Pre-Graduation Student Scholarships
Annual scholarships are available to students entering any of the four professional years of study at SCCO and are based on criteria that include academic excellence, clinical ability, financial need, leadership, etc. These campus-based scholarships are presented at an event held during the Fall Quarter. All monetary scholarships are directly applied to the recipients' educational expenses at the College after a copy of a thank you letter that has been sent to the donor is submitted to the Office of Student Affairs.
- Dr. Charles A. Abel Memorial Scholarships (1982)
These endowed scholarships are in recognition of Charles A. Abel, O.D., '49, former Dean of Academic Affairs at the Southern California College of Optometry. Two awards valued at $1,500 are presented annually to entering third- or fourth-year students, with financial need, who have demonstrated excellence in family practice and case analysis courses and/or clinical application.
- Alumni Association of Southern California College of Optometry Endowed Scholarships (1979)
These endowed awards were established by the Alumni Association of the Southern California College of Optometry to honor Leslie W. Scown, O.D., a faculty member at the College from 1923-54. These two $500 scholarships are presented to entering fourth-year students who have demonstrated clinical proficiency in family practice optometry, academic excellence and financial need. Selection will be made by a committee of clinical faculty members appointed by the VP/Dean of Academic Affairs.
- American Optometric Association Student Leadership Scholarship (1997)
This scholarship, sponsored by the American Optometric Association, is presented to an entering fourth-year student. The recipient must be a member of the American Optometric Student Association, have maintained a 3.00 GPA, be an active leader and participant in student government at the College, and have completed a short essay on how these leadership experiences will benefit his/her career. The recipient of this $1,000 scholarship is selected by the Dean of Student Affairs.
- AOAAdvantage Scholarship (2004)
The AOAAdvantage Schorlarships are available to first-($600), second- and third-year ($1,000) students that have financial need. Funded by the American Optometric Association, these scholarships are available to one student from each class as noted. Selection of the recipients is made by the Student Affairs Committee.
- Alvin Applebaum Memorial Scholarship (1982)
An endowment was established by Morris Applebaum, O.D., '68, in memory of his father, who believed that education was the greatest gift he could give to his children. The $400 scholarship is presented annually to an entering fourth-year student who has demonstrated excellence in patient care and academic achievement. The recipient's name is inscribed on a plaque at the College.
- Arizona Vision Service Plan Scholarships (2001)
The Arizona Vision Service Plan Scholarship fund was directed to the College by Michael R. Sellers, O.D., '78, and James L. Abbott, O.D., '80. These awards are offered to students in good academic standing from Arizona, that have financial need. The selection of the scholarship recipients is made by the Dean of Student Affairs.
- Art Optical Contact Lens Scholarship (1994)
This $500 scholarship is presented by Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc., to an entering second-year student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical optometry. The recipient is selected by the Department of Clinical Sciences.
- Black Student Endowed Scholarship (2003)
This $500 endowed scholarship is presented to a first-, second-, or third-year Black Student at the College who has financial need; and who has submitted an essay on community service. The Student Affairs Council will select the recipient.
- Blake Family Endowed Scholarships (2003)
This endowed fund was established by the Blake Family. Mr. Jim Blake served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1989 1998, and as Chair in 1995-97. These $1,000 scholarships are available to first-, second-, and third-year students who have financial needs. They are presented at the discretion of the Student Affairs Council.
- Dr. Frank A. Brazelton Memorial Scholarships (1989)
An endowment was established by family and friends in memory of Professor Frank A. Brazelton, O.D., M.S.Ed., '51, who served on the faculty of the College from 1952-88. Two $1,500 scholarships are presented to entering third-year students for academic excellence and clinical potential in primary care courses.
- Marjorie H. Bright Endowed Scholarship (1998)
This endowed scholarship, established in honor of Marjorie H. Bright, is awarded to a third-year student with financial need who has demonstrated integrity, a reverence for values and personal involvement. Applicants must submit an essay describing an experience that challenged their value system and how they resolved it. The recipient of this $1,250 scholarship will be selected by the Dean of Student Affairs. Geographical preference will be given to students matriculating from Turlock, Modesto or the Central Valley areas of California.
