  OCO Giving News
February 23, 2011 - HOYA Vision Care and Northeastern State University announced today the establishment of the Wilma Mankiller Scholarship for Native American Students in the Oklahoma College of Optometry. HOYA will donate $25,000 over the next five years to provide funding for the scholarship. “We are thankful to HOYA for partnering with us in the education of our American Indian students,” said Dr. Doug Penisten, dean of NSUOCO. “Without HOYA this scholarship wouldn’t be possible. Their dedication to optometry education, especially at OCO, is greatly appreciated.” The College of Optometry and HOYA enthusiastically supported naming the scholarship for the late Mankiller. Dr. Michelle Welch, assistant dean of NSUOCO and its director of clinical services, remembered the former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation as a positive, strong leader. “Mankiller was one of the first to put a priority on providing health care for the tribe,” Welch said. “We thank her family for allowing us to honor Wilma Mankiller by naming the scholarship for her.” Barney Dougher, president and CEO of HOYA Vision Care, North America, said HOYA and NSU have a long-standing relationship and a commitment to scholarly diversity and optometric opportunities for an under-served minority. “NSUOCO and the Cherokee Nation have a 30-year history and that was a catalyst for this initiative by HOYA. The Nation has several clinics in its 14-county area, and it has worked with Dr. Welch to ensure that vision care is part of the delivery of health care in the region.” Welch said the scholarship can attract American Indian students who, upon graduation, could return to their communities to provide optometric service. ”The College of Optometry has a patient base of Native Americans, and these students will be treating those patients,” Welch said. “More Native Americans involved in optometry will result in better eye care for Native Americans across the country.” The Wilma Mankiller Scholarship will be offered for the 2011-12 academic year. Applicants must be American Indian, hold a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and be entering the first or second year of studies at NSUOCO. First-year students will receive preference. The scholarship amount awarded will be determined based on the money generated by the fund. Half will be awarded for the fall semester and the second half in the spring semester if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA and performs 10 hours of approved volunteer optometry service each semester. NSU welcomes donations to the scholarship. For more information about the Wilma Mankiller Scholarship and other opportunities to donate, contact the NSU Foundation at (918) 458-2143 or foundation@nsuok.edu or visit www.nsuocogiving.com. About HOYA Vision Care, North America HOYA Vision Care, North America, manufactures and supplies ophthalmic lenses to eye care professionals located within the United States, Canada, and South America. HOYA manufactures a complete range of high-quality lens designs and coatings under brand names like iD MyStyle, iD InStyle, iD LifeStyle, Summit ecp and cd iQ, Super HiVision EX3, Super HiVision, HiVision and others. Photo (Left to Right): Jerry Cook, Director of Community Relations, Interim Director of Development NSU, Dr. Don Betz, President, Northeastern State University Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chad Smith, Felicia Olaya, daughter of Wilma Mankiller, Gina Olaya, daughter of Wilma Mankiller, Mike Elton, Director of Professional Services, Hoya Vision Care, Doug Rogers, Sales Consultant, Hoya Vision Care, Dr. Michelle Welch, Associate Dean, Melissa Gower, Director of Health Cherokee Nation, Dr, Doug Penisten, Dean NSUOCO |
