of the ACOE, and inductee into the Optometry Hall of Fame for his longtime leadership service.

G. Robert Crosby, OD ’63. Dr. Crosby served as President of the Alabama Optometry Association and SECO.

Jeff Foster, OD ’81. He was respected in Tennessee optometry for helping lead scope of practice efforts in the state legislature. He was named the TAOP's Optometrist of the Decade in 2014 and was part of a longstanding practice in Newport, Tennessee, founded by Nathan Ford, OD '50.

Melissa McCulley, OD, was featured in a North Dakota TV story about how she helped save a teen's life by spotting a brain tumor during an eye exam.

2004 Belinda Starkey, OD, was named a

Arnold "Fred" Hodges, OD ’48. A former president of the Mississippi Optometric Association, Dr. Hodges was believed to have been SCO's oldest living graduate. He passed away one week before a planned 100th birthday celebration with an SCO proclamation in his honor.

Herman Ginger, OD ’72. Dr. Ginger was a longtime leader of Arkansas optometry and within the AOA, which awarded him the President's Award for Distinguished Service in 2019.

2001 Tonyatta Hairston, OD, was named

In Memoriam

2019 Lydia Luther, OD recently joined Gulfcoast Eye Care in Florida.

Jessica Vickery, OD, was named a recipient of the Bernard Blaustein Resident of the Year Award for her Residency Class of 2020.

SCO Professor Emeritus Donald C. Reynolds, OD. He served as a Commander in the Navy Medical Service Corps before retiring and joining the SCO faculty in 1975. He was 96.

Roger Cox, OD ’51 Jerry E. Levelsmier, OD ’53 Jim T. Welborn, OD ’56 Harold Childress, OD ’57 T. Ross Averitt, OD ’62 William M. Ziln, OD ’64 Larry Walter, OD ’66 Terry Harrison, OD ’72 Richard P. Steinhauser, OD ’72 Thomas “Ed” McMains, OD ’75 Jerry Tempel, OD ’78 Mitchell J. Gelb, OD ’79 Dorothy Freeman, OD ’87 Lisa R. Felber-Green, OD ’01 Jane Pancurak Woods, OD ’14

2020 Jana Plant Socey, OD, has joined the practice of David Reed, OD ’68, and Jason Wilkerson, OD ’99, in Springfield, Tennessee.

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CHERISHED LIFE MOMENTS Reader surveys tell us that wedding news and baby announcements are always popular alumni news items to share, so we’re pleased to expand our coverage. If you get married or welcome a new arrival (or even a grandchild), we welcome your high quality photos to share with your fellow classmates here in Visions, in our alumni e-newsletter, and on social media. Please email them to bfisher@sco.edu. Congratulations!

Kailey Soileau, OD ’20, and Clay Daniel August 8, 2020

Katy Hutchins, OD ’18, and William Hezel, October 17, 2020

Hannah Stimson, OD ’20, and Austin Van Horn, June 27, 2020.

Mary Kate Walters, OD ’20, and Will Sain, August 15, 2020

Kelsey White, OD ’18, and Darian Simmons, October 4, 2020

Meredith Yingling, OD ’15, and Josh Parmelee, OD ’15, July 18, 2020 Laurel Roberts Kelley, OD ’18, and David Kelley November 14, 2020

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Brittany Murrell, OD ’20, and Matthew Lorson, OD ’19

Jake Weber, OD ’20, and wife, Jennifer: Shepherd Oliver, September 4, pictured with his older sister, Shiloh

Stephanie (McLin) Cox, OD ’12, and Jared Cox, OD ’12: Madison, June 19

Carol Mendez-Orwasky, OD ’88, and Michael Orwasky, OD ’85: first grandchild, Penelope Rainn DeHart, June 27

Maria Kirkpatrick, OD '13, and husband, Robert Hieronymus: Jeremiah David Hieronymus, June 16

Kara Vitus Varga, OD ’16, and husband, Nicholas: Charlie Jane, August 15

Molly Pace, OD ’18, and husband, Austin Pace, OD ’18: Ivy Elizabeth, June 28

SCO faculty members Halie Cottrill, OD ’16, and Tyler Kitzman, OD ’16: Graham William, September 9

