Ketchum University Receives $750,000 Grant to Fund Technology and More

The Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) of Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) was awarded a $750,000 grant to support enhancements in academic and clinical technology, provide recruitment scholarships for incoming SCCO students and upgrade equipment at the university’s regional Los Angeles clinic.

The grant, which is the largest private foundation gift given to the optometry college, honors SCCO alumnus, Jonathan Smith, OD, for his service as a trustee of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The Foundation is a national philanthropic organization founded in 1954 to support “nonprofit organizations and institutions that demonstrate sound financial management, efficient operation, program integrity and an entrepreneurial spirit. “

MBKU President Kevin Alexander, OD, PhD, says that some of the money will be used to directly support the University Eye Center enterprise and technology for enhanced pre-clinical teaching.

“Our third academic lecture hall on campus will soon be named after Dr. Jonathan Smith, in honor of his service and in recognition of this precedent-setting contribution,” Dr. Alexander said.

The remainder of the grant funds will be used to support scholarships.

“We are grateful to the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation for their support of our mission to educate today’s minds for tomorrow’s eye, vision and health care and improving the educational and patient care experience,” said SCCO Dean Stanley Woo, OD, MS, MBA.