YOUR SCO IMPACT
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Our mission is to lead the profession by educating the best possible healthcare providers, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a personal commitment to service.
SCO’S LEADERSHIP
Dr. Lewis Reich, President
J. Bart Campbell, OD ’87, VP for Academic Affairs
Scott Ensor, OD ’01, VP for Clinical Programs
Joseph Hauser, VP for Student Services
Tracy Lindow, VP for Human Resources
George Miller, VP for Institutional Advancement
Sandra Stephens, Executive Assistant to the President
Dean Swick, VP for Information Services
David West, VP for Finance & Administration
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
“As we celebrate a productive year, we also look ahead with great optimism.”
– Dr. Lewis Reich, President
It is my pleasure to introduce Southern College of Optometry’s 2025 Annual Report. This past year was marked by meaningful progress across every area of the college—from student achievement and faculty excellence to patient care, alumni engagement, and institutional advancement. The accomplishments highlighted in this report reflect the dedication, creativity, and shared sense of purpose that define the SCO community.
Throughout 2025, we continued to strengthen our mission of educating the next generation of optometric physicians
while advancing the profession through innovation and service. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters worked together to achieve important milestones, enhance clinical experiences, and expand our impact both locally and nationally. Their commitment ensured that SCO remained focused on excellence while adapting to the evolving needs of healthcare and higher education.
As we celebrate a productive year, we also look ahead with great optimism. The momentum built in 2025 positions us well for several exciting developments on the horizon in 2026—initiatives that will further enrich the student experience, strengthen our programs, and advance our strategic vision. Thank you for your continued support of Southern College of Optometry, and I invite you to explore this report to see how your engagement helps shape our future.
Lewis Reich, OD, PhD PRESIDENT
YEAR IN REVIEW
Student and Faculty Accomplishments
SCO’s students and faculty continue to optimize learning encounters as our dedicated, experienced faculty members prepare the next generation for practicing optometry at the highest level. The college admitted 140 students last year without lowering academic standards to attract highly qualified students.
Of note in 2025 was the first ever Tennessee Day held during interviews for prospective students. Students from across the state experienced hands-on laser instruction to learn about the college’s ongoing commitment to teaching optometry at the highest scope possible.
SCO’s NOSA chapter was named the NOA’s Chapter of the Year.
“Excellence is at the heart of our mission, and we believe in embracing it in all that we do.”
– Tracy Lindow, Vice President for Human Resources
SCO students passed out Halloween treats to children at AutoZone Park.
Serving Others
Throughout the greater Memphis region, Southern College of Optometry continues to make inroads in building meaningful relationships that help others while giving faculty and staff the opportunity to demonstrate to our students the importance of giving back. SCO’s annual Day of Service saw teams of employees volunteer their time at a number of non-profits and local charities. Faculty members shared information about the importance of good vision with more than 5,000 children at the Memphis Redbirds’ Education Day game. Alumni also joined students and employees in participating in the St. Jude Marathon as one of the largest teams to participate in this highly visible event.
Partnership Highlight: Youth Villages
Southern College of Optometry’s partnership with Youth Villages continues to make a meaningful difference for children facing emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges. At Bill’s Place, Youth Villages’ dedicated health care facility in Memphis, SCO operates a fully staffed optometry clinic that brings essential eye care directly to the residents who need it most.
Since the partnership was created in 2020, SCO’s Clinical Programs have provided comprehensive eye exams and vision therapy at Bill’s Place two days each week. The on-site clinic ensures consis-
Dr. Lewis Reich, President, and George Miller, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, are pictured with Patrick Lawler, CEO, Warren Flowers, Executive Director of Bill’s Place South, and Nicole Fannin, Executive Director of Residential Services at Youth Villages, where SCO provides vision care to residents.
tent, accessible care while also offering valuable clinical training opportunities for SCO students in a community-based setting.
Optometry services at Bill’s Place are delivered by a multidisciplinary SCO team that includes a staff doctor, a resident, a fourth-year student intern, and an optician. By eliminating transportation and scheduling barriers, the clinic allows children who benefit from vision therapy and routine eye care to receive services in a familiar, supportive environment—strengthening both visual outcomes and overall well-being.
The Impact of Your Gifts
Phone-a-thon
The generosity of our alumni and friends makes a significant difference in the ability of SCO to thrive. More than any other area, alumni giving enables SCO to provide scholarships to top applicants. A majority of SCO’s entering class received a scholarship last year, thanks to alumni whose support enabled students to manage their student loan or debt levels more effectively. This year, 63 donors alone made gifts totaling $18,500 when student volunteers called during our fall Phone-a-thon sessions.
