SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander

The optometric community gathered in early June for the dedication of the building that will house the Michigan College of Optometry (MCO), at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI.  Southern California College of Optometry President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., as the former MCO dean was one of the event speakers.

"It took tremendous determination to complete the building that will now house the optometry program," said Dr. Alexander.  "Ten continuous years of work by administrators, faculty, alumni and state officials has resulted in a state-of-the-art educational and patient care facility.  What a thrill to see this long-anticipated project come to fruition – a project that will long benefit patients, students and the community of Big Rapids."

The 87,000 square-foot building cost $27 million, about $20 million of which came from the state of Michigan.  The three-story facility features a vision care clinic, classrooms, labs and observation areas, all equipped with the newest technology.  The MCO building opened in December 2010 with its dedication ceremony held June 8, 2011.