Boston Optometry School Honors 25 Scholarship Winners

Twenty-five future eye doctors just got recognized for being exactly the kind of healthcare providers the world needs more of.

The New England College of Optometry in Boston held its 2026 scholarship ceremony on April 16, honoring students who excel not just in academics but in compassion, leadership, and community service. Director of Financial Aid Esther Bandoo-Gomes led the celebration alongside school president Dr. Howard Purcell and vice president Dr. Erik Weissberg.

Elizabeth Deane took home the President's Leadership Team Scholarship, the school's top honor. She stood out for her academic excellence, service to the NECO community, and qualities like empathy, integrity, and optimism that will serve her patients well.

The ceremony also celebrated students making second careers in optometry. Deane received another award honoring Dr. Robert and Eleanor Titelbaum, which specifically recognizes career changers who show clinical excellence. It's proof that it's never too late to follow a calling to help others.

Many scholarships honored optometrists who spent decades shaping the profession. The Dr. Maureen Hanley Memorial Scholarship went to Alapika Jatkar, continuing the legacy of a beloved faculty member who taught for over 40 years before passing in March 2025. The Beider Moral Obligation Scholarship recognized eight academically strong students, honoring Warren H. Beider, who graduated at just 20 years old and practiced for over 50 years.

Some awards carry especially moving stories. Sofia Segrera Rojas received the Dr. Charles Robert Soltes Scholarship, named for Major Charles Robert Soltes, the first optometrist killed in action while serving in the U.S. military. The scholarship honors students who show the same loyalty, integrity, and compassion he demonstrated.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships do more than ease financial burden. They tell students that their character matters as much as their grades, and that the profession values compassion alongside clinical skill.

Each award connects tomorrow's eye doctors to the giants who came before them, creating a chain of care that stretches across generations. When Lauren Woodward accepted the Klein Family Scholarship, she joined a legacy honoring the descendants of the college's founder.

The ceremony reminded everyone that healthcare isn't just about science and skill. It's about people who care enough to serve, learn, and carry forward the values of those who paved the way.

Twenty-five students walked away knowing their dedication to excellence and compassion has been seen and celebrated.

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