- C & E Vision Service Scholarship (1986)
This $750 scholarship is presented by the C & E Vision Group to an entering fourth-year student who has demonstrated the most improved performance in laboratory exercises.
- California Optical Laboratories Association (COLA) Auxiliary Scholarship (1967)
The COLA Auxiliary scholarship is given annually to an entering third-year student. Applicants for this scholarship must have financial need. In addition, applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.00 for their first two professional years and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and interest in the profession. The value of this scholarship varies.
- California Optometric Council Achievement Scholarships (1995)
The California Optometric Council established an endowed scholarship fund to annually recognize entering fourth-year students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and interest in the profession, academic achievement, and financial need. Recipients of the two scholarships, valued at $750 and $1,000 are selected by the Dean of Student Affairs, the VP/Dean of Academic Affairs, and the President of the College.
- Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon Jr. Memorial Scholarships (1983)
Scholarships are annually awarded from an endowment established by Reynaldo J. Carreon Jr., O.D., D.O., M.D., '25. College students who are of Mexican-American heritage and have a need for financial assistance are eligible. Preferred recognition is given to applicants who are bilingual.
- Collard-Rose Hispanic Assistance Scholarship (1987)
This $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by Collard-Rose Optical Laboratories, is presented annually to an entering first-year student who is a United States citizen of Hispanic heritage. The recipient must have demonstrated outstanding involvement and leadership in community-oriented activities, and exhibit promise for, and commitment to, the profession of optometry. Bilingualism (Spanish and English) on the part of the recipient is preferred, though not mandatory.
- Collard-Rose Optical Laboratory Ophthalmic Dispensing Scholarship (1979)
The Collard-Rose Optical Laboratory scholarship is presented to an entering fourth-year student who has demonstrated outstanding dispensing skills. The recipient of the $1,000 award will have shown capability in effective eyewear adjustment and modification.
- Council of Regents Scholarship (2002)
The Council of Regents of the Southern California College of Optometry awards a $1,000 scholarship to a third-year student matriculating at the College who has demonstrated leadership and community involvement. Applications for the scholarship are available from the Director of Alumni Relations; and, the recipient is selected by a panel of Regents based on a brief essay due three-weeks before presentation.
- Dr. Leon Darrow Endowed Memorial Scholarships (2002)
The Dr. Leon Darrow Endowed Memorial Scholarships were established by Mrs. Evelyn Darrow in memory of her husband. These $1,000 scholarships are available to second- or third-year students from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) States that are not being funded by WICHE awards. The selection of these recipients is at the discretion of the Dean of Student Affairs.
- Dr. George I. Deane Jr. Memorial Leadership Scholarship (1978)
This scholarship was established by the California Optometric Association (COA) in memory of George I. Deane Jr., O.D., a past president of the COA and of the State Board of Optometry. It is presented to an entering fourth-year student who has been a resident of California for at least five years and has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the student association of the California Optometric Association. The scholarship consists of an invitation to attend the COA Congress, where the recipient will be recognized.
- Adam E. and Marguerite E. Diehl Memorial Scholarship (2000)
This scholarship was established by the Diehl family as a tribute to Adam and Marguerite Diehl. Mr. Diehl was awarded an honorary degree, the Doctor of Science in Educational Optics, in 1950. He was the first non-optometrist elected to the College's Board of Trustees, served as a trustee from 1951-72, and, was chairman of the Board of Trustees in 1958. This $1,000 scholarship is presented to an entering fourth-year student that has demonstrated special interest and clinical skills in the treatment of ocular disease. The recipient will be selected by the clinical faculty in Ocular Disease.
- Dr. Herbert McCracken Dixon Scholarships (1983)
A bequest from the estate of the late Herbert McCracken Dixon, O.D., '23, created an endowment to be used for scholarships. Annually, a minimum of 20 Dixon scholarships will be given. Scholarships are based on academic excellence and will be awarded to students in the professional degree program for direct educational expenses, including tuition. A second component of this scholarship program is the inclusion of a "moral obligation factor." Through this component, it is hoped and expected that students will recognize a moral obligation to the College and to future optometry students and will, in that spirit, make their own future gifts to the College through this scholarship program. While there is no legal obligation or written agreement for the recipient to repay the scholarship, it is hoped that a student, as a true professional, will carry out a moral obligation after graduation when he/she is successfully established.
