Class of 2023 Doctoral Convocation

On May 6, 2023, alongside family and friends, The Ohio State College of Optometry Class of 2023 celebrated the conclusion of a transformative four-year journey through optometry school. Dean Karla Zadnik OD, PhD presided over the Doctoral Convocation Ceremony, which took place in the School of Music’s Weigel auditorium, located in the new Timashev Family Music Building.

The ceremony was also an opportunity to honor alumni. Shane Foster (OD’08) was presented with the Early Professional Achievement Award, and Robert Layman (OD’82) received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Additionally, on behalf of the Optometry Alumni Society, Terri Gossard (OD/MS’96) welcomed the new graduates into our alumni community.

Then, the moment our graduates worked so hard to achieve finally arrived, as the graduates were presented with doctoral hoods by Michael Earley (OD/MS’88, PhD’92), Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. and Gregory Nixon (OD’96), Associate Dean for Clinical Services. The class selected Aaron Zimmerman (OD’06, MS’08) to read a personal message written by each graduate as they were hooded and crossed the stage. The messages reflected the unique personality of the class and their promising futures.

The ceremony ended as Class President Joshua Canavan (OD/MS’23) reflected on the four years of learning and friendship that forever connects this outstanding group of new ODs.

The Class of 2023

*Completing both the Doctor of Optometry and the Master of Science in Vision Science programs