Date: Saturday, October 9, 2004

The Gala was a dramatic capstone to an eventful Centennial year. It featured acclaimed pianist and singer Michael Feinstein and recognition of 100 honorees. VSP was the Presenting Sponsor of the evening. A portion of the proceeds benefited the Eye Care Center and community vision care.

The close to 900 formally-attired attendees enjoyed themselves immensely – the food was delicious, the program flowed smoothly with perfect timing, and the company was jovial and friendly. One alumnus admitted that he hadn’t expected to have so much fun at a black-tie event and several commented that the evening was so much grander than they had thought it would be. More than 50 current students with spouses and dates attended.

The Honorees felt honored, as they deserved to be. Not only were they highlighted in the Keepsake Program, but were guests at an Honoree-only pre-reception, were presented before the entire guest assembly one-by-one in a pre-dinner procession, and then received custom-engraved Orrefors crystal bowls delivered to each Honoree at his or her table.

It was truly an incredible evening – one not to be duplicated until 2104!

Arizona Alumni with President Walls:
Drs. Jim Abbott '80, Mike Sellers '78,
Bob Maynard '67, Don Jarnagin '70
and Ken Johnson'79

President Walls with California Optometric Association Presidents

Students: Stacey Gin '06 and Dana Rasmussen '05

Faculty Fun:
Drs. Nishimoto, Comer, Marsden and Schornack

Gala Co-chairs Barbara Gregory and Jolene Munson with Carl Gregory, Michael Feinstein, Milly Muzzy, Drs. Mary Ann & Les Walls

Professor Emeritus Dr. John Griffin and his family with Michael Feinstein, hamming it up post-event

Class of '08: Amy Sparks, Alicia Feis, Anna Clark, Leah Mallinger, Sam Locy and Kelsey Barnes

Dr. Richard Hopping

Entertainer Michael Feinstein

The Honorees receiving instruction on their procession into the Grand Ballroom

The first Honoree Gift - presented by
Dr. Akio Kanai '72 to Dr. James English

Stage Escorts: Marcus Kelley '06 and Scott Beasley '05 with Honorees: Trustee Chairman Wayne Wedin and President Walls, concluding the procession

The crowd scene at the Honoree Reception

Keith Tyler and Jonathan Hartley, Class of '07

President Les Walls speaks to
the past and the future of SCCO