Blake Rust, OD ’11, and wife, Mimi: Bodie Ashley Rust, July 24

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BY RICHARD POWELL, OD ’6 LINCOLN NEBRASKA

second youngest in my graduating class

with combat small arms. This October

in addition to active duty military,

and single, and realized that I likely

class of new officers included different

included many dependents of military

would be drafted for military service.

professionals besides optometrists,

personnel, very much like a family

Instead of entering service under the

including podiatrists, physical

practice. After only six months at Fort

draft, I elected to enlist in the Army.

therapists, and masters level hospital

Myer, I received orders for a one year

My career in optometry began when

This option offered an enlistee a choice

administrators. During this time

tour of duty in the Republic of South

I graduated from Southern College of

of duty assignments. My preference

period at Fort Sam Houston, medical,

Vietnam. It was July 20, 1969 (the same

Optometry (SCO) on June 8, 1968. In

was to be assigned to duties in the

dental, and nurse corps officers were in

day Neil Armstrong walked on the

April of that year, Martin Luther King,

Washington, D.C. area. Regardless of

different classes.

moon) that my wife and I departed the

Jr., was assassinated about two miles

how one entered U.S. Army service

from the SCO campus in Memphis,

at that time, all optometrists were

Tennessee, and the U.S. was deeply

commissioned as Captains in the

involved in the Vietnam War. The

Medical Service Corps.

Department of Defense was looking

I was married soon after optometry

personnel of Arlington National

school, and then on October 15, 1968,

Cemetery, the Pentagon, Joint Chiefs of

The next day my flight left San

I reported for officer training and

Staff of the Army, and the Third Infantry

Francisco for South Vietnam.

orientation at Fort Sam Houston near

Division troops that were responsible

We stopped for three hours to refuel

San Antonio, Texas. I joined about

for military funerals, White House

in Guam, a U.S. island territory in

ten of my SCO classmates for the ten

duty, and guarding the tomb of the

Micronesia, and arrived in Vietnam after

week assignment of learning military

Unknown Soldier, etc. My assignment

nearly 20 hours. When the passenger

procedures, etiquette, and familiarity

was very rewarding as my patient base,

door of the aircraft was opened,

to replace nearly 300 optometrists worldwide that were drafted two years earlier. Through the Selective Service System optometrists were drafted based upon age and marital status.

They took the youngest single men first and did not draft women. I was the

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During the orientation, orders were received for assignment to our first duty post. I was assigned to Fort Myer, Virginia, a duty station that supported

Washington, D.C. area. I took my wife to live with her parents in Culbertson, Nebraska to wait for my return in one year. By August 15, I was in San Francisco awaiting my overseas flight.

IN SERVICE MEMORIES

68

After receiving a general orientation with

Vietnamese military and allied personnel

other officer and enlisted personnel of the

from South Korea, Australia, Great Britain,

mission of the U.S. military forces in South

etc. The facilities were very much like

Vietnam, officers were separated from

those seen on the M.A.S.H. (Mobile Army

enlisted, and I then reported to the Chief

Surgical Hospital) television series. My

of Army Optometrists. He informed me

living quarters housed 14 officers, two to

that I would be leaving on the next flight

a small room with bunk beds, two desks

to Pleiku, a city in the northern part of the

and chairs, and running cold water for

Central Highlands area of South Vietnam.

washing. Bathroom and shower facilities

There I would proceed to a small base

were in another building. Optometrists,

known as Campi Enari, headquarters of

physicians, a social worker, a medical

the 4th infantry Division. I then recalled

supply officer, and four combat officers,

that the First Lieutenant sitting next to

all of which were rank of Lieutenant to

me on the bus ride from the airport to

Lieutenant Colonel, occupied the building.

months later and was not replaced. My

the orientation said that if I could avoid

Our Medical Commander, an M.D. with the

responsibilities included treating red eyes.

