Posted:  Fullerton, CA, September 25, 2012

Fullerton resident James H. Blake, has been honored by the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), with its distinguished V-Award for Community Service.  Mr. Blake was recognized at SCCO's Shared Visions Gala and V-Awards on September 20 at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, CA, for his generous community support. SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D., and SCCO Chairman, Board of Trustees Gene D. Calkins, O.D., J.D., presented the V-Award to Mr. Blake before the 300 Gala attendees.

A prominent leader in civic affairs, Jim Blake, has given his expertise and time to many corporate advisory boards and community organizations.  In Fullerton, he has proudly served with the Chamber of Commerce, Planning Commission, Economic Development Team, Rotary Club, YMCA, St. Jude Medical Center Foundation, Cultural and Fine Arts Commission, Muckenthaler Cultural Center, and the Business Council, for which he was the founding chair.  He joined the Metropolitan Water District in 1988 and remains on its Board of Directors.

In 1989, Mr. Blake joined the Board of Trustees of the Southern California College of Optometry; was Board Chair, 1997–99 and was named, Trustee Emeritus in 2002.  In 2004, he was recognized as a Centennial Honoree of the College.  At SCCO, he and his family established the endowed Hardtner/Blake Family Scholarship Fund to benefit students.  In 2004, the Blake Family provided financial support to the College for its renovation and expansion of the on-campus clinical facility.  In recognition of this support the Eye Care Center's meeting facilities were named the Blake Conference Center.