SCCO Donors Feted at Circle of Vision Luncheon


Circle of Vision Luncheon Host and SCCO Alumnus Lynn Gabriel, O.D., '78, with SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D., at the inaugural event. Dr. Gabriel announced the establishment of a new student scholarship, the Dr. Lynn Gabriel Circle of Vision Scholarship.	Four SCCO Alumni who have served as President of the California Optometric Association were greeted at the Circle of Vision Luncheon by SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D. They are (l-r): Robert Gordon, O.D., '71; Dawn Miller, O.D., '83; President Alexander; Lynn Gabriel, O.D., '78; and John Larcabal, O.D., '88.

SCCO's Distinguished Corporate Sponsor Award was presented to Essilor of America, Inc. Accepting the award was Essilor's VP, Professional Relations and Clinical Affairs Rodney Tahran, O.D., a 1980 SCCO Alumnus. Dr. Tahran (center) is pictured with SCCO VP and Dean of Clinical Affairs Julie Schornack, O.D., M.Ed.; and SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.	The Distinguished Volunteer Fundraiser Award was presented to Robert L. Gordon, O.D., '71. He is pictured (center) with SCCO VP of Interprofessional Affairs John Nishimoto, O.D., M.B.A., '87; and SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Morris and Arleen Applebaum received the Distinguished Philanthropist Award. Dr. Applebaum, SCCO Class of 1968 and his wife, Arleen, are pictured with SCCO VP and Dean of Academic Affairs Morris Berman, O.D., M.S. (left), and SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.	SCCO's Circle of Vision Honorees are pictured with members of the College's President's Executive Committee. They are (front row l-r): Distinguished Philanthropist Award Honorees Arleen and Morris Applebaum, O.D., '68; SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.; and Recipient, Distinguished Volunteer Fundraiser Award Robert L. Gordon, O.D., '71; (back row l-r): VP of Interprofessional Affairs John Nishimoto, O.D., M.B.A., '87; VP of Advancement and Marketing Paul Stover, M.Ed.; VP of Student Affairs Lorraine Voorhees, O.D., M.S., '71; VP of Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer Lisa Albers, C.P.A.; VP and Dean of Academic Affairs Morris Berman, O.D., M.S.; and VP and Dean of Clinical Affairs Julie Schornack, O.D., M.Ed.

Top donors to the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), were feted at the Circle of Vision Luncheon for their exceptional support of the 106 year-old institution. Alumni and corporate friends were honored at the inaugural donor-recognition event held at Pasadena's Annadale Golf Club on, Thursday, January 20. SCCO Alumnus Lynn Caffrey Gabriel, O.D., '78, hosted the event and the presenting sponsor was Essilor of America, Inc.

            "What a great way to start 2011 by bringing together our special donors and thanking them for their support," said SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D. "Since arriving at SCCO in 2008, I have worked with members of the College Family to set a bold new vision and with the continued investment of these individuals in what we do, the Southern California College of Optometry has a very bright future."

            At the Circle of Vision Luncheon, a new recognition event for SCCO, three awards of distinction were presented and a new student scholarship was announced. The awards honor corporate, volunteer, and philanthropic achievement.

            SCCO's Distinguished Corporate Sponsor Award was presented to Essilor of America, Inc., for its outstanding commitment through financial and in-kind support to the College, and for its encouragement and motivation of its employees to take leadership roles through philanthropic and community involvement. Over the years, Essilor has donated more than $121,500 to SCCO. Essilor's Vice President, Professional Relations and Clinical Affairs

Rodney Tahran, O.D., accepted the award. Dr. Tahran is a 1980 graduate of SCCO and currently serves on its Board of Trustees.

            The Distinguished Volunteer Fundraiser Award was presented to Robert L. Gordon, O.D., for his demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to SCCO by motivating and inspiring other volunteers in successful fundraising projects. Dr. Gordon, a 1971 graduate of SCCO, is a private practitioner in Encino, CA, a part-time professor at his alma mater, and a member of its Board of Trustees. He was instrumental in securing a $150,000 grant from the Good Hope Medical Foundation for indigent patient care. Dr. Gordon has personally donated thousands of dollars to the College and its Patient Care Assistance Fund.

            The Distinguished Philanthropist Award is presented to an individual or family with a demonstrated record of exceptional generosity or a recent outstanding achievement who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable stewardship, has significantly improved the quality of life in our community, and whose generosity motivates others to provide philanthropic support. Dr. Morris and Arleen Applebaum were named the first-ever recipients of SCCO's Distinguished Philanthropist Award. Recently, the Applebaums made an endowment pledge of $200,000 to the College. A 1968 graduate of SCCO, the gift recognizes Dr. Applebaum's many years of service and contributions to SCCO as a faculty member and administrator and to the optometric community.

            The establishment of the Dr. Lynn Gabriel Circle of Vision Scholarship was announced at the donor-recognition event. Annually, Dr. Gabriel will make a $5,000 contribution for two student scholarships. Dr. Gabriel, former owner of the Pasadena Optometry Center, retired in 2006.

            Special guests at the Circle of Vision Luncheon included Orange County Philanthropist Kathryn McCarty, and Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Head Global Professional Services David Hansen, O.D.