12 Students Awarded One Year of Tuition, Recognizing Academic Excellence, Leadership & Promise
New York, NY — SUNY College of Optometry announced today the recipients of its 2026 Presidential Scholarship, which provides one year of tuition to three students in each class and recognizes academic excellence, leadership, clinical promise, and commitment to the future of eye and vision care. Now in its second year, and one of the most significant student awards in the College’s history, the Presidential Scholarship reflects SUNY Optometry’s commitment to reducing financial barriers for talented students and supporting the next generation of optometrists and vision scientists.
Established under the leadership of President David Troilo, the Presidential Scholarship was created to recognize students whose achievements and potential reflect the College’s mission of advancing eye and vision care through education, research, and patient service. The award is part of SUNY Optometry’s broader scholarship program, which supports students through merit-based awards, clinical excellence scholarships, community health scholarships, donor-funded scholarships, and scholarships for international students.
“The Presidential Scholarship is an investment in exceptional students who represent the future of our profession,” said Dr. Troilo. “These recipients have demonstrated the talent, dedication, and leadership that define SUNY Optometry, and we are proud to support them as they prepare to provide outstanding care, advance vision science, and serve communities in New York and beyond.”
In addition to the Presidential Scholarship recipients, 32 first-year students in the Class of 2030 received scholarships during the admissions process totaling $200,000 through support from the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation, including the Adolf & Ruth Schnurmacher Scholarship gifted annually by the family’s foundation. Beginning with the Class of 2031, the College expects to add a fourth Presidential Scholarship for each class as part of the expansion of the Doctor of Optometry program to Syracuse.
“Scholarship support has a direct and meaningful impact on students and their families,” said Dawn Rigney, Executive Director of the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation. “By helping reduce the cost of professional education, these awards allow students to focus on learning, clinical training, and their future service to patients and communities. We are grateful to the donors and partners whose generosity makes this support possible.”
The 2026 Presidential Scholarship recipients are:
Class of 2027
- Izabella Bangiyeva, Forest Hills, New York; Hunter College
- Nha Uyen Pham, Lutz, Florida; University of Central Florida
- Jaden Momrik, Jersey City, New Jersey; Columbia University
Class of 2028
- Annelise Cassidy, Indianapolis, Indiana; Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Pouya Parsinejad, Great Falls, Virginia; James Madison University
- Alessandra Priante, Brooklyn, New York; Hamilton College
Class of 2029
- Grace Gigax, Dover, Ohio; Ohio State University
- Juney Liu, Maspeth, New York; St. John’s University
- Monica Stapor, Staten Island, New York; SUNY Binghamton
Class of 2030
- Aisha Yousaf, Staten Island, New York; College of Staten Island
- Jennifer Lin, Schenectady, New York; Boston College
- Felipe Barandiaran, Piedmont, California; Johns Hopkins University
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About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry (SUNY Optometry) is the only school of optometry in the state and a nationally recognized leader in optometric education, vision research, and patient care. The College prepares the next generation of eye care professionals through its Doctor of Optometry program, residency programs, and advanced graduate degrees in vision science, including MS and PhD programs. As an academic health center in optometry dedicated to advancing eye and vision care, SUNY Optometry conducts a robust portfolio of basic, translational, and clinical research focused on improving diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of visual disorders. Beginning in Fall 2027, the Doctor of Optometry degree will be offered in both New York City or Syracuse, providing students the opportunity to choose where they live and practice. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.
About SUNY College of Optometry Foundation
Founded in 1956, the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation is the affiliated nonprofit organization supporting the mission and future of SUNY College of Optometry. Through philanthropy and community partnership, the Foundation advances excellence in optometric education, groundbreaking vision research, and patient-centered eye care. Its support helps expand access to high-quality vision and eye health services, fund scholarships and student success initiatives, and drive innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of visual disorders. The Foundation’s impact extends from New York City to communities around the world through investments in clinical care, research, and the preparation of future leaders in optometry and vision science. Guided by a commitment to healthcare access, innovation, and public service, the Foundation continues to strengthen programs and opportunities that improve lives, advance eye health, and shape the future of vision care for generations to come.