Ways to Give

Make a gift to the IU School of Optometry

Charitable gifts and alumni engagement make it possible for us to provide the facilities, equipment, and educational experiences necessary to maintain our role as a leader in optometric education, clinical practice, and vision science research.

There are many ways you can support the IU School of Optometry—and no one way is better than another. If you would like to discuss ways to give, please contact our Office of Advancement at goiuso@indiana.edu, or contact Associate Director of Development and Alumni Relations Kait McBrady at kmcbrad@iu.edu or 812-855-1811.

Ways to give

Annual gifts

Making an annual gift, no matter how large or how small, is the perfect way to help the IU School of Optometry right now, and for years to come.

Matching gifts

Companies large and small have programs to match your gift dollar for dollar, and sometimes even double.

Planned and estate gifts

You can include a gift to the IU School of Optometry in your will or other documents, or donate real estate. Learn about options for planned and estate gifts.

Payment options

Give online or through the mail, set up a payroll deduction, make a gift of securities, or link a bank card for recurring gifts throughout the year.

Your support sends a message

Beyond the immediate impact of your donation, your participation in supporting the IU School of Optometry has a positive influence on corporate and foundation donors who place a high value on alumni and community support. Your support sends the message that our alumni and friends value what we do. For more ways to give, see our ideas for getting involved in special events, recruitment efforts, and more.

2023 Scholarship recipients

Aaron Wernimont Memorial Scholarship
Nominated by classmates and based on merit
Aleksandra Marijan

Alcon (1st year) Case Report Fellowship
Awarded to three first year students for the best PBL papers of the spring semester
Kara Krautkramer, Haley Hill, and Leanne Short

Alcon Scholarship National Award
Best video case report on contact lens fitting to improve visual function or ocular health
Dr. Ramsey Brown

Alice Bennett Scholarship
Merit based award given to a third-year student who is an Indiana Resident
Annie Getzin

Andrya Lowther Scholarship
Awarded in recognition of academic excellence involved in community service and volunteering
Kelsey Blalock

AOF Vistakon Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care
Sponsored by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson. Given in recognition to an outstanding fourth year student in the area of contact lenses.
Dr. Emily Brill

Barbara (Bobbi) Abrams Scholarship in Optometry
Awarded based on exceptional academic performance
Tanner Grace

Beta Sigma Kappa Silver Medal Award
Graduating BSK member with the highest GPA
Dr. Jeremy Caylor

Brett Swanda, O.D. Scholarship
Awarded to a third-year student with the attitude and work ethic of Brett Swanda
Allison Davis

CooperVision End of Third Year Contact Lens Scholarship
Awarded to a student who has shown tremendous growth and interest in contact lenses, particularly their commitment in clinic during their third year
Nicholas Bantz

COVD Award for Excellence in Vision Therapy
Demonstrated a strong interest and clinical skills in the area of vision therapy
Dr. Lotus Schifsky

David H. Kolack, O.D. Award
Top-ranked student in graduating class at the end of seven semesters
Dr. Jeremy Caylor

Designs for Vision William Feinbloom Low Vision Award
Outstanding achievement in the field of Low Vision
Dr. Samantha Schlesman

Dr. Charles Shick Contact Lens Award
Merit based award given to a third-year student interested in contact lens
Laura Moe

Dr. Henry Hofstetter Scholarship Award
Outstanding leadership and service to the class
Dr. Lotus Schifsky

Dr. James D. Hurt Scholarship Award
Demonstrated interest in ocular disease and service to the underprivileged
Dr. Mariah Lucas

Dr. James O. Hormuth Scholarship
Academic excellence and interest in ocular disease
Dr. Brett Schrank

Dr. Jerry Logan Aspiring Optometrist Scholarship
Merit based first year award
Matt Fahey

Dr. & Mrs. Lewis Scott Scholarship
Awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and commitment to professional ethics in optometry
Abigail Lee