Pleiku, do so because it was a remote and

rank of Colonel, lived in a separate building

General MD’s did “sick call” every morning

dangerous place. Camp Enari actually was

close by. Besides personnel quarters, the

but usually the doctors doing sick call

the safest location of all that I encountered

compound included a mess hall/eating

didn’t have slit lamp microscopes available

during my one year tour of duty! Camp

facility, a medical treatment facility where

to help diagnose eye disease as those

Enari, although occupying an approximate

“sick call” was available every morning,

instruments were only available in the

area of only square one mile, was very well

and an emergency medical treatment

optometric clinics. Eye trauma was triaged

defended. We were approximately five

facility with triage capability that also

by MD's with OD consultation. Frequently

miles from a major air base at Pleiku and

included surgery and recovery areas next

such patients were sent by helicopter to

its tactical aircraft, and the immediately

to a helicopter pad.

the nearest hospital.

We optometrists in combat zones taught

I immediately felt the heat and humidity.

ourselves how to take care of eye disease

Upon deplaning, I and 200 other military

patients using the “see one, do one, move

personnel boarded military vehicles

on to the next one” concept of learning.

that resembled school buses. We were

I was stationed at a location pretty far

transported through the city of Saigon,

from the major military hospitals. My

now renamed HoChiMinh City, finally

commanding medical officer said it was

arriving at our destination where we met

my call on treating locally or sending the

with military reception personnel. During

patient to the next level hospital. The

the trip I sat next to a First Lieutenant

optometrists that were stationed at those

who was coming back for his second tour

hospitals mostly practiced the same as

of duty. I asked why the bus windows

me, unless there was an ophthalmologist

had wire mesh covering all openings.

surrounding jungle had been defoliated

Our mission was to stabilize combat

His reply was “to let air inside (no air

by agent orange, making it difficult for

casualties, and then move them out to the

conditioning) and keep grenades out”!

the enemy to get close to us without

nearest recovery/evacuation hospital for

At that moment I realized this was the

being seen.

needed further surgery and/or recovery.

We worked in poorly constructed, dusty,

Several of these installations were located

wooden buildings with no air conditioning,

along the South China Sea Coast, or on

leaky roofs, and sand bags for protection

offshore hospital ships, most within a

around the outside walls. My day to

distance of 60 miles. There was another

day duties included examining soldiers,

optometrist in our medical battalion that

replacing lost or broken glasses, and

“real deal”! To my surprise, the military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported that at the time of my arrival in Vietnam in August, 1969, I was the youngest captain in the country at age 23. On my birthday later that month, I turned 24.

I immediately went to work seeing patients. Nothing was scheduled – “walkins” generally 8:00-5:00 and emergencies 24-7. Most were active troops of the 4th Infantry Division, but also South

on board. In December of 1969 there were about 25 optometrists in Vietnam.

helped me adjust. He left the Army three

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“skirmish” everyone was required to wear

glasses in combat! I decided that at least

a helmet and protective flak vest and to be

he needed to be sent back to the United

armed. No one, other than combat soldiers,

States and proceeded to recommend

was allowed to be outside. Such “red

that action to my commander. After first

alerts” usually lasted until sunrise. In all

denying my request, the commander

cases of a red alert, doctors went directly to

changed his mind when I asked him to sign

the emergency room; all remaining officers

the medical records denying his return. He

had other assigned areas. The choices were

was sent back to duty in the United States,

to proceed to a bunker, considered to be

and within a couple weeks was honorably

rocket proof, or simply stay in the area of

discharged from the Army. His mother sent

one’s quarter. Sappers knew that bunkers

me a personal letter thanking me.

treating red or sore eyes. Instrumentation

In February 1970, after six months at

probably had troops inside, and a grenade

included an examining chair with

Camp Enari, the 4th Infantry Division was

or satchel charge tossed inside would

instrument stand, phoroptor, tonometer,

ordered to move approximately 60 miles

cause a lot of deaths or serious injuries.

slit lamp, fluorescent black (UV ) light.

