WOW Class of 2021

Congratulations!

Words of Wisdom from Your Alumni Community

Congratulations to the class of 2021! You have endured so much to get to this point !! I wish you all a great career in Optometry and all the success and fulfillment that this profession has to offer!! Optometry is certainly moving forward as a medically oriented career and you, as the newest graduates, are the ones we count on to keep the ball rolling!! Best of luck today and in your futures!

Dr. Alice Mann, ‘88

Congratulations Class of 2021! Years of hard work, grit, and a million right decisions have brought you here today. Be proud of your accomplishments and enjoy this moment! I am So proud of you! When you get out to the real world, remember the lessons learned during your time in school and that nothing, not even a pandemic, can get in the way of your success! You made it!

Dr. Kaira Kwong, ‘12

As you embark on the next phase in your optometric journey, I have only a few “words of wisdom” to share with you. Being an “optometrist” can be tricky because the profession has taken on so many aspects and responsibilities. For me, it is not the amount of money I can earn, the prestige I garner, or keeping up with the latest greatest, it is always to keep in mind the welfare of the whole person you encounter in your chair. But, I’m sure you already know this. Don’t be afraid of not knowing everything even though you might feel that pressure from time to time; instead, become comfortable with sharing your difficulties when encountering cases that might baffle you. For me, it has become a source of enhanced understanding as well as being an opportunity for inter-professional solidarity and joy. I need to mention that refraction and spectacle prescribing is essentially an art, so use your feelings...that data is important, but satisfying the patients visual needs are more important. Oh, the cross-cylinder actually works even though I still can’t wrap my head around the optical theory very well. Lastly, have some fun! Best wishes Dr. Nicholas Marconi, ‘85

A heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2021, graduating during the 50th year in SUNY Optometry’s illustrious history. Take pride in all the obstacles you’ve overcome to get to this point as yours is a class like no other. While you are certainly trained and ready to practice optometry at the highest level, you may not be prepared for the positive impact you are about to have on hundreds of lives over the course of your career. Always remember that privilege and responsibility. Stay in touch with your institution, keep learning and improving, and support your colleagues and profession for many successful years to come!! Welcome Doctors!!

Dr. Ken Sorkin, ‘93

My Remarkable New Colleagues,The word used is graduation but today is so much more for each of you personally. Today for you is one of the great transitions of your life. You transition from the world of learner to the galaxy of provider. You have met the challenges of competency to provide, protect and enhance the vision health of a nation. Today you are hooded with the accountability for those you will serve for many years henceforth. I am honored that you would join us.

Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, ‘81 - M.S.

Class of 2021 - you are about to embark on your career after a few short years of study!! Congratulations to all of you - Doctors who will now make a difference in this world. Welcome to the Alumni Association! Celebrating your accomplishments during not only this pandemic but the 50th anniversary of SUNY O is remarkable. Enjoy your day and welcome to your profession. You are the best and now need to care for your patients in the best way possible. Continue to strive and make our profession even better - and show why we care about our patients more than any other profession. Congratulations!!

Dr. Michael Siegel, ‘91

Congratulations SUNY Optometry Class of 2021 on your commencement!!!!! You are joining 46 illustrious prior classes. You received outstanding training and are ready to begin your career. Remember your alma mater and participate in our alumni association. Stay involved in the American Optometric Association and the New York State Optometric Associations. You can and will make a big difference in our profession. Use your talents and time to advance our profession so that you can care for your patients and improve their lives!

Dr. Andrea Thau, ‘84

To the Class of 2021, Please know you are about to begin a career inwhich you can help so many people. Just by being there and listening. Even though your graduationcelebrationandceremonies are altered that is a very small part of the whole picture andwill be but amemory of no consequence.Wishing you all the best.