Four scholarships are provided each year to the four students who have the highest academic achievement in undergraduate work in each year's entering first-year class. A scholarship is also provided to the underrepresented minority student with the highest undergraduate academic achievement in each year's entering first-year class.
Scholarships are also awarded to students in the entering second-, third- and fourth-year classes based on cumulative grade point averages during the College's previous academic year. Students with the highest grade point average will be named Dixon Scholars. Those with the second highest will be Dixon Fellows and the third highest will be Dixon Associates. In addition, scholarships will be awarded to underrepresented minority students with the highest grade point averages and to students who have shown the most improvement in cumulative grade point average.
- Dr. Joe W. Dobbs Endowed Scholarship (2003)
This endowment was established by College Trustee and Alumnus Joe W. Dobbs, O.D., 63, and his wife, Carol. It provides a $1,000 scholarship to an entering fourth-year student with need who has shown interest and potential promise in the care of low vision patients. The selection of this scholarship recipient is made by the Chief of the Low Vision Rehabilitation Service.
- Dr. Richard S. Eisenberg Scholarship (2001)
This annual $500 scholarship was established by Richard S. Eisenberg, O.D., 74. This scholarship is available to an entering fourth-year student who demonstrates skillful proficiency with clinical procedures to enhance the diagnosis or management of patients. The recipient will submit an essay for selection by the Dean of Clinical Affairs.
- The Family Scholarship (2003)
This $500 annual scholarship, established by a 1997 alumnus and his wife, is available to a third-year student who is married with children. Applicants will submit a brief essay to the Director of Alumni Relations on the role their family plays in developing their goals for practice. The recipient is selected by the family funding the award.
- GP Lens Institute Clinical Excellence Scholarship (1998)
This annual award is presented to an entering fourth-year student who has exhibited enthusiasm for fitting RGP contact lenses in the College's Eye Care Clinic. The student should have demonstrated interest in learning more about RGP lens designs and materials, exhibit a desire to improve their fitting skills, and promote use of RGP lenses. The award, a plaque and diagnostic set, varies in value.
- Doctors Robert L. Gordon and Andrea C. Silvers Scholarship (1996)
A scholarship was established by the San Fernando Valley Optometric Society and California optometrists to honor Robert L. Gordon, O.D., '71, and Andrea C. Silvers, O.D., '70, for their many contributions to the profession and organized optometry. This $500 scholarship is presented to an entering fourth-year student who has demonstrated high academic achievement and significant participation and interest in the politics of organized optometry.
- Great Western Council of Optometry Scholarship (2002)
The Great Western Council on Optometry (GWCO) annually awards a $1,000 scholarship to an entering third-year student who submits the best short essay on How My State Optometric Association Benefits Me As A Student. The applicant should be a resident of the GWCO region (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming). The recipient will be determined by the Student Affairs Committee.
- Hispanic Scholarships (1995)
These endowed Hispanic scholarships are presented annually to entering fourth-year students of Hispanic heritage. The recipients will have demonstrated scholarship, clinical proficiency and commitment to the profession. Candidates for these two $1,000 awards are selected by a committee of clinical faculty members appointed by the VP/Dean of Academic Affairs.
- Betty Lou Hoeft Memorial Scholarship (1988)
Established in 1988, in memory of Betty Lou Hoeft by her husband, Wayne W. Hoeft, O.D., '59, their families and friends, this $1,000 scholarship is presented to a female student from the Midwest who needs financial assistance, is in good academic standing and is entering her second- or third-year of professional study.
- Dr. Richard L. Hopping Ethics Scholarship (2004)
This endowment established by Southern California College of Optometry President Emeritus Richard L. Hopping, O.D. and his spouse Patricia provides a $1,000 scholarship to an entering third-year student. The student must submit an essay of 500 words or more on the importance and/or role of ethics in carrying out the various tenets of the Optometric Oath. The recipient will be selected by the Dean of Student Affairs and the Vice President/Dean of Academic Affairs.