to a different base near the city of An Khe,

Our commander indicated that I could

Ophthalmic materials were supplied as

still within the Central Highlands area of

decide for myself. I decided to remain in

needed via airplane, truck convoy, or

South Vietnam. I flew to the new location

my sleeping quarters; everyone knew not

helicopter. Medical instruments, phoropter,

on a medical evacuation helicopter while

to be walking around outside during a red

projector, and slit lamp biomicroscope were

my optical equipment followed by truck

alert until it was called off. My protection,

replaced if damaged within one to three

transport. The An Khe location turned

therefore, was my sidearm, ready to be

days. Under my supervision were four

out to be much less secure. There was a

aimed at the doorway exit to my quarters.

enlisted Army-trained Optical Laboratory

20-mile-long perimeter, part of which

Specialists who fabricated spectacles and

included a 300-foot-high hill. The entire

fitted them, all while the soldier waited.

perimeter was very porous, and the base

The range of corrective lens powers was

was attacked with minor skirmishes by the

from +6.00 to -8.00 D with up to 3.00 D

enemy at least weekly. The base received

of cylinder power. Only one style of frame

either rocket or mortar fire from locations

was issued by the Army. It came in five eye

outside the perimeter or the enemy

sizes and three bridge sizes. Every military

attempted to sneak through the perimeter

person assigned to Vietnam who required

which was composed of a 60-yard-wide

spectacle correction was furnished with

field of concertina wire, which was mined.

two pairs of spectacles prior to leaving

Some infiltrators, known as “sappers”,

their previous duty station.

succeeded in sneaking through, attempting

All soldiers were required to keep their own medical records. Whenever I examined one I could see the previous Rx as well as other medical information. Only those soldiers who were having problems with their vision, or who had lost or broken glasses, were examined. I suppose some

to inflict damage with C4 explosive ducttaped to their bodies. On one occasion they blew up 15 helicopters parked at the air strip runway just a mile from where our medical company was located. In May 1970, the base had 21 incidents of enemy contact, usually late at night.

soldiers may have “lost” their glasses in

At times a rocket would hit or land near

order to get a break from combat to see

an occupied facility, killing or wounding

the optometrist. About once a week, a

personnel. When the base was attacked,

helicopter brought six to eight soldiers from

I always remained in my sleeping quarters,

more remote areas to see the optometrist,

put my mattress on the floor, and stayed

with a resultant delay of one to two days to

there with my sidearm at the ready,

return to their units.

sometimes until daybreak. During a

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A particularly interesting situation during my assignment which stands out in my memory occurred when a 19-yearold private came to me needing an eye exam and new spectacles. His previously issued two pair were lost or broken.

Previous records indicated a prescription of approximately -11.00 D for both eyes.

My subsequent exam showed -11.50 D OU. He had been in South Vietnam approximately three months, having enlisted about one year before arrival.

Army regulations indicated that this amount of myopia did not meet the requirements for service. Moreover, no one was qualified for duties in South Vietnam with myopia greater than 8.00 D. This soldier clearly was disqualified for U.S. Army service, and he certainly would have been at great risk if he had lost his

My tour of duty in South Vietnam ended in mid-August 1970, 365 days after leaving the U.S. That date was known as one’s “DEROS” (Date Estimated Return Overseas). Soon after my return to the U.S., I was discharged from Army service. I was awarded the Bronze Star for “meritorious service against hostile forces in a combat zone.” I have agent orange disability of 20% from the tour of duty.

I returned home to Nebraska and moved with my wife Vicki to Lincoln, Nebraska to begin optometry practice on September 1, 1970. After entering private practice, I became involved in the Nebraska Optometric Association and became president of that organization in 1980 and was Chairman of its Political Action Committee for 20 years. My experience with optometric practice in Vietnam had a major personal influence on my decision to help expand the scope of practice in the U.S., and specifically my home state of Nebraska. It seemed like a natural evolutionary tract to move our profession into the treatment of eye diseases that could be treated with topical or oral medications. I helped lead the legislative battles to update scope of practice

ALUMNI FOCUS laws, including use of diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and management of glaucoma. In addition, I served on the boards of the North Central Optometric Congress and Heart of America Congress, as well as the Better

Alumni Spotlight SCO is pleased to introduce our Alumni Spotlight feature in Visions. Additional spotlights can be found on our website and social media. If you’re interested in participating or want to suggest a classmate, please email Beth Fisher at bfisher@sco.edu.

Vision Institute and various American Optometric Association committees.

BELINDA STARKEY, OD ‘04

There were two other incidents during

Where do you currently live? Rogers, Arkansas

my military service that stand out. After

What is your greatest professional accomplishment or patient care success story?

Working with my colleagues to successfully pass and protect optometric scope expansion in Arkansas, Act 579, has been my greatest professional accomplishment.

the death of Dwight David Eisenhower in March of 1969, there was a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in which his casket was transferred from the hearse to a horse drawn caisson and then on to the U.S. Capitol for viewing by the public.

I was assigned to a battalion station as commanding officer on Pennsylvania Avenue at the intersection where this took place. I witnessed world leaders

Why did you choose SCO to pursue your optometric education? My perception was that SCO was the "Harvard of optometry schools." I believe Dr. Billy Cochran, who was president of SCO at the time, used to say that. I am certainly thankful for the education I received at SCO. Share your best memory from your time at SCO. I have especially fond memories of marathon study sessions where knowledge was gained and great friendships were forged.

in attendance, including former French President Charles De Gaulle and U.S. President Richard Nixon. In June of 1969, while I was stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia, I was at Arlington Cemetery and witnessed the ceremony for the first anniversary of Robert Kennedy’s death.

We were seated about 30 feet from the Kennedy family.

I have had a great career as an optometrist. There have been many changes in the profession. I am proud to have served our country and to have been one of the optometrists who served in Vietnam.

Thanks to Hindsight: Journal of Optometry History, a publication of the Optometric Historical Society, for granting reprint permission of this article.

Alumni Perspective JIGNA PATEL, OD ’15

I want to share a patient encounter that I had. A young eleven-year-old girl came for her annual eye exam which happened to be the first time she needed glasses. After finishing my exam and reviewing the results with her and her parents, I always ask the patient first if they have any questions.

She looked at me with tears welling up. I thought she was upset she would need glasses, so I immediately jumped in about how great glasses are, how she'll do better in school, etc. She looked at me and asked what my lapel pins mean.

I wear two – one with dual flags representing the USA and India and the other is SCO’s Eye See You pin.

I smiled and explained the meaning behind both, to which she replied, "There aren't many people in Cleveland who stand up for minorities. My mom and dad are different races and I get made fun of often. Thank you for making me feel seen."

I took my pin off and gave it to her. I wore that pin proudly for it represents that all individuals deserve equality regardless of race. I would like to thank SCO for giving me an opportunity to impact a young girl's life.

CONTACT BETH FISHER AT BFISHER@SCO.EDU IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST SCO’S EYE SEE YOU PIN.

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CAMPUS NEWS

Faculty Spotlights Chris Borgman, OD, conducted a two-part online workshop about challenging neuro case presentations for the OEPF. He also published an article in Clinical Experimental Optometry.

Jason Duncan, OD ’96, co-authored an article with Haley Baldridge, OD ’18, about vasculitis classifications for Review of Optometry.

Chris Lievens, OD, published an article in Clinical Ophthalmology, Impact of Improper Approach to Identify Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy.

He also presented a poster abstract on the same topic at The British Congress of Optometry and was a co-author on an article about “Analysis on Block Copolymer” published in Optometry and Vision Science.

Lindsay Elkins, OD ’07, was interviewed by Fox 13 as part of the TV station’s news report showing how different Memphis colleges had prepared for the start of the Fall semester.

Dan Powell, OD, was selected by the Executive Board of the American Public Health Association to a two-year term on the Awards Committee.

Shaleen Ragha, OD ’16, presented at the virtual Tennessee Interprofessional Practice and Education Consortium annual meeting. Melissa Zarn, OD, and Lauren Watson, ’21, also participated.

Jennifer Sanderson, OD, and Andrew Rixon, OD, wrote about glaucoma for Review of Optometry.

Karen Squier, OD, provided a two-hour lecture to Masters level Occupational Therapy Students at the University of Tennessee

entitled, Low Vision and Occupational Therapy: A Perfect Match.

