For Big Give 2025, we are excited to highlight a remarkable new fellowship fund established at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science at UC Berkeley. The Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden, Jr. Opportunity and Equity Fund honors one of our most celebrated alumni, and reflects his lifelong dedication to service, equity, and creating opportunities for those most in need.
Dr. Oden’s journey is an inspiring reminder that when we come together as a community, we have the power to create lasting change. His story – one of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to lifting others up – now lives on through this fund, ensuring that future generations of optometrists have access to the education and support they need to succeed.
The Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden, Jr. Opportunity and Equity Fund was created to expand access through fellowships for students who have overcome disadvantaged social or educational backgrounds. Dr. Oden’s own story is one of perseverance – his dreams of military service were sidelined due to poor eyesight, but he found a new calling in optometry and public health, a path that allowed him to serve others in profound ways. Today, with the Bay Area’s exceptionally high cost of living, financial assistance is more valuable than ever for our deserving students.
An inspirational and beloved member of our optometric community for over 50 years, “Dr. O.” is a Triple Opto-Bear (BS ’66, M Opt ’67, OD ’68)! He established this fellowship fund using the award money he received as the 2023 recipient of the Peter E. Haas Public Service Award. This prestigious honor recognizes a UC Berkeley alumnus or alumna who has made a significant contribution to the public good in the United States. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Oden’s recognition and deeply grateful that he chose to use his award to support future generations of optometrists.
The first $2,500 fellowship from the Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden, Jr. Opportunity and Equity Fund was awarded in September 2024 to Philyce Alexis Small (Class of 2028). To ensure this fund continues to benefit students long into the future, we invite you to join us in this meaningful fundraising effort.
Please consider directing your Big Give 2025 donation to this special fund. Together, we can help make the optometry profession more accessible and affordable for countless students.
Donate to the Oden Fund Big Give 2025