This year’s award recipients will be honored for their generosity in shaping Marshall B. Ketchum University. Glenda Secor, O.D., Chair of Marshall B. Ketchum University’s Board of Trustees will present three Circle of Vision Awards for Distinguished Philanthropy at the university’s annual luncheon. “The recipients of the Circle of Vision award have demonstrated exceptional generosity to improve the quality of life at MBKU and in the community,” said Paul Stover, M.Ed., Vice President for University Advancement.
The first award will honor Mr. James H. Blake, a prominent leader in civic affairs who has given his expertise and time to many corporate advisory boards and community organizations. Most recently, in 2013, James answered the call for support by establishing the very first endowed scholarship for the new School of Physician Assistant Studies. “The James H. Blake Endowed Scholarship in the School of Physician Assistant Studies is just another major mark that Mr. Blake brings to the University and our community,” said Dean of the College of Health Sciences Judy Ortiz, MHS, MS, PA-C. “We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Blake and appreciate his support of our program.”
Dr. Warren Harvard Low, MBKU’s second award recipient, is a 1952 Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) graduate. Dr. Low has been a member of the SCCO's Board of Trustees for more than 40 years. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for three years, and has been active on nearly every one of its committees. “Dr. Low’s contributions continue to shape the future for his beloved alma mater,” noted Stanley Woo, O.D., M.S., M.B.A, Dean, Southern California College of Optometry.
The Stein family will also be honored for their extraordinary philanthropy. The Stein family has continued to help SCCO and MBKU build a culture of generosity and it’s because of their charity to the university, and community at large, that they will be honored. Dr. Howard Stein, a 1959 SCCO graduate, will accept the award on behalf of his family. A leader in the profession, Dr. Stein is a member of the South Bay Optometric Society, the California Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the Contact Lens and Cornea Section of the American Optometric Association. Dr. Stein was also chosen as a Centennial Honoree by the Southern California College of Optometry.
“Mr. James H. Blake, Dr. Warren Harvard Low and the Stein Family’s exemplary work in the profession and their passion and commitment to Marshall B. Ketchum University are so critical to the continuing success of this institution,” said Marshall B. Ketchum University President Kevin Alexander, O.D., Ph.D. “It could not be a better time to thank each award recipient at our fifth annual Circle of Vision luncheon for being among our leaders as MBKU plans to grow its School of Physician Assistant Studies and its planned College of Pharmacy.”