- Dr. Donald E. Jarnagin Endowed Scholarship (1999)
This endowed scholarship was established by Donald E. Jarnagin, O.D., '70, a past president of the American Optometric Association, in honor of the College and in recognition of the profession. Third-year students that have been involved in student leadership activities may apply for this $1,000 scholarship by submitting an essay describing the values they have learned from the student leadership positions they have held. The selection for this scholarship is made by the Dean of Student Affairs.
- Woody and Dorotha Jarnagin Memorial Endowed Scholarships (2002)
The Woody and Dorotha Jarnagin Memorial Endowed Scholarships were established by former American Optometric Association President and Alumnus Donald E. Jarnagin, O.D., 70. These $1,000 scholarships are available to first-year students from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) States but not funded by WICHE grants. The selection of the recipients is at the discretion of the Dean of Student Affairs.
- Kristin A. Jones Memorial Scholarships (1991)
An endowment was established in recognition of Kristin A. Jones who, as a Southern California College of Optometry student, valiantly displayed a laudatory spirit and a courageous attitude in spite of personal health problems. Two scholarships are given to second- or third-year students for an essay on an event or circumstance that personally affected them and caused them to reevaluate their views about courage, personal hardships, and the value of seeking joy in life. Students may be nominated or may apply for these two scholarships, valued at $750 and $1,000 to the Dean of Student Affairs.
- Dr. Rodger T. Kame Endowed Memorial Scholarship (2001)
The Dr. Rodger T. Kame, 62, Endowed Memorial Scholarship was created by the friends and family of the honoree. Dr. Kame was an internationally recognized expert in cornea and contact lens management and served on the Colleges Board of Trustees from 1994 until his passing in 2000. This $1,000 scholarship is presented to a third-year student who has demonstrated clinical excellence in cornea and contact lenses. The recipient is selected by the faculty in the Cornea and Contact Lens Service.
- Dr. Alan C. Kuykendall Memorial Scholarship (2002)
The Dr. Alan C. Kuykendall Memorial Scholarship was created by friends and classmates of Big Al, a 1974 graduate. This $1,000 scholarship is presented to an entering fourth-year student who has exhibited a professional attitude and conduct in clinical skills and provided extraordinary service to his/her patients. The recipient is chosen by faculty members in the Primary Eye Care Optometry Service.
- Dr. K. Michael Larkin Memorial Scholarship (2001)
This scholarship was established by family and friends in memory of, K. Michael Larkin, O.D., 73, Assistant Professor, who served as a faculty member at the College from 1973 to 2000. Dr. Larkin was also a very active lecturer and consultant on practice management and public health initiatives with the California Optometry Association and the American Optometric Association. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an entering fourth-year student for excellence in ocular disease. Students must submit a case report documenting their management of a challenging ocular disease case. The recipient will be selected by a committee from the Chronic Care, Special Testing and Ophthalmology Consultation Service.
- Los Angeles County Optometric Society Scholarship (1998)
This award is presented annually by the Los Angeles County Optometric Society to an entering fourth-year student who has demonstrated an interest in, and dedication to, assisting the involvement of student organizations in organized optometry. Students may apply for this $500 award by submitting an essay citing their leadership while attending optometry school and the future leadership role they anticipate in the profession.
- National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) Service Scholarship (1983)
This scholarship is presented to a first-year student with financial need who has demonstrated outstanding community service to an underrepresented portion of the population. The recipient will be selected by the College's Dean of Student Affairs. The $500 scholarship will be applied toward the student's account at the Campus Store for the purchase of books and equipment.
- Dr. Homer A. Nelson Memorial Scholarships (1980)
An endowment was established by Ruth A.E. Nelson in memory of her husband, Homer A. Nelson, O.D., 25, a distinguished alumnus and SCCO Trustee Emeritus, in recognition of his loyal and devoted service to the College and to optometric vision care. Eight $1,000 scholarships are available annually to entering third- or fourth-year students. Applicant preference is given to students who resided in Orange County prior to admission to the College. The recipients must be in good academic standing and have financial need. Selections are made by the College administration.
