Alumni Awards
Foley House Alumni Awards
Foley House alumni awards have been presented each year since 1976 to recognize Indiana University School of Optometry's most dedicated and distinguished alumni.
Located at 744 East Third Street, the Foley House served as the IU Optometry Clinic for ten years before the present building was constructed.
The Foley House Basement Door Key Award is presented each year to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and/or service to the IU School of Optometry
The Foley House Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to an IUSO alumnus/a who has spent significant time dedicated to excellence in optometry, has represented the School well throughout his/her career, and has reached pre-eminent status in the field of optometry.
The Foley House Early Career Award is presented annually to an IUSO alumnus/a in the early stages of their career who has already made outstanding contributions to the field of optometry.
2026 Foley House award recipients
Learn more about this year's recipients here.-
Dr. Bina Patel, OD (2008)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Patel was honored for her pre-eminent status within the field of optometry. -
Dr. David Hormuth, OD (1979), MD, MBA
Basement Key Award
Dr. Hormuth was honored for his significant contributions to the IU School of Optometry. -
Dr. Jeni (Moses) Kohn, OD (2008)
Early Career Award
Dr. Kohn was recognized for signficant contributions to the profession during the early years of her career.
Past award recipients
The Indiana University School of Optometry Foley House Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus/a who has spent significant time dedicated to excellence in optometry, has represented the School well throughout his/her career, and has reached pre-eminent status in the field of optometry. Additionally:
- Nominee must have earned an O.D. at the IU School of Optometry.
- Nominee must demonstrate excellence in optometry.
- Nominee must be present at award ceremony.
- Current faculty and staff of Indiana University are not eligible to receive this award.
Past award winners are listed below:
Dr. Sarita Soni (2025)
Dr. Ray Applegate (2024)
Dr. Melvin Shipp (2023)
Dr. Linda Casser (2022)
Dr. Joan Exford Korb (2021)
Dr. Larry Davis (2019)
Dr. Linda Johnson (2018)
Dr. Douglas Penisten (2017)
Dr. Edward S. Bennett (2016)
Dr. Larry J. Alexander (2015)
The Indiana University School of Optometry Foley House Basement Key Award is presented to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and/or service to the IU School of Optometry. Additionally:
- Nominee must have earned an O.D. at the IU School of Optometry.
- Nominee must demonstrate exceptional service and/or dedication to the IU School of Optometry.
Past award winners are listed below:
Dr. Neil Pence (2025)
Dr. Kyle King (2024)
Dr. David Weigel (2023)
Dr. Lilien Vogl (2022)
Dr. Monica Price-Kowaleski (2021)
Dr. Clifford Brooks (2019)
Dr. Jerry Logan (2018)
Dr. Jorge Benavente (2017)
Dr. Richard E. Meetz (2016)
Dr. Jim Hunter (2015)
Dr. Patty Henderson (2014)
Dr. Victor Malinovsky (2013)
Dr. Dennis Miller (2012)
Dr. Gerald Lowther (2011)
Dr. Stephen Schock (2010)
Dr. Marjorie Knotts (2009)
Dr. Polly Hendricks (2008)
Dr. R. Alan Roush (2007)
Dr. Linda Casser (2006)
Dr. James Wessar (2005)
Dr. Chuck Haine (2004)
Dr. Stephan VanCleve (2003)
Dr. Douglas Morrow (2002)
Dr. Jeffrey Marshall (2001)
Dr. Edwin Marshall (2000)
Dr. Robert Moses (1999)
Dr. George Rector (1998)
Dr. Jerald Strickland (1997)
Dr. Dawn Kaufman (1996)
Dr. Steven Hitzeman (1995)
Lois Selk (1994)
Dr. Daniel Gerstman (1993)
Dr. Donald Robbins (1992)
Dr. Felix Barker (1991)
Dr. Dennis Escol (1990)
Dr. John G. Ashman (1989)
Dr. R. Lewis Scott (1988)
Dr. Merrill Allen (1987)
Dr. Jack Bennett (1985)
Dr. Dennis Yamamoto (1984)
Dr. Irv Borish (1983)
Dr. Ingeborg Schmidt (1982)
Dr. Michael J. Obremskey (1981)
Dr. Gordon G. Heath (1980)
Dr. Charles R. Shick (1979)
Dr. Donald Pitts (1978)
Dr. Henry W. Hofstetter (1977)
Dr. William Baldwin (1976)
The Indiana University School of Optometry Foley House Early Career Award is presented to an alumnus/a who is early in their professional career and has achieved or showed tremendous potential in one or more of the following areas:
- Professional Engagement: Active involvement in professional organizations, volunteer work, and community service.
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrates leadership qualities and potential, such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Innovation: Demonstrates innovative approaches in the field of optometry, such as new technologies, techniques, or applications.
- Research Excellence: Outstanding contributions to the profession of optometry through original research, publications, or presentations.
Past award winners are listed below:
Dr. Jesslin Quint (2025)
Dr. Chelsey Moore (2024)
Dr. Laura Suppa (2023)
Nomination criteria
The IU School of Optometry is not accepting nominations at this time.
Award nominations are gathered each spring/early summer, and are reviewed by a committee of IUSO alumni, faculty, staff, and previous award winners. Awards are presented each fall at the Foley House Awards Dinner, or another related alumni event. In 2026, IUSO is honored to present these awards during the IUSO 75th Anniversary Gala on Friday, October 9.
Nominations are submitted via a form posted on this site. The nominator must provide all materials pertinent to the nomination, as the Selection Committee will not conduct further research on behalf of any nominee. Nominations are valid for the two successive years.