One hundred members of the class of 2019 received their white coat before a gathering of family, friends and university administration, faculty and staff, during the afternoon ceremony held on MBKU's Fullerton campus.
Dean of the Southern California College of Optometry, Stanley Woo, O.D., M.S., M.B.A., acknowledged special guests from Alcon, a Novartis company, Mr. Tom Duchardt, Director, Academic Development – U.S. Vision Care, and Ms. Nikki Baron, Academic Account Manager, Department of Professional Affairs.
After thanking SCCO’s special guests, Dean Woo acknowledged the significance of the event and welcomed the class of 2019 to MBKU. “This ceremony marks the formal welcome of our new first- year students into the ranks of optometric eye care professionals,” said Dr. Woo. “The college is privileged to have diverse, talented and enthusiastic students, waiting to take on the coat that signifies their entry into the profession.”
Harue J. Marsden, O.D., M.S., FAAO, Associate Dean for Clinical Education, Julie Schornack, O.D., M.Ed., FAAO, Vice President of Clinical Affairs, and Mark Sawamura, O.D., Chief of the Jarnagin Center for Primary Care, presented the white coats to the students.
Barry A. Weissman, O.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., Diplomate, American Board of Optometry and President of the California Optometric Association, concluded the ceremony by leading the students in the reading of the Optometric Oath for Students.
After the white coat ceremony, students, family, friends and MBKU faculty and staff gathered in the Patricia Hopping Commons to enjoy appetizers and refreshments.