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Alumni News and Events

News and Updates

Become a member of the Alumni E-list to receive periodic emails from the College. Get the latest College news, professional information and volunteer opportunities, and stay up to date on what's happening at the College and within the profession.

To sign up, send your email address to:
Francisco Lomparte
Phone: (212) 938-5604
Email: flomparte@sunyopt.edu

or follow us on Facebook.

Lunch & Learn
Twice a year, alumni have the opportunity to return to the College and talk about life after SUNY Optometry.  In the spring and fall, the Alumni Association sponsors an informal alumni/student lunch. Past Lunch & Learn sessions have been very well received by the students. We hope to continue this tradition and encourage alumni participation.

For more information on Lunch & Learn, contact:
Francisco Lomparte
Phone: (212) 938-5604
Email: flomparte@sunyopt.edu

Alumnus/Alumna of the Year
Since 1998, the Alumni Association has been recognizing outstanding alumni with the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award.  Every year, the Alumni Association Board members vote and select the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year.  The decision is based on the alum’s involvement with his or her community as well as commitment to the profession. The Alumnus/Alumni of the Year is an extraordinary individual who leads by example. 

For more information about Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award, contact:
Francisco Lomparte
Phone: (212) 938-5604
Email: flomparte@sunyopt.edu

The Alumni Network
The Office of Student Affairs maintains a network of optometrists who have agreed to have their names and contact information available to students who want to become more acquainted with the profession by spending a day observing in an office. This network also provides mentoring for students.

To join the Alumni Network, contact Student Affairs at (212) 938-5500.

Alumni Workshops
The Alumni Association will be sponsoring a series of workshops beneficial to all alumni. These workshops will cover the following topics:  Financial planning, financial advice, resume writing, preparing for professional interviews, job placement advice, etc.

For more information about these workshops, please contact:
Francisco Lomparte
Phone: (212) 938-5604
Email: flomparte@sunyopt.edu

Continuing Professional Education
The College offers a variety of continuing education opportunities. Check out the Continuing Professional Education page for more information.

Alumni E-store
Find your SUNY Optometry pride! The Alumni Association has created an e-store with SUNY Optometry merchandise.  The website is accessible to all alumni, family and friends! 

For more information about these workshops and other programs, please contact:
Francisco Lomparte
Phone: (212) 938-5604
Email: flomparte@sunyopt.edu

Alumni Association Events

Envision New York and Alumni Reunion Weekend

SUNY Optometry hosted an alumni reception to celebrate the grand opening of the new Student Center located on the 3rd floor of the building.  Alumni, students, staff and faculty gathered for the 11th annual SUNY Optometry Envision New York. Happen simultaneously, the classes of 1997, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007 celebrated their reunion years while enjoying a New York style reception with breathtaking views of Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and the Empire State building.   

President Heath's opening reception remarks

President of the Alumni Association - Dr. Julia Appel '91 gives a toast to reunion classes, alumni, friends, staff and faculty.

Class of 1992 - Celebrating their 20 year reunion

Class of 1997 - Celebrating their 15 year reunion

Class of 1987 - Celebrating their 25 year reunion

Class of 1982 - Celebrating their 30 year reunion

College Tour Reception

Wine and Cheese Reception hosted on Sunday, October 21 during Envision New York.  Reunion classes and alumni had a second opportunity to reunite once again while enjoying a private reception at  the President's conference room.  Alumni were taken in small groups on tours of the College lead by current enrolled SUNY Optometry students.

Members of the Class of 1992 at the College Tour Reception

Private Alumni Reception at the American Academy of Optometry - Phoenix 2012

SUNY Optometry and the Alumni Association hosted a reception during the Academy Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.  Over 120 alumni and faculty members gathered at the Sheraton Hotel for a private wine and hors d'oeuvres alumni reception.

Dr. Julia Appel, '91 - President of the Alumni Association and Dr. Steven Pereira at the Academy enjoying the company of students of the SUNY Residency Program, recent alumni, and OD SUNY students

President Heath, Dr. Joseph Stamm, '82 and Dr. Kathryn Richdale at the Alumni Academy Reception

Dr. Diane Adamczyk, Director of the Residency Education, in the company of recent residency program graduates and current residency students

Dr. Joan Portello, '81 and Dr. Jaclyn Benzoni, '09 - Members of the Alumni Board

Alumni Association Gift to First Year Class

For the past couple of years, it has become a tradition for the Alumni Association to welcome the incoming class by providing them with a small token of appreciation.  The class of 2016 with 88 class members have a long yet exciting journey ahead of them.  We are happy to welcome them to our SUNY Optometry family and wish them all the success.

First year students - Future members of the class of 2016

Dr. Appel welcoming the incoming class.