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Southern College of Optometry to Award 119 Doctor of Optometry Degrees

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (April 23, 2008) – Southern College of Optometry (SCO) will graduate 119 students on Friday, May 2, 2008 in a ceremony to be held at 3 p.m. at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis.

Actor and entertainer Tom Sullivan will deliver the commencement address. Sullivan, blind since birth, is a motivational speaker and author of a number of best-selling books.

Retiring Professor James G. Saxon, PhD, will have the title of Professor Emeritus conferred upon him. Dr. Saxon, who joined the SCO faculty in 1974, is retiring from the SCO faculty effective June 30, 2008.

Sam J. Galloway, former Executive Director of SECO, and Dr. Linda Johnson, Director of Optometry for Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center in Jackson, Mississippi, will receive honorary degrees.

Named Executive Director of Southern Council and SECO in 1979, Galloway served as Executive Director of the organization for 24 years. During his tenure, SECO attendance nearly tripled, and SECO became SECO International as the optometric profession expanded its international influence and moved toward the medical model of practice.

Dr. Linda Johnson formerly served a six-year term on Southern College of Optometry’s Board of Trustees. She was elected Board Chair in 2005. A former president of the National Optometric Association, Dr. Johnson is a recognized leader of optometry both nationally and in Mississippi, where she serves as Director of Optometry for Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center.

Mr. Galloway will be awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters degree, and Dr. Johnson will receive the Doctor of Ocular Science honorary degree.

Thursday evening prior to the commencement ceremony, the college’s graduating class will be honored with a Senior Banquet and Award Ceremony from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis. Prior to the commencement ceremony on Friday, a reception will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2 for graduates and their families at the SCO Activity Center.

Established in Memphis, Tennessee in 1932, Southern College of Optometry is an independent, not-for-profit institution of higher education with a mission to educate men and women in the art and science of optometry.

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