2015 Annual Report

GRADUATE STRONG
“Graduate Strong arose out of a series of conversations with students,” notes Dr.
Gleason. “They told us that, while they had a clear understanding of how to earn
their degree, they weren’t quite as sure about making the transition to becoming a
professional. Graduate Strong brings students together with those who know best –
NECO alumni – so that they can obtain the information they need.”
In April 2015, the second annual Graduate Strong event attracted more than 100
students, most in their second or third years. Gleason moderated the panel, which
included two recent NECO alumni. Following the discussion, panelists and attendees
mingled at a dinner reception, enabling both groups to expand their professional
networks. Later that month, in recognition of NECO’s strong Canadian contingent,
the first Graduate Strong: Canadian event was held via Skype. Alberta native and
current faculty member Nicole Ross, OD ’11, and members of NECO’s Canadian Club
collaborated to produce the event.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SEMINARS
Since 2012, NECO has offered a series of practice management seminars in partnership
with Vision Service Plan. These programs provide valuable networking opportunities for
students and alumni alike as they learn “the art of practice” through topics that serve as
the cornerstones of practice management within today’s health care landscape.
“The practice management seminars create an opportunity for students and alumni to
learn about business issues and challenges they will face when delivering eye care,”
says Tony Cavallerano, OD ’72, executive director of clinical training and patient care at
NECO, who coordinates the program with David Mills, MBA, OD ’80, assistant professor
of optometry. “We target third- and fourth-year students who want to learn about
creating a business plan, developing marketing strategies, evaluating insurance plans,
managing risk, and other essential topics. Alumni enjoy the opportunity to gain insight
from experts in business management, and to interact with students who represent a
potential talent pool of practice associates.”
MARGERY WARREN
Director of Alumni Relations
As director of alumni relations, Margery
Warren’s primary focus is to keep graduates
informed, involved, and engaged with
the College. She works with the Alumni
Association Board in the furtherance of their
mission and goals, and is often the first point
of contact for alumni seeking to connect with
their alma mater and classmates. Margery
coordinates the production of NECO’s very
successful Continuing Education programs,
including HomeTown and Sunday Series, and
plans and attends NECO alumni receptions at
regional and national optometry conferences.
For more information, contact Margery at
warrenm@neco.edu or 617.587.5687.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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