In honoring the donors and volunteers, IUPUI Chancellor Charles R. Bantz said, "At its best, philanthropy links the passion of our donors with the needs and aspirations of our campus. That partnering of donors and campