Illinois College of Optometry Celebrates Winners of 2010 Alumni Association Awards
U.S. Rep. John Boozman honored for excellence during Alumni Weekend
August 31, 2010 (CHICAGO) — The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO, www.ico.edu) has announced the winners of the 2010 Alumni Awards. A congressman, eight optometrists and one attorney were honored for excellence and leadership in education, philanthropy, research and patient care, as well as for their outstanding contributions to ICO and the optometric profession. The award recipients were recognized during a banquet held at the InterContinental Chicago on August 27.
The Humanitarian Award was presented to U.S. Rep. John Boozman for his commitment to public service and efforts aimed at eliminating barriers to patient access. In 2009, he helped the U.S. House pass the Vision Care for Kids Act, which seeks to make healthy vision for children a top Federal priority by establishing grants and state-based healthy vision initiatives.
A Lifetime Service Award was presented to Donovan L. Crouch, OD, FAAO, ‘63 of Storm Lake, Iowa, for his accomplished career of more than 37 years and commitment to the profession of optometry. Dr. Crouch has held numerous leadership positions in national and state organizations, including the president of the Iowa Optometric Association. Dr. Crouch has also received the OD of the Year Award from the Iowa Optometric Association as well as from the Heart of America Contact Lens Society. He served on the Illinois College of Optometry’s Alumni Council for nine years, and currently serves on ICO’s Board of Trustees, a position he has held since 2002.
David Lee, OD, PhD, FAAO, of Chicago, also received a Lifetime Service Award. Since 1981, Dr. Lee has been a full time faculty member at the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Lee has presented research nationally and internationally on the topic of color vision and has collaborated with the renowned Pokorny Lab at the University of Chicago. An active member of the Chicago Chinese community, Dr. Lee is a member of the board for the Chinese American Service League (CASL), the largest Chinese social agency in the Midwest. Through his volunteer efforts, CASL has received the Healthy People Healthy Vision Community Award from the National Institutes of Health to improve eye and vision health in Chinatown.
Other awards included Alumna and Alumnus of the Year that were given to Drs. Susan Cotter ’83 and Robert L. Grazian ‘82, respectively. Dr. Dwight H. Akerman ’80 received the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Dr. Barry J. Jose ’77 was awarded the Professional Achievement Award. Michael V. Favia, JD, was presented with the Distinguished Friend Award. Drs. Kelly A. Frantz and John F. Amos ‘65 received Excellence in Education Awards for faculty and non-faculty members.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos of award recipients available upon request.
About the Illinois College of Optometry
The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has offered aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will advocate for patients and the profession alike. Located in Chicago, ICO has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists. For more information about the Illinois College of Optometry, visit www.ico.edu
