Written by Ciel Mahoney, Assistant Dean of Development & Alumni Relations.
This year’s CE Alumni Weekend, held on September 28-29, was an exciting gathering for alumni celebrating their milestone reunions—those graduating in years ending in 4s and 9s—and for the entire community. The weekend was a perfect mix of education, reflection, and celebration, combining optometrists from all classes.
Saturday’s events kicked off with engaging CE sessions at the Li Ka Shing Center, including a thought-provoking Thomas Peters Memorial Lecture by Dr. Michael Silver, whose insights on “The Resurgence of Psychedelics Research: Relevance for Optometry and Vision Science” captivated the audience. The day also featured our Alumni Awards, which recognize those who have made significant contributions to the field. Dr. Dave Redman ‘91 was honored with the Dr. Michael G. Harris Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional service and dedication to the profession.
The Class of 1999 took a moment to honor the faculty member who left a lasting impact on their optometric journey, presenting the Mert Flom Teaching Award to Dr. George Lee ‘77 for his inspiring guidance and commitment to his students. In a heartfelt passing of the baton, last year’s award recipient, Dr. Abraham Bromberg ‘69, introduced this year’s Alumnus of the Year, the highly regarded Dr. Ken Polse ‘68, whose influence in the optometry world continues to be celebrated.
The afternoon’s most emotional moment came with a surprise recognition of Dean John Flanagan, celebrating his 10 years of dedicated leadership as Dean. The alumni board presented him with a special award, accompanied by a citation from Senator Nancy Skinner, in recognition of his remarkable contributions and service to the community. The heartfelt tribute was a fitting acknowledgment of his lasting legacy at the school.
The festivities continued at Cornerstone, where alumni enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and celebration. The lively Cal Straw Hat Band added to the cheerful atmosphere. Old friends reconnected; reminiscing about their time on campus and at Minor Hall.
On Sunday, the focus shifted to the Golden Translational Conference, where the topic of Dry Eye took center stage, providing the latest insights into research and treatment in the field. While the future of optometry continues to evolve, the weekend reaffirmed that the heart of the profession lies in the strong community and shared experiences that unite us all.
From inspiring lectures to joyous celebrations, this year’s CE Alumni Weekend was a perfect reminder of the strength of our alumni network and the bright future ahead. Here’s to many more reunions!
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