President's Message

The seasons pass, the years will roll; Time and change will surely show; How firm thy friendship ... OHIO! – Carmen Ohio

We all have songs that bring back memories of a certain time or a place. For me, hearing “Carmen Ohio” has always spawned wonderful memories of my time at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. These memories include hours of classes and clinic in Fry Hall, attending football games, parties at the ΕΨΕ house, and the enduring friendships made during my four years in Columbus.
 
This year, “Carmen Ohio” felt especially personal for me, as this past October marked my 25th Optometry reunion—a milestone that seemed to arrive faster than any of us expected. Walking through the remodeled Fry Hall and marveling at the beautiful new clinic building brought appreciation for the wonderful changes at the College of Optometry.  

Homecoming Weekend was a celebration of connection. Members of our class returned to Columbus from across the country, ready to pick up right where we left off. We traveled from far and wide, including Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Colorado, Utah, Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, and of course Ohio. We shared stories from our days in class and clinic and laughed over memories that felt as alive as ever. Whether over dinner, on the college tour, or simply pausing to take in the changes around us, Homecoming reminded us that while years pass, the friendships we formed during our four years at Ohio State remain strong, supportive, and deeply meaningful. I know many of us left our Homecoming Weekend looking forward to the next time we meet again.  

If you have not attended your class reunion in a while, I encourage you to return to Columbus for your Homecoming. It is a wonderful way to reconnect with the College of Optometry and your classmates.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community and for carrying forward the legacy that began for each of us right here at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.  

Sincerely,

Jason Ortman (OD’00)
President
The Ohio State University College of Optometry Alumni Society