Visionary Appreciation Dinner
The Ohio State University College of Optometry recently celebrated the extraordinary generosity of its benefactors at the esteemed Visionary Appreciation Dinner. Held on April 20 at the Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center and hosted by Interim Provost Karla Zadnik, OD, PhD, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Michael Earley (OD/MS’88, PhD’92), the evening was imbued with gratitude and vision for the future. As the college continues to lead in optometric education and research, the support of its donors remains a beacon of hope and progress.
It is because of you that I was able to achieve more than I thought I was capable of during optometry school.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Bailey Medals, a symbol of philanthropic excellence and commitment to the advancement of optometric education. Bailey Medals are awarded to individual donors who exceed $50,000, as well as corporations who have contributed over $250,000 of support to the college over their lifetimes. This year’s honorees, Travis Zigler (OD’10) and Jenna Zigler (OD’11), and Tim Fries (OD’04, MBA, MPH) and Mrs. Cheryl Fries, were recognized for their significant contributions The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Their unwavering support has not only enriched the college but also set a benchmark for future philanthropy.
The dinner was more than just an award ceremony; it was an opportunity for benefactors to experience the direct impact of their contributions. Donors to the White Coat Scholarship Fund and other endowed scholarships had the unique opportunity to meet the incredibly bright students who are the direct recipients of their generosity. These interactions underscored the tangible difference each donation makes in the lives of aspiring optometrists.
In the words of Emily Benson (OD/MS’24) of the Class of 2025, one of our featured student speakers, “None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the generous donors gathered here today. It is because of you that I was able to achieve more than I thought I was capable of during optometry school. From scholarships to our new state-of-the-art facilities, your generosity has transformed dreams into reality, aspirations into accomplishments, and students into doctors.”
As the night concluded, the message was clear: The legacy of the Bailey Medalists and all donors will be seen through the success of the students they have uplifted. The Visionary Appreciation Dinner was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a promise of the brilliant advancements yet to come in the field of optometry.
