Optometrists, two corporations honored for excellence during Alumni Weekend, September 11-13, 2009
September 17, 2009 (CHICAGO) — The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO, www.ico.edu) announced the winners of the 2009 Alumni Awards during a class reunion banquet held at the InterContinental Chicago on September 11, 2009. Seven optometrists and two corporations 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 Lifetime Service Award was presented to Dr. Darrell G. Schlange ‘64 of Chicago, for his accomplished career and commitment to the profession of optometry. For the past 45 years, Dr. Schlange has shared his passion for patient care by teaching and mentoring thousands of optometric students through his role as an ICO faculty member. As an Associate Professor, he currently teaches pediatrics, binocular vision, and ocular motility, in addition to serving as an attending clinician in the Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Service of the Illinois Eye Institute.
Other awards included Alumna and Alumnus of the Year that were given to Drs. Louise Sclafani ’89 of Chicago and Peter Kehoe ’84 of Galesburg, Ill., respectively. Dr. Steve Leon ’80 of Villa Grove, Ill., received the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Dr. Dennis Siemsen ’76 of Rochester, Minn., was awarded the Professional Achievement Award. Drs. Rebecca Zoltoski of Chicago and Joseph Pizzimenti ’89 of Boca Raton, Fla., received Excellence in Education Awards for faculty and non-faculty members.
ICO also recognized Haag-Streit USA with the Distinguished Friend Award for more than 100 years of distinguished service to the profession, as well as for their support of the education and training of future eye care professionals. The Humanitarian Award was presented to The Jenzabar Foundation for their support of humanitarian efforts in the U.S. and around the world. The Foundation recently made an impact on ICO’s Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity program, making it possible for more students to participate in restoring or improving vision to people in need in underdeveloped communities around the world.
In addition to the Alumni Awards ceremony, ICO also hosted on Saturday, September 12, the President’s White Coat Welcome Ceremony, a special event where first-year students are presented with a white clinic coat to signify the transition into professional education and to commemorate their commitment to the profession of optometry. ICO also offered professional development events and a continuing education program during the weekend’s festivities.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos of Alumni Awards ceremony and the President’s White Coat Welcome Ceremony 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