Dr. Regina Manes, ‘85

Congratulations Class of ‘21. We have all encountered challenges achieving the degree that you are about to receive. Back in the day, we had to run back and forth between 2 buildings, taking the freight elevator in the clinic building so the patients did not have to wait very long to use the regular elevators. It was a challenging time when OD’s were considered glorified refractionists by many. I was very proud the first time I visited your present “digs” in terms of what the school has become. It is truly a reflection of how our education has evolved. You faced a challenge that none of us could have imagined in the COVID pandemic but have risen above the situation and are ready to help the population in need of vision care by whatever means available. Good luck and enjoy the profession. Dr. Michael Spellicy, ‘79

Congratulations to the SUNY-O Class of 2021!!! I am so pleased to officially welcome you to this incredible OD community. Take time to celebrate this HUGE accomplishment. However, make sure you continue your path of lifelong learning and tap into the wonderful SUNY-O alumni family.

Dr. Charissa Lee, ‘02

Congratulations, 2021! This is the first of many steps in your chosen profession. Some will seem like giant leaps of faith requiring courage and perseverance. Your trials this year have made you even more ready to tackle what comes next. Welcome, colleagues, we are lucky to have you.

Dr. Julia Appel, ‘91

Congratulations, Class of 2021!!! Your resilience and grit are a remarkable testament to the drive within each and every one of you! May the future be bright for you! I love our school and am grateful every day for the education and experience I had at SUNY-O!!! Good luck and best wishes!

Dr. Kimberly Tom, ‘91

The challenges of the past year bring fortitude and hope for a successful and fabulous career in optometry. Wishing all of you the best for your futures!

Dr. Randy Schulman, ‘91

You made it and the best part about making it is that this is only the beginning! Congrats Class of 2021

Dr. Damaris Raymondi, ‘15

Wishing the Class of 2021 best wishes and success in your wonderful career choice. Continue your learning.

Dr. Steve Friefeld, ‘86

Congratulations Class of 2021 on your graduation from SUNY O!! What an exciting moment it is for you and your families as you enter the very rewarding and fulfilling career path of optometry! I share the tremendous joy and pride along with you, and welcome you to this wonderful journey I’ve been fortunate to enjoy, provide eyecare and make meaningful connections with my patients over the years! My mantra has been to treat all your patients as you’d like to be treated; with utmost respect. Take time to listen and get to know the human beings coming to you with their eye problems and provide the best care you can. SUNY O has prepared you well, so go out there and do your best! Best of luck to you all!!

Dr. Shruti Pandya, ‘93

May your patients be on time, phoropter never fog, and visual fields be reliable. Wishing you best of luck as you start your careers. So proud of you! Congratulations Class of 2021! Dr. Erin Lutley, ‘20

As our class celebrates our 30 year Anniversary I want to wish the 2021 class a heart felt congratulations. I wish you a very Fulfilling and Successful start to your career. The past year has been a speed bump. Never compromise your integrity and always wake up appreciating and loving the path you have chosen.

Dr. Fran Reinstein, ‘91

During your challenging days ahead, when you are at your lowest ebb, remember that even if you have changed just one person’s life, by helping them to see better or visually function better, if you have gotten even one smile, you have succeeded! Dr. Sherry Bass, ‘80

From the first graduating class of 1975, I wish the class graduating during the 50th anniversary great success and happiness. Enjoy your careers and personal connections. Many opportunities will present over the years. Embrace and optimize these new life adventures! Good luck to this new historical class!

Dr. Terry Scheid, ‘75

First and foremost, congratulations on choosing optometry and completing your studies! My words of wisdom will start with those imparted to me by the late Dr. Haffner: make the most out of the time, effort and financial investment you have made in yourself. Continue to challenge yourself on a daily basis while making a difference for the patients who put their trust in you. May 20th marks the 20 year anniversary of my graduating class. It is crazy to think that 20 years have passed already. I wish each and every one of you great successes as you start your careers and the next part of your life journey. You are now part of a larger community of SUNY-O graduates and always know we are ready to help you, as you will help those that come after you.