Dr. Victor and Janice Malinovsky Scholarship
Merit based award for V644 Ocular Disease I: Anterior Segment
Ashlyn Rankin

Dustin Jones Scholarship for Future Optometrists
Merit based award for second year student intending to go into clinical practice after graduation
Madison Neale

E. F. Wildermuth Foundation Harriet Slaughter Scholarship
Awarded in recognition of academic achievement
Abigail Lee, Tanner Grace, Trev Didelot, Nicholas Bantz, and Trevor Phillips

Eschenbach Low Vision Award
Outstanding achievement in the field of Low Vision
Dr. Princess Ostine

Gas Permeable Contact Lens Clinical Excellence Award
Student who has demonstrated excellence in fitting GP lenses
Dr. Ramsey Brown

Good-Lite Pediatric Equipment Award
Student selected by clinical faculty based on interest and skill in Binocular Vision/Pediatrics
Dr. Emily Hackbarth

IU School of Optometry Alumni Class of 1959
Merit based recruitment award for each incoming class, renewable for all four years
Joshua Pepneck

Jack Bennett Endowed Scholarship
Given in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and commitment to professional ethics in optometry
Dr. Jeremy Caylor

Jack Bennett Humanitarian Award
Awarded in recognition of commitment to community and leadership in service to the profession of optometry
Mark Williams

James L. Short, O.D. & Patricia L. Short Award
Awarded to the past president of the Private Practice club year who plans to enter private practice
Dr. Dana DeVito

Jane Hofstetter AFVA Scholarship
First year Indiana student based on merit
Maggie Deboy and Molly Isaacs

J. Patrick Cummings Fellowship
Recognizes outstanding third-year clinician who best exemplifies and enhances patient loyalty through establishing the important link between eye health and overall health
Nicholas Bantz

John Hitchcock Memorial Scholarship
Awarded for outstanding performance and aptitude in diagnostic courses
Ethan Dupuis

Joseph Elmer Sidwell & Trula Sidwell Hardy Scholarship
Awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and commitment to professional ethics in optometry
Trev Didelot

Kentucky Optometric Foundation Scholarship
Given to a Kentucky student based on academic excellence
Dr. Mariah Lucas

Moser Family Scholarship
Recognizing a student who is a great clinician and has outstanding rapport with patients. Recipient is nominated by the third-year clinical faculty.
Dr. Alyssa Olin

Optelec Excellence in Low Vision Award
Given in recognition of outstanding performance and aptitude in Low Vision
Dr. Emily Eherenman

Paul Pietsch Scholarship
Merit based award for V540 Ocular Biology
Joshua Pepneck

Robert G. Corns O.D. Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to a student enrolled in first- or second-year optics courses that is employed at the Atwater Eye Care Center
Eric Blickensderfer

Robert W. Bumbleberg Scholarship
Awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and commitment to professional ethics in optometry
Michelle McKamey

Ronald W. Wuensch Memorial Scholarship
Awarded in memory of Mr. Wuensch to an Indiana resident entering the optometry program who has shown excellence in academia, service or leadership in their undergraduate career
Parker Edwards

Rogers W. Reading OD, PhD Endowed Award
Merit based award given to a third-year student interested in binocular vision
Abigail Lee

Student Innovator Award
Award given to the student (or student team) who presents the most creative and inventive idea for impacting future practice of optometry; sponsored by MyEyeDr and Jobson’s Rick Bay Foundation for Excellence in Eyecare Education
Michelle Veurink

Vincent Salierno Scholarship
Merit based award sponsored by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation
Dean Boman

Vision Service Plan Scholarship
Students demonstrating excellence in Primary Care, nominated by clinical faculty
Dr. Chad Herschberger and Dr. Sam Soda

William James Saunders Memorial Scholarship
Nominated by classmates and awarded to a third-year student who embodies all that we loved about Will including his love for music, gift of making others laugh and feel loved, and appreciation of a variety of interests and activities outside of the classroom.
Derrick Prenot