At SUNY College of Optometry, we’re proud to honor the alumni who continue to elevate the profession, serve their communities, and support future generations of optometrists. Each year, we recognize individuals across four distinct categories who exemplify the values and vision of our College.
SUNY College of Optometry’s Alumni Mentor of the Year Award recognizes alumni who go above and beyond to guide and support students, residents, and young professionals.
Current Honoree: David Tai, O.D., ’18
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2025 SUNY Optometry Alumni Awards! We’re excited to celebrate this year’s outstanding honorees at SUNY Optometry’s President's Brunch during Alumni Weekend on September 28, 2025.
Nominations for the Alumni of the Year and Alumni Rising Star awards will open again in early 2026. Subscribe to our Alumni Newsletter to be the first to know when nominations open and to receive the latest updates on alumni news, events, and opportunities.
1999: Elizabeth H. Pradhan, O.D., '92
2000: Richard Soden, O.D., '79
2001: Stuart M. Rothman, O.D., '79
2002: Andrea Thau, O.D., '84
2003: Susan C. Danberg, O.D., '84
2004: Frank S. Siringo, O.D., '01
2005: Thomas A. Wong, O.D., '89
2006: Scott J. Richter, O.D., '75
2007: Katherine M. Mastrota, M.S., O.D., '89
2008: Kelly M. Ludden, O.D., '03
2009: Victoria Molnar Weiss, O.D., '89
2009: Douglas Weiss, O.D., '89
2010: Joan K. Portello, O.D., M.P.H., M.S., '86
2011: Jorge Won, O.D., '85
2012: Richard J. Madonna, O.D., '85
2013: Jillia Bird, O.D., '89
2014: David Damari, O.D., '88
2015: Michael McGovern, O.D., '97
2016: Sherry J. Bass, O.D., '80
2017: Kenneth Sorkin, O.D., '93
2018: Joseph Boorady, O.D., '93
2019: Julia Appel, O.D., '91
2020: Denise M. Whitman, O.D., '91
2021: Neera Kapoor, O.D., '94
2022: Jason Compton, O.D., '05
2023: Viola Kanevsky, O.D., '93
2024: Anna Marie Fernandez, O.D., '85
2025: Tamara Petrosyan, O.D., '09, R'10
2022: Class of 2020
2023: Mary Botelho, O.D., '17
2024: Constadina Manettas, O.D., '20
2025: Amy Lam, O.D., '15, R'16