Glen Steele, OD ’69, talked about children's vision on a radio interview conducted by a Memphis station.

Marc Taub, OD, spoke remotely from the SCO campus to a global audience hosted by the Sankara Academy of Vision in India.

Lisa Wade, OD ’84, was named to the Memphis Business Journal's list of Super Women in Business.

Melissa Zarn, OD, was named to the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA).

New Faculty Welcomed Dan Fuller, OD, was a co-author for an article about scleral lenses for Contact Lens Spectrum. He co-authored an article, “Safety and Efficacy of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus,” in Optometry and Vision Science.

Paul Harris, OD, delivered a remote lecture to optometrists and optometry students in Nepal organized by the Mero Eye Foundation.

Taylor Keys, OD ’12, wrote about OCT macular ganglion cell analysis helping identify neurological disease for an article published in Primary Care Optometry News.

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Wil McGriff, OD, hosted a panel of recent alumni to discuss ways they have served their communities as citizens and as ODs. The event was held as a component of the Foundations of Service-Learning Workshop for second-years and as an optional event for fourth-year students.

Kristin Adams, OD, Instructor, earned her Doctor of Optometry degree at Inter American University of Puerto Rico. She completed her residency in Vision Therapy, Low Vision Rehabilitation and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation at SCO. Most recently, Dr. Adams taught Pediatrics and Vision Therapy at Midwestern University, Chicago College of Optometry.

Ryan Anderson, OD, Assistant Professor, is a graduate of Midwestern University. He completed

Janette Pepper, OD, conducted a talk, "Common Eye Diseases in Children" as part of the ACHIEVE All Children's Health Initiative for Eye and Vision Excellence in Minority Communities Campaign Webinar series.

a primary eye care residency at the Veteran’s Affairs San Diego Healthcare System through SCCO. Prior to coming to SCO, Dr. Anderson was in private practice in Searcy, Arkansas.

David Hall, OD, Associate Professor, is a graduate of Northeastern Oklahoma State University College of Optometry. He was part of a multidoctor practice in Oklahoma for more than 20 years before moving to Tennessee.

AAO | VIRTUAL MEETING Mike Gerstner, OD ’97, attained his Academy Fellowship.

APHA | VIRTUAL MEETING Drs. Jennifer Sanderson, Karen Squier, and Gregory Wolfe were among the poster presenters.

Drs. Patricia Cisarik, Bill Edmondson, Kristina Haworth, Chris Lievens, Janette Pepper, Andrew Rixon, Jennifer Sanderson, Esla Speth (’10), Karen Squier, and Gregory Wolfe presented posters.

Drew Rixon, OD, moderated a session and Rick Savoy, OD, co-presented one on preventing vision loss and promoting eye health.

Drs. Gregory Wolfe, Karen Squier, and Andrew Rixon co-hosted a panel presentation, "Patient Centric Approach to Glaucoma," featured by Review of Optometry as a highlighted session.

The APHA adopted the Vision Care Section Policy Statement to advocate for access for children's vision care. The Vision Care Section is chaired by Dr. Savoy and the policy was co-written by Glen Steele, OD ’69.

Patricia Cisarik, OD, collaborated on one poster with Andrew Shum, OD ’16, and co-authored five other posters in addition to her own two. She also moderated two chat sessions.

Drs. Speth and Cisarik also were joined by Rachel Steele, ’22, on a poster presentation.

Karen Squier, OD, was promoted to Vice Chair of the Low Vision Section. She recently finished a two-year appointment as Diplomate Chair of the LV section, which oversees the qualification exams and procedures for new candidates entering the LV Clinical and Research Diplomate Programs. Worldwide, there are only 62 Low Vision Diplomates. Dr. Squier's responsibilities will include coordinating educational programs for candidates entering the program.

Marie Bodack, OD, completed her term as Section Chair of the Binocular Vision, Perception, and Pediatric Optometry Section and will now assume duties as Immediate Past Chair of the Section. Her experience and expertise will help guide the incoming leadership to the section, which currently has 39 active diplomates in the program.

Pam Schnell, OD ’01, was named Communication Director and Marc Taub, OD, was named Workshop Chair for the Optometric Education Section.