Dr. Ken Mandadakis, ‘01

Greetings and Heartiest Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2021.Your hard work and sleepless nights have paid off..... and you’re on your Way! You’ve made the right choice and I’m certain your regrets, if any, will be few. I would choose this path again if I had to make a choice. Optometry has the power to change as well as to save lives. I left SUNY O in 1989 with more than one trophy ... my sons are 32 and 35 years older now. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

Dr. Jillia Bird, ‘89

Welcome to your new life, doctors! You’ve accomplished an incredible feat in an unimaginable time and now prepare for the ride ahead. You’ve picked a career that will fill you with joy and give you the freedom to enjoy both your work and your life. Stay close to your classmates, they will laugh and cry with you for life. Stay close to your colleagues, they will guide and assist you. Stay close to your professional association, it will protect and support you through your long and fruitful careers. Congratulations and welcome to Optometry! Dr. Viola Kanevsky, ‘93

Welcome colleagues! Remember that you will lead Optometry’s future. Stay connected to the organizations that represent and safeguard our profession. Educate and encourage individuals who want to follow your footsteps. Mentor someone. Write an article. Continue to embrace challenge. Respect every patient. Thank your parents. Enjoy our wonderful, fulfilling and multifaceted profession. CONGRATULATIONS!

Dr. Katherine Mastrota, ‘89

World’s at your feet!!! Go out there and do the best you know you’re capable of! You received the best Optometric education you could get and can do anything! Wishing you nothing but success!! Congrats!!!

Dr. Robert Ancona, ‘97

Congratulations! Today is truly the first day of the rest of your Life! You worked hard to make a wonderful decision that will bring you such great feelings of accomplishment, delivering the best patient care to all! You are heroes! My wish is that your journey over the next several years bring you as much fulfillment and joy as it did for me and the entire class of 1991! Pay it forward!

Dr. Denise Whittam, ‘91

To the Class of 2021: Congratulations on your graduation! Welcome to the

wonderful world of Optometry. When you help someone see or save someone’s eyesight, it is one of the most rewarding feelings that you will experience over a lifetime.

Dr. Seth Bernstein, ‘87

To my new colleagues from the Class of 2021: Congratulations on your graduation from the best Optometry school in the country. You have made it through the most challenging year in our history, and I am confident you are well positioned to enter into an amazingly rewarding profession and achieve great success. All my best wishes as you embark on your career and remember, «The best way to predict your future is to create it!»

Dr. Mark Feder, ‘83

Congratulations on all your achievements, you finally made it! Take a deep breath and seek out that work-life balance to really enjoy life. The best of luck to you all as you embark on your careers.

Dr. Jeff Clauss, ‘81

As President of the alumni association, it is my honor to congratulate all of you on earning your optometric degree from our prestigious institution on its 50th anniversary! (During a pandemic no less!) Best of luck to you all!

Dr. Samar Awad, ‘92

Congratulations! Seems like just yesterday we were in your shoes on a sunny day at Lincoln Center. You’ve workedhardand it’s time tocontinue to grow and learn and get paid!!

Best wishes, Shoshana and Mario

Dr. Mario Craig, ‘01

This class has really shown your resilience and strength - keep moving forward with the same energy. It’s a pleasure to welcome you as colleagues. “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” (Winnie the Pooh).

Dr. Tamara Petrosyan, ‘09

Congratulations on your graduation! You are about to embark on a journey on which you will make a significant impact on the lives of your patients on a daily basis. Enjoy the ride!

Dr. Dave Ciccone, ‘95

The best of what is to come is on the horizon, graduation is only the beginning of an amazing future. Congratulations Class of 2021, YOU DID IT!! Dr. Monique Mohammed, ‘20

I remember, with pride, my graduation from SUNY in 1981. Our profession has changed dramatically from what it was 40 years ago. No doubt it will continue to change, but what doesn’t change is the reasons why you entered our profession. Love of learning, and wanting to make a positive change in the lives of others. Remember why you became an optometrist and enjoy your celebration and your career ahead!

Dr. Robin Sapossnek, ‘81

It’s such a wonderful feeling when you complete a long arduous journey and achieve something after hard work. The last few years have been exceptionally hard. You’ve gotten through school during a difficult pandemic and you can do anything! Best wishes for a bright future! Dr. Areefa Arefin, ‘06

Welcome to the Alumni Association! Stay connected!

www.sunyeyenetwork.org