The Board of Trustees at New England College of Optometry (NECO) is pleased to announce the distinguished honorees for its 131st Commencement Exercises, which will take place on May 18, 2025, at Boston’s renowned Symphony Hall.
Honorary Degree Recipient: D. Luisa Mayer, PhD, MEd
NECO will confer an honorary degree upon Dr. Luisa Mayer in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of visual science and clinical education. Dr. Mayer began her career at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she dedicated 26 years to advancing the understanding of visual function in infants. Her groundbreaking research focused on developing clinical methods to better evaluate how infants and individuals with disabilities perceive the visual world.
In 1996, she established the Visual Function Clinic (VFC) to formalize these essential assessments. In 2006,
Dr. Mayer successfully transitioned the VFC to the New England Eye Low Vision Clinic at Perkins School for the Blind, ensuring its continued impact. Her legacy endures in the NECO community through the many students and faculty who benefited from her expertise and mentorship.
Presidential Medal Honoree: Lois Schoenbrun, CAE (Ret.), FAAO
The Presidential Medal, awarded to an individual or group who has made a significant and lasting impact on NECO and its extended community, will be presented to Lois Schoenbrun. A highly respected leader in the nonprofit and association sectors, Ms. Schoenbrun served for over two decades as Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Academy of Optometry Foundation. Under her leadership, Academy membership grew from 4,000 to more than 10,000 optometrists and optometry students, financial stability was achieved, and annual meetings attracted attendance exceeding 8,000 participants.
In addition to her administrative achievements, Ms. Schoenbrun earned her Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry in 2000 and was awarded Life Fellowship status in 2018. She retired from the Academy in 2019, leaving a legacy of excellence and growth.
Valedictorian: Shannon Gavin, Class of 2025
NECO is proud to recognize Shannon Gavin as the valedictorian of the Class of 2025.
A native of Savannah, Georgia, Shannon graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience. Drawn to optometry by her passion for helping others, problem-solving, and applying scientific knowledge in meaningful ways, she has distinguished herself as a dedicated and accomplished student.
Following graduation, Shannon will continue to advance her expertise by completing a one-year residency in Ocular Disease and Cornea/Contact Lenses at the Emory Eye Center in Atlanta, Georgia, beginning in July 2025.
NECO looks forward to celebrating these exceptional individuals during its 2025 Commencement Exercises, honoring their remarkable contributions to the field of optometry and beyond.
This year’s Commencement exercises will be livestreamed on May 18, 2025 at 10:00am from Boston’s Symphony Hall at https://necolivestream.org.
About New England College of Optometry
Founded in 1894, New England College of Optometry (NECO) is New England’s premier institution dedicated to advancing the frontiers of optometric education, research, and patient care. Located in Boston, NECO prepares the next generation of leaders in eye care through rigorous academic programs and extensive hands-on clinical training.