Catherine Hogan, OD ’17, represented the Tennessee Chapter at the National Chapter's Committee meeting. She was also nominated and recognized as Vice Chair of the AAO Chapter's Committee and will begin her term as Vice Chair in January.

Cynthia Heard, OD, was a panelist on the ASCO/NOA/AAO Joint Symposium on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as former SCO Board Chair Jarrett Johnson, OD ’90.

Chris Lievens, OD, gave oral exams for Fellowship in the Academy and lectured to optometric residents on contact lens surface technology.

Melissa Zarn, OD, presented a rapid fire lecture, "The Spectrum of Brain Injury in Optometric Practice," with Drs. Tina Aldana and Curtis Baxstrom.

Glen Steele, OD ’69, presented "Vision Issues and the Autism Spectrum" and "The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Digital Device Use in Children."

At least 17 residents made poster presentations, including on-campus residents Drs. Chawan Rasheed (’20), Torrie Garner (’20), and Shermita Mitchell.

Pam Schnell, OD ’01, and optician Stuart Turner

SCO Provides Care in New Youth Villages Facility An SCO team is providing on-site care two days a week for Youth Villages residents in a new facility with a dedicated optometry clinic space.

A staff doctor from faculty, a resident, one fourth-year intern, and an optician attend to the needs of at-risk children who reside at Youth Villages. Called Bill's Place, the new health care building allows for health care to be provided on site and reduces transportation barriers which can impede follow-up care.

Bill's Place serves both boys and girls from ages 10-17, some of whom may have a greater need for integrated care and complicating or co-occuring medical and mental health conditions.

"Being able to provide Vision Therapy on site for the many kids who need it is going to be great, as it's been a challenge to get youth to The Eye Center to therapy," said Aaron Kerr, OD '98, Chief of External Clinics.

SCO was allotted dedicated optometry space to provide comprehensive eye cares and vision therapy. Plans call for adding a second similar facility at Youth Villages to accommodate the needs of its residents.

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STUDENT NEWS

Navajo Students Share Experiences Two Native American thirdyear students recently talked about their heritage and their motivation for choosing SCO as optometry students.

Shane Benally, ’22, and Ryan Holiday, ’22, each attended the University of New Mexico but had never met before arriving at SCO. Sharing a Navajo heritage, both students recently talked about their experiences for a video produced at the request of Dr. Janette Pepper, SCO’s Coordinator for Student Diversity & Inclusion.

Native American students comprise approximately 0.6% of the nation’s optometry students, according to ASCO data, and the same representation correlates within SCO’s student body.

Shane and Ryan each will become the first optometrists in their family.

“Optometry is primary care eye care. For the purpose of serving my people, I couldn’t think of any other profession that’s better to do that at a primary level than optometry,” Shane said.

To hear more of their stories, including greetings in Navajo, visit SCO’s YouTube Channel, accessible via the homepage

on the college’s website or by visiting YouTube and searching for SCO.

SHANE BENALLY, ’22

“Going back home, I feel like I have to learn everything I can about ocular disease here so I can best treat my people back home,” Ryan said.

Both plan to practice optometry after graduation by caring for Navajo people throughout the Southwest, where many patients drive long distances in order to receive eyecare.

“I think a lot of people forget that there are still Native American people around,” said Ryan. “Learning our history – because it is American history altogether – is being mindful of other people as well.”

RYAN HOLIDAY, ’22

Video Tours SCO arranged for a professional video crew to recreate one of the tours commonly given by our Student Ambassadors around campus after pandemic-related travel restriction made it harder for prospective students to visit campus for a tour.

Student Ambassador MARIE HUEGEL, ’21, impressively gave the most extensive tour of The Eye Center ever captured on video.

Clocking in at nearly 20 minutes, the video is packaged with a second one featuring other campus highlights.

Although limited tours have resumed on Saturdays, both videos are available on SCO’s YouTube channel for safe, remote viewing, so alumni are encouraged to share if you know a prospective student interested in optometry.

