KYCO class of 2021 gives back
0Staff Report
Students in the second class of the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) quickly embraced the university’s culture of philanthropy. During the initial solicitation of the class of 2021 on their first day, an impressive 62 percent of students committed to making financial gifts to UPIKE over the course of their four-year professional education. The UPIKE Office of Advancement anticipates that the percentage of students donating will increase as the semester progresses.
The class of 2021 consists of 60 students from 22 states spanning from Virginia to Hawaii. Forty students are from rural areas and 12 are from Kentucky, representing KYCO’s mission to provide vision care in rural Central Appalachia – the blindest region in the United States – and other underserved areas of the country. Thirty-four females and 26 males comprise the class, which represents students from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
UPIKE is proud to welcome these students and appreciates their commitment to the university.
“The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry is fortunate to welcome a class of high quality students committed not only to the profession of optometry, but also to their university,” said Andrew Buzzelli, O.D., M.S., FAAO, vice president of optometric education and founding dean of KYCO. “Their gifts and spirit of generosity will impact students for years to come. I am proud of their focus on service and the leadership they exhibited on the first day of class. They have set the tone for the positive difference they will make over the next four years and throughout their lives.”
To learn more about contributing to UPIKE, contact the Office of Advancement at 606-218-5276