Foley House Alumni Awards
Foley House alumni awards have been presented each year since 1976 to recognize Indiana University School of Optometry's most dedicated and distinguished alumni. In 2023, IUSO added an Early Career Award.
2023 Foley House award recipients
Dr. Melvin Shipp
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Shipp was honored for his preeminent status within the field of optometry.
Dr. David Weigel
Basement Key Award
Dr. Weigel was honored for his significant contributions to the IU School of Optometry.
Dr. Laura Suppa
Early Career Award
Dr. Laura Suppa was recognized for signficant contributions to the profession during the early years of her career.
The Foley House tradition
Located at 744 East Third Street, the Foley House served as the IU Optometry Clinic for ten years before the present building was constructed.
The Foley House Basement Door Key Award has been presented each year since 1976 to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and/or service to the IU School of Optometry
The school added a second award, the Foley House Distinguished Alumni Award, in 2015. The award recognizes an IUSO alumnus/a who has spent significant time dedicated to excellence in optometry, has represented the School well throughout his/her career, and has reached pre-eminent status in the field of optometry.
In 2023, the school added a third award, the Foley House Early Career Award. This award recognizes an IUSO alumnus/a who is in the early stages of their career and has already made outstanding contributions to the field of optometry.
Past Award Recipients
Distinquished Alumni Award | Basement Key Award | Early Career Award |
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Nomination criteria
Nomination criteria for each of the awards can be found by clicking on the award below
The Indiana University School of Optometry Foley House Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus/a who has spent significant time dedicated to excellence in optometry, has represented the School well throughout his/her career, and has reached pre-eminent status in the field of optometry.
Award Criteria
- Nominee must have earned an O.D. at the IU School of Optometry.
- Nominee must demonstrate excellence in optometry.
- Nominee must be present at award ceremony.
- Current faculty and staff of Indiana University are not eligible to receive this award.
Selection Process
Nominations are reviewed annually during the spring and honorees are selected by a committee convened by the IU School of Optometry Alumni Board of Directors. The award is presented during the Annual Foley House Awards Recognition Dinner held in the fall. To submit a nomination, please complete each section of the form below. The nominator must provide all materials pertinent to the nomination. The Selection Committee will not conduct further research on behalf of any nominee. All nominations will be valid for the next two successive years.
The Indiana University School of Optometry Foley House Basement Key Award is presented to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and/or service to the IU School of Optometry. Recipients will be listed on the Foley House door on the second floor of the school.
Award Criteria
- Nominee must have earned an O.D. at the IU School of Optometry.
- Nominee must demonstrate exceptional service and/or dedication to the IU School of Optometry.
Selection Process
Nominations are reviewed annually during the spring by a committee convened by the IU School of Optometry Alumni Board of Directors and recipients are announced at the annual AOA (American Optometric Association) meeting. The award is presented during the Annual Foley House Awards Recognition Dinner held in the fall. To submit a nomination, please complete each section of the form below. The nominator must provide all materials pertinent to the nomination. The Selection Committee will not conduct further research on behalf of any nominee. All nominations will be valid for the next two successive years.
The Indiana University School of Optometry Foley House Early Career Award is presented to an alumnus/a who is early in their professional career and has achieved or showed tremendous potential in one or more of the following areas:
Award Criteria
- Professional Engagement: Active involvement in professional organizations, volunteer work, and community service.
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrates leadership qualities and potential, such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Innovation: Demonstrates innovative approaches in the field of optometry, such as new technologies, techniques, or applications.
- Research Excellence: Outstanding contributions to the profession of optometry through original research, publications, or presentations.
Selection Process
Nominations are reviewed annually during the spring and honorees are selected by a committee convened by the IU School of Optometry Alumni Board of Directors. The award is presented during the Annual Foley House Awards Recognition Dinner held in the fall. To submit a nomination, please complete each section of the form below. The nominator must provide all materials pertinent to the nomination. The Selection Committee will not conduct further research on behalf of any nominee. All nominations will be valid for the next two successive years.
Submit a nomination
The IU School of Optometry will accept nominations from IUSO graduates for the Foley House Awards starting now through May 31, 2023. Submit your nomination by clicking on the button below.
Your nomination will be reviewed by a committee comprised of IU School of Optometry faculty, emerti faculty, and distinguished alumni. The award winners will be announced this summer and will be presented with their awards at the Foley House Awards Dinner on Sept. 9.