Students Recognized CASEY KRUG, ’21, was named the

American Optometric Student Association’s national student of the year. She became one of several recipients in recent years to represent SCO as the national recipient, including Hunter Chapman, OD ’16, Erick Henderson, OD ’17, and Aaron Tollett, OD ’20.

SONALI DAS, ’22, was named SCO's recipient of the 2020 J. Pat Cummings Scholarship. The award is bestowed annually to a second- or third-year optometry student who best demonstrates the ideal standards of practice, achievement in both academic performance and extra-curricular activities, and participation with other professional pursuits such as involvement with patients through internships, community service, or other volunteer activities. The award is made possible by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

NEWS BRIEFS

New Board Members Welcomed

Dr. Harville

Vicki Farmer

Dr. Kirchner

Dr. Kapperman

Above and Beyond

SCO recently elected three new members to the Board of Trustees. Congratulations to Dr. Betty Harville, Vicki Farmer, and Dr. James Kirchner. Their terms will begin in the spring of 2021.

Kim Branscomb, SCO’s

Betty Harville, OD, retired from SCO in the summer of 2020 after teaching at SCO for 36 years. A graduate of Indiana University College of Optometry, she was the first female African-American Optometrist in Tennessee. In addition to her many teaching awards, she was the first woman OD to achieve the title of full Professor at SCO and the first female African-American Professor of Optometry in the U.S.

Reich with an Above

Vicki Farmer is the Executive Director of the Arkansas Optometric Association.

A graduate of Arkansas State University, she is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organization and is a Certified Association Executive. She is a past president of the International Association for Optometric Executives and has chaired Arkansans for Healthy Eyes, a ballot question committee formed to protect Act 579 of 2019.

Compliance Officer, was honored by President and Beyond award in recognition of her exemplary service to the SCO community through leading our campus-wide COVID-19 contact tracing effort.

Kim’s regular duties focus on HIPAA compliance and the oversight of Case Management within Clinical Programs, but she graciously accepted the

James Kirchner, OD, was the founder of EyeCare Specialties, a multi-doctor, multioffice optometric practice in Nebraska. He retired in 2018 as President and CEO of SynergEyes, Inc., an international manufacturer and distributor of contact lenses. He is a Past President of the Nebraska Optometric Association and the North Central States Optometric Council. He is a founder of Kingdoms Harvest International, now known as Global Assist.

daunting task of also serving as point

Earlier this year, Mark Kapperman, OD ’87, joined SCO’s Board. Dr. Kapperman is the founder of Kapperman, White & McGarvey Eyecare, one of the largest primary eye care providers in Chattanooga. He is a former president of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and serves as administrator for Vision Source in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.

online training program through

person for internal contact tracing related to COVID-19. To prepare, she immersed herself in both CDC and local health department guidelines and participated in a comprehensive Johns Hopkins.

Since the campus reopening in June, she has committed countless hours identifying those who need to quarantine and/or isolate because of

Board Members Honored SCO’s Board of Trustees met in October after being unable to meet in person back in the spring. President Reich presented departing members with Board Resolutions in honoring of their eight years of service, including Chair Ryan Powell, OD ’02 (left), A.L. Spivey, OD ’67 (right), and Tish Towns, who participated remotely and is not pictured. Thanks to all for their service!

close contact exposure or presenting symptoms.

HR Excellence Tracy Lindow, SCO’s Executive Director of Human Resources, was named a finalist for the Memphis Business Journal's 2020 HR Impact Awards.

New Diner Opens

The awards honor Human Resources

SCO officially welcomed A Square Meal Cafe and

workplace accomplishments. In addition

Catering to campus in August as the college’s

to SCO, other finalists in the nonprofit

new dining partner. Helping with the ribbon-

category include St. Jude Children's

cutting ceremony were Dr. Reich and David West,

Research Hospital, Baptist Memorial

Vice President of Finance & Administration.

Health Care, Shelby County Schools,

A Square Meal provides breakfast, lunch, and

and the Germantown Municipal

other food services, including pizza.

School District.

professionals for their leadership and

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

PAID

1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38104-2222

Memphis, Tennessee Permit Number 151

SAVE THIS DATE (fingers-crossed)

Homecoming and Fall CE Weekend