Microsoft Global Chief Medical Officer Dr. David C. Rhew to deliver keynote address Presidential Medal recipients and honorary degree honorees to be recognized
New York, NY — SUNY College of Optometry today announced that its 2026 Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Thursday, May 21, will feature a keynote address from Dr. David C. Rhew, MD, Global Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Health & Life Sciences at Microsoft. The ceremony will also recognize recipients of the College’s Presidential Medals and confer honorary degrees upon distinguished leaders in vision science and public service.
“This year’s Commencement celebrates the achievements of our graduates alongside leaders whose work is shaping the future of healthcare, technology and vision science,” said Dr. David Troilo, President of SUNY College of Optometry. “Dr. Rhew’s leadership at the intersection of medicine, data and innovation to help increase awareness and access to care reflects the kind of forward-thinking approach that defines our institution and inspires our students as they begin their careers.”
As Global Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft, Dr. Rhew leads initiatives spanning public health, artificial intelligence and healthcare innovation. He has played a key role in global COVID-19 response efforts in collaboration with organizations including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is a co-founder of the Trustworthy & Responsible AI Network (TRAIN). His work also includes advancing rural health initiatives and supporting the development of responsible AI applications in medicine.
Dr. Rhew has been a pioneer in the development of evidence-based clinical decision support systems and digital health technologies, holding multiple U.S. patents related to electronic health records. He serves as an adjunct professor at Stanford University and has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 most influential people in healthcare.
“I am honored to join SUNY College of Optometry in celebrating this year’s graduates,” said Dr. Rhew. “The future of healthcare depends on innovation, collaboration and a commitment to improving patient outcomes, and I look forward to recognizing the important role these graduates will play in shaping that future.”
The College will confer honorary degrees upon two distinguished leaders whose work reflects SUNY Optometry’s mission of advancing vision science, improving patient care and serving communities in need. Dr. John G. Flanagan, Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley, will receive the Doctor of Vision Science, honoris causa, in recognition of his leadership in optometric education and contributions to research and clinical care. James Winans, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Bowery Mission, will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, for his leadership in advancing services for vulnerable populations and his longstanding partnership with SUNY Optometry to expand access to eye care.
The ceremony will also include the presentation of the SUNY Optometry Presidential Medal to Dr. Jerome Sherman, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, and David Bowers, Vice President for
Administration and Finance, whose contributions have had a meaningful impact on the College and the broader field of eye care and health.
A distinguished educator, clinician and researcher, Jerome Sherman, OD, FAAO, was one of the College’s first appointed faculty more than fifty years ago and has maintained an active presence over that time. The author of over 800 clinical articles, research manuscripts, and book chapters, he has worked closely with more than 300 OD students and graduates on their first publications. He co-founded a number of optometric-related bodies including: The International Foundation for Optic Nerve Disease; the Optometric Retina Society and Retina Revealed – where he has served as Editor in Chief since 2010. In 2025, the Review of Optometry recognized Dr. Sherman’s legacy with the Dr. Frank Fontana Career Achievement Award.
Mr. Bowers joined the College of Optometry in May 1988 as Vice President for Administration and Finance and continues to serve in that capacity as well as acting as the College’s Internal Control Officer. Throughout decades of change, he led the College’s financial and administrative operations with a steady hand significantly shaping the College’s daily operations. He is a past president of the State University of New York Business Officers Association and remains a member of that organization’s Board of Directors. In 2013, he received the Robert J. Wagner Business Officer of the Year award. He recently announced his upcoming retirement in January 2027.
Commencement exercises will take place in New York City and will be livestreamed on www.facebook.com/sunyopt and will start automatically just prior to the program at 1:00 pm. Members of the media who wish to attend in person must register in advance to ensure access to designated press accommodations.
Honorary degrees are awarded by the SUNY Board of Trustees and recognize individuals whose work embodies the values of service, scholarship and impact.
About SUNY College of Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has more than 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.