Stronger Together: The Union of the Optometric Center of New York and the Alumni Association The saying goes that good things come to those who wait, but in the case of the merger between the SUNY Optometry Alumni Association and the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY), it was diligence and foresight that got the job done. It all started in 2014, when the Alumni Association board proposed a melding of the two nonprofit organizations. The board and the OCNY, the College’s affiliated foundation, were unintentionally duplicating efforts, and coming together would make them more effective. “The merger was proposed to clearly delineate fundraising and relationship-building responsibilities and combine the resources and strengths of both organizations,” explains Mrs. Jennifer Kelly Campbell, associate vice president of alumni and government relations. After vetting the idea, the school hired the law firm of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips in September 2016 to begin the long merger process. Mrs. Campbell joined SUNY in August 2016 and jumped into the role of project lead and attorney liaison for the merger, bringing together all relevant parties and compiling the wide-ranging documents related to the incorporation, including everything from tax returns and bylaws to lists of officers. After securing approval from both boards and getting 95% of voting alumni to agree to the change, the project is on track for completion in early 2018. “The merger will allow for a close partnership between the Alumni Association and the OCNY,” Mrs. Campbell explains. “They will be working together to support the goals of the College and contributing their unique strengths to maximize resources. And the Alumni Association board will be able to concentrate on creating the types of events, programs and services our alumni have requested.” The College hopes that the new arrangement—which brings the Alumni Association under the OCNY umbrella— will result in more engagement opportunities for alumni and increased participation in events and programs. Next up on the agenda is spreading the news and engaging alumni. “The organization will raise awareness about the work it does to support the College,” Mrs. Campbell says. “The leaders will develop clearly defined opportunities for alumni and others to participate in the preservation of the College for future generations of students.” Alumni Association president Dr. Denise Whittam and Mrs. Jennifer Kelly Campbell 37
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