27 Commencement 2016 Dr. Ramanathan Raju and President David A. Heath. Eighty Doctor of Optometry degrees, five master’s degrees in vision science, and two PhDs in vision science were conferred during the 42nd commencement of the SUNY College of Optometry on Thursday, May 26 at the Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Dr. Ramanathan Raju, president and chief executive officer of NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest municipal health care system in the nation, delivered the commencement address. He spoke of the key role optometry has played in the changing health care system and advised the newlyminted doctors to put their patients first to succeed in their careers. “All of health care needs to be more like optometry,” said Dr. Raju, who was appointed to lead the 42,000 employees of the $7.2 billion health system by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014. “Optometry has been a leader, helping to make health care a more efficient and pleasing experience.” President Heath presented the third Presidential Medallion to Dr. Scott Richter, who recently retired from the College. Dr. Richter was a member of SUNY Optometry’s first graduating class in 1975 and spent 40 years as a member of the College’s faculty. He received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2009, the New York State Optometric Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2007, and was named SUNY Optometry Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year in 2006. The Benjamin Franklin Society Award was presented to Optometric Center of New York trustee Harold Wilshinsky for his service to the College and its affiliated foundation. Mr. Wilshinsky also serves on the board of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation and on the Planned Giving Committee of the Baruch College Fund. He is a trustee of both the Sutton Place Synagogue in New York City and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He has worked in the insurance industry for more than five decades. Jenna Salner, President of the Class of 2016.
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