Total Revenue for 2025 $41,262,215 2025 Expenses $36,978,302
“SCO
Annual Giving Fundraising Stats
$51,500,000
SCO’s total endowment as of June 30, 2025
$31,992,042 Scholarship Endowment Report
$3,362,555 Earnings for scholarship endowments
$3,461,685 Scholarships awarded
– David West, Vice President
SCO’s Programs
Your gifts to SCO’s annual fund enabled the college to provide funding support for several important programs. With your help, we hosted programs that support our educational goals as well as providing guest speakers, receptions, lunches, and networking opportunities for our students to enjoy.
AOSA’s Optifest Event
BonVoyEyes
Clinical Programs
Fredric M. Rosemore, O.D., Low Vision Service
Hayes Center for Practice Excellence
HCPE Special Programs
iCare for Kids
Library
Pediatrics
Research
SCO Student Emergency Fund
SECO Past Presidents
State Day
“Every gift to Southern College of Optometry is an investment in our students.”
– Matt Walker, Director of Development
Number of employment contracts reviewed on behalf of 4th year students 176
By the Numbers
Number of CV and resumés reviewed to assist students and residents with securing opportunities after graduation 61
Number of consultations provided to alumni regarding practice opportunities and transitions 280
Number of career counseling sessions provided to 3rd and 4th year students 63
Number of employment contracts reviewed on behalf of alumni and residents
Made possible by the support of Jerry Hayes, OD ’73 and his family, The Hayes Center presented Practice of Excellence Awards to three outstanding young alumni: Annedrea Morreale, OD ’19, Amanda Smith, OD ’18, and Jordan Hamric, OD ’17.
The Hayes Center for Practice Excellence hosted its annual OD-Student Meet & Greet during Fall Homecoming. This has become one of the most popular campus networking events, this year drawing more than 150 SCO students and alumni.
On the career networking front, The Hayes Center made significant strides in the expansion of its online career placement portal, Optometry’s Practice Connection (OPC). OPC welcomed its first official partner institution, UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science. Through this strategic partnership, a record number of opportunities were posted, providing SCO students access to more practice opportunities in more regions. Alumni and friends can access the service at odpracticeconnection.com
1,886
Number of Practice Opportunities posted to Optometry’s Practice Connection
Students Thrive Through Your Support
Now that a majority of SCO’s students receive a scholarship or state contract seat, each recipient is encouraged to express their appreciation to the donors whose generosity contributed to their success.
Meet two students who benefited this past year as recipients of the Stern-Maronek Family Scholarship. Established by Dr. Sidney Stern (’71), these scholarships were awarded to two outstanding Florida students who shared what it meant to receive a scholarship from one of their state’s most successful ODs.
Reagan Cunningham, ’29 SANFORD, FLORIDA
Receiving a scholarship has made the process of going to school so much easier. The financial burden of optometry school is very real and a large mental stressor on top of the stress of a very rigorous course load. The scholarship has played a role in decreasing the amount of stress felt financially and allowed me to put more focus onto my studies and becoming the best doctor I can be.
Reese Jones, ’29
FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA
This scholarship was a wonderful surprise! Not only was I accepted to my dream school, but one of the donors was willing to help fund my education! I am so grateful for this scholarship and feel incredibly blessed to receive it. One day in the future, I would like to be as generous as the Stern-Maronek Family.
He devoted his career to advancing optometric education and expanding the scope of optometric care nationwide.
Honoring a Well-Lived Life
The passing of Dr. Richard L. Hopping (’52) last summer at age 97 inspired generosity that will shape the future of optometry. Dr. Hopping provided a planned gift to establish an endowed scholarship for an entering student, an enduring tribute that ensures his influence will continue through the education of future generations.
He devoted his career to advancing optometric education and expanding the scope of optometric care nationwide. He became the first president of the Southern California College of Optometry, served as president of the American Optometric Association, and was a driving force behind efforts that helped integrate optometry more fully into the U.S. healthcare system.
Dr. Hopping was the original author of the Optometric Oath recited by optometrists at white coat and graduation ceremonies across the country. The memorial gifts made in his honor reflect the respect he earned over a lifetime of service— extending Dr. Hopping’s legacy of leadership, education, and care well into the future to SCO third-year students who receive the Dr. Richard L. Hopping Ethics Award given in the fall.
Turning Tribute Into Impact
Three years after the passing of former SCO Board member Dr. Richard (Dick) Powell (’68), Dr. Powell’s estate delivered a $15,000 gift bequeathed to his alma mater. Dr. Powell had established a scholarship back in 2005, and the disbursement of his estate funding now means that the scholarship in his honor will be fully funded.
During his time as an optometry student, Dr. Powell served as Gold Key Honorary Optometric Society President. During the Vietnam War, he served as an optometry officer
in the Medical Service Corps and received the Bronze Star Medal. With additional memorial gifts from classmates and friends like President Emeritus Billy Cochran (’68) and Joe Hauser, Vice President
for Student Services, students from Dr. Powell’s home state of Nebraska will begin to receive a scholarship each fall, demonstrating the power of tributes that continue to impact today’s students.
When Love Becomes a Legacy
Lana Mynatt Sandefur didn’t graduate from SCO, but she was one of the institution’s most devoted supporters. Through 57 years of marriage to Dr. James Sandefur (’65), Lana was a committed partner throughout her husband’s longtime leadership of the Optometry Association of Louisiana.
That devotion extended to SCO, especially during Dr. Sandefur’s service on the Board and as Board chair.
A former elementary school teacher, Lana knew the value of education and was a devoted mother and grandmother.
After Lana’s untimely passing last September, her husband encouraged friends and family to honor his wife’s memory through gifts to SCO. Nearly three dozen donors contributed $21,200, an incredible gesture that will establish the Mrs. James D. (Lana) Sandefur Memorial Scholarship as a lasting tribute to the couple’s enduring love and legacy.
Lana Mynatt Sandefur didn’t graduate from SCO, but she was one of the institution’s most devoted supporters.
Board of Trustees
Southern College of Optometry’s Board members bring outstanding leadership to shaping the direction and stewardship of the college’s future and resources. We’re proud to list the Board:
Mark R. Kapperman, OD ’87 BOARD CHAIR
Betty Harville Brown, OD, FAAO
Anita Davis, PhD
Charles Glaser, OD ’74
James K. Kirchner, OD
Lynn Shaw, Sr.
Marie Bodack, OD FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE
Allan Barker, OD ’75
Darby Chiasson, OD ’99
Vicki Farmer
Renee Brauns
Arthur R. Dampier, OD ’97
Charles W. Kinnaird, OD
Jennifer Lyerly, OD ’11
Stuart Tasman, OD ’80
Emily Gibbons, ’27 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Dr. Mark Kapperman (’87), Board Chair, is pictured receiving a plaque honoring his term as Board Chair from Dr. Lewis Reich.
Alumni
Students are often referred to as the future of the profession, but alumni are just as important to leading the way as optometry continues to make scope of practice and other important advances.
SCO is proud to host events where our alumni can reunite, network with each other and future practitioners, and show their support for their profession and alma mater. Key events held throughout 2025 included:
Spring Continuing Education Weekend as SCO welcomed more than 200 attendees for a weekend of CE.
SECO in Atlanta, where several alumni were honored for their leadership.
SCO’s Golden Circle 50-Year Class Reunion, when the Class of 1975 gathered to be recognized during commencement.
Optometry’s Meeting in Minneapolis, where alumni once again were in the national spotlight as leaders of their profession.
Fall Homecoming and CE Weekend, featuring class reunions and attracting more than 300 alumni back to Memphis.
State Day, an annual tradition held on campus in September as alumni joined regional optometry leaders from nearly 20 state associations and Canada.
• And numerous receptions held at other state association annual meetings.
The American Academy of Optometry meeting in Boston, as more than a dozen alumni were awarded Fellowship in the Academy.
Our Gratitude to You
Leading the Office of Institutional Advancement, I am deeply grateful for the vital role our alumni and friends play in SCO’s success. Your generosity directly impacts our students by expanding access to scholarships, strengthening programs, and creating opportunities that shape their education and future careers.
From the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence promoting practice opportunities, to our development, alumni engagement, and marketing teams raising funds and sharing the stories of our graduates, our work is driven by a commitment to connect SCO alumni with their alma mater and with one another. Through intentional outreach, we strive to engage graduates at every stage of their careers and celebrate
the meaningful ways they advance the profession.
We hope you will stay connected by returning to campus, participating in SCO-sponsored continuing education programs, or joining us at alumni receptions hosted around the country. These opportunities reflect our belief that the SCO experience extends well beyond graduation and that lifelong engagement strengthens both our alumni and the students who follow.
This shared commitment and forward-looking momentum allow SCO to continue strengthening its position as one of the nation’s leading optometry programs. Thank you for believing in our mission and for investing in our students, our alumni, and the future of the profession.
George Miller and Joe Sugg, OD ’09, at the AOA meeting in 2025.
George Miller VICE PRESIDENT, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
By the Numbers
78 First-Year Student Scholarship Recipients
94 Scholarships Awarded to First-Years
$762,000 Value of Class of 2029 Scholarships
Future Events
In 2026, there are many opportunities for alumni to network and learn more about the great things that SCO is accomplishing.
Atlanta February 26-March 1
SCO Campus June 5-6 SCO Day of Giving April 9
Phoenix June 17-20 SCO Spring CE Weekend
SCO Campus April 11-12
Memphis May 4-5
26-28
25-27
Memphis May 5 American Academy of Optometry
Anaheim September 30-October 3
Be sure to visit SCO’s website to update your contact information, and follow the school on social media, newsletters, and our alumni magazine. We welcome your news to share with your classmates and future graduates!