- New O.D. Scholarship (2004)
The New O.D. Scholarship, presented by Optometric Management through Boucher Communications, is offered to a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year student who has a financial need. The recipient of this $500 scholarship is selected by the Student Affairs Council.
- Orange County Optometric Society Scholarship (1985)
This $250, "Recognition Scholarship for Professional Involvement" is presented by the Orange County Optometric Society to an entering third-year student who has demonstrated commitment to, and stimulated interest and involvement in, student and/or professional optometric organizations.
- Dr. Howard Preston Memorial Scholarship (1984)
This $750 scholarship was established through a gift from the South Bay Optometric Society in memory of Howard Preston, O.D., who was an honored Society member and a 1954 graduate of the College. The endowed scholarship is presented each year to an entering third-year student who has demonstrated in the second year of study a significant overall improvement in academic performance as compared with his/her first year of study.
- Dr. Erwin A. Rader Memorial Scholarships (1994)
These two endowed scholarships are a memorial tribute to Erwin A. Rader, O.D., '42. Dr. Rader practiced for many years in California but, was originally a native of the Midwest. Applicants for the scholarships must submit an essay illustrating an experience in their life that has led to the development of values that they believe will assist them in establishing a professional practice. Preference for the annual $750 and $1,000 scholarships will be given to third-year students from the Midwest.
- Rio Hondo Optometric Society Scholarship (1999)
The Rio Hondo Optometric Society provides a $400 award to an entering fourth-year student that has demonstrated service and involvement with organized optometry. Candidates for the award must have financial need and write a self-nomination. The Dean of Student Affairs selects the recipient.
- Dr. Bertram L. Roberts Memorial Scholarship (1981)
This endowed scholarship was established as a tribute to Bertram L. Roberts, O.D., honoring his many years of service as a faculty member of the College. The $750 scholarship is presented annually to an entering fourth-year student who has demonstrated excellence in the field of ocular disease and special testing.
- The Dr. Martin A. Robin Memorial Scholarship (1997)
This endowed scholarship is a memorial tribute to Martin A. Robin, O.D. Dr. Robin was in independent practice for many years; had an eloquent sense of humor; painted; collected books and Presidential autographs; and, reflected much that is positive about life and optometry. This $1,000 scholarship is available to a first-, second-, or third-year student with financial need that has demonstrated a commitment to society through non-optometric community service, such as tutoring, caring for the physically handicapped, children or others in need. Students may apply through the Dean of Student Affairs.
- Michael R. Sellers, O.D., Scholarships (1999)
These two $1,000 annual scholarships were established by Michael R. Sellers, O.D., '78, and are available to entering second-year students. Applicants must have financial need, and a grade point average of at least 3.00. Applicants will submit a 500 word essay on why they chose optometry as a profession, and why they chose to attend SCCO. Preference is given to students from Arizona. The recipients should recognize a moral obligation to the College and to its optometry students in the way of future gifts to the school through the scholarship program.
- Dr. Robert L. Severtson Scholarship (2002)
This scholarship was established by the San Gabriel Valley Optometric Society in recognition of Robert L. Severtson, O.D., 51, for his many contributions to the College, to his profession, to his vision therapy patients, and for his personal involvement in the counseling and guidance of optometric students. This $500 annual scholarship is directed to entering fourth-year students for clinical proficiency in the area of vision therapy and interest in the vision care of children. Selection is made by the faculty in the Vision Therapy Service.
- Dr. Geraldine J. Sherman Memorial Scholarship (1978)
This scholarship was endowed as a tribute to Geraldine J. Sherman, O.D. The $750 scholarship is presented to a female student at the College who has demonstrated leadership potential and independence of thought.
- Dr. Takao Shishino Endowed Scholarship (1994)
This $1,500 endowed scholarship, established by friends and associates of Takao Shishino, O.D., honors him for his service to the optometric profession, support and leadership on the Colleges Board of Trustees. Throughout his career, Dr. Shishino has recommended, assisted and supported young people and graduates dedicated to the profession of optometry. Entering fourth-year students may apply by submitting an essay on their definition of professionalism and how it influences their practice goals.
