2020 Annual Report

Alumni Making a Difference

Alumna of the Year Honored for Career Devoted to Helping Children with Impaired Vision

College’s fundraising efforts and sharing her enthusiasm for the profession with future classes. Dr. Whittam has served as the President of the New York State Optometric Association, Optometric Society of

The Alumni Association named Denise M. Whittam, OD, a 1991 graduate of SUNY Optometry, the “Alumna of the Year” at the Eyes on New York Award Celebration hosted virtually on November 5, 2020. “I cannot think of a more dedicated alumna for this year’s award. Dr. Whittam is a wonderful advocate both for our students and the optometry profession and has been for almost three decades,” said Dawn Rigney, Executive Director for the Optometric Center of New York and Vice President for Institutional Advancement for the College. “From leading the Alumni Association and mentoring students to dedicating her career to help children overcome impaired vision, Dr. Whittam embodies the compassion, commitment, and leadership we strive to instill in our graduates.” —Dawn Rigney, Executive Director of the OCNY, VP of Institutional Advancement During her 26 years as a volunteer with the Alumni Association Board, she remained a regular presence on the SUNY Optometry campus, helping to support the

the City of New York, the Children’s Vision Coalition, and SUNY College of Optometry Alumni Association Board. In 2014, she was named Optometrist of the Year by the New York State Optometric Association. “To be honored and recognized by one’s own colleagues and friends is by far the highest achievement one can attain. I am eternally grateful to the faculty of SUNY for passionately sharing their knowledge and clinical skills with me, not only during my four years at SUNY but ongoing to this day.” —Dr. Denise M. Whittam, Alumna of the Year

More than 100 Career Center counseling sessions conducted with SUNY Optometry prospective/current students and alumni.

Over 3,100 local and national jobs posted from 275 unique employers on the Career Portal.

12 SUNY Optometry