- Dr. Stephen P. Sokol Scholarship (2004)
This $400 Scholarship is presented by the Rio Hondo Optometric Society recognizing the service and dedication to the society of Dr. Steve Sokol, 67. This annual scholarship is presented to a married, first-year student from California who is active in the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) and has financial need.
- SOLAQuest Scholarship (1997)
This $500 scholarship, established by SOLA Optical, recognizes excellence in ophthalmic optics by an entering fourth-year student. Nominations are recommended by the Optical Service department at the College's Eye Care Center. (Rev. 8/05)
- Southwest Contact Lens Society Scholarships (1995)
These scholarships, established by the Southwest Contact Lens Society as a tribute to Clyde Roberts, O.D., '49, recognize third- or fourth-year students who have exhibited potential for excellence in contact lens patient care. These two scholarships are presented to students with a 3.00 or better GPA, and preference is given to students from the Southwest. The value of the awards is $750 and $1,000.
- Doctors Howard, Stanley and David Stein Family Scholarship (2003)
This $2,000 scholarship is presented by Dr. Howard Stein, 95, Dr. Stanley Stein, 56, and Dr. David Stein, 84, to an entering second-year student, with need, who is interested in pursuing independent practice. Students will submit a brief essay describing why private practice is the strength of the profession. The selection of the recipient is made by the Dean of Student Affairs.
- Harold M. Uhrich, Jr. and Shirley J. Uhrich Memorial Scholarship (2004)
An endowment was established by family and friends as a memorial to Harold M. Uhrich, Jr. and his wife Shirley J. Uhrich. Bud Uhrich was the loyal and devoted Director of Campus Operations who served the College and the physical plant in an exemplary manner from 1972 until 2003. A $1,000 scholarship will be presented annually to a student in good academic standing entering the third-year of professional studies at the Southern California College of Optometry and has a demonstrated need for financial assistance. The recipient of the scholarship will be chosen by the Dean of Student Affairs.
- Varilux Student Grant (1982)
This $500 scholarship is presented by Varilux Corporation to an entering fourth-year student who submits the best case report on a patient prescribed and fitted with Varilux lenses. Selection of the recipient, judged by the College's clinical faculty, is based on the analysis of the case, application of the Varilux lenses to the patient's needs, and dispensing skills.
- Robert K. Vinyard Memorial Scholarship (1976)
This $750 scholarship is an endowed tribute to recognize a former student who lost his life in a 1976 accident. It is presented annually to a student with financial need and who has demonstrated a high degree of professionalism. Students competing for this scholarship must submit an essay on why they selected the profession of optometry as a career.
- Vision for Excellence Scholarships (1988)
The College has established an endowment that provides three $800 Vision for Excellence Scholarships to entering second- or third-year students. The recipients must demonstrate professional potential and overall excellence in academic achievement.
- Vision Service Plan (VSP) Independent Practice Scholarships (1988)
Two $2,000 scholarships are presented to entering fourth-year students who have demonstrated excellence in primary eye care services. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA that places them in the top half of the class. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay encompassing their independent practice goals and demonstrating their understanding of optometry's role as a primary health care profession.
- Vistakon Acuvue® Eye Health Advisor Citizenship Scholarship (2003)
This $1,000 scholarship and plaque, from Vistakon Acuvue®, is awarded to a third-year student clinician who best exemplifies ideal eye care standards of practice including: the importance of eye health; the proper contact lens wear and care; and community service and volunteerism. The recipient will be selected by the Dean of Student Affairs based on an essay, The values Ive learned through community service and volunteerism.
- Vistakon Student Involvement Scholarship (1988)
This scholarship is presented by Vistakon, Inc., to an entering second- or third-year student who participates in College, professional and community activities. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 and must submit a resume of their activities to the Dean of Student Affairs by September 1. The scholarship consists of a plaque and a $500 award.
- Dr. Chen Young & Dr. Jennifer Mallinger Young Scholarships (2001)
Two $500 scholarships for entering third-year students one provided by, Chen Young, O.D., 95, and one provided by, Jennifer Mallinger Young, O.D., 97, are presented. These scholarships will be awarded to students with need who have demonstrated an interest and commitment to the activities and leadership of the Student Association. Recipients will be selected by the Dean of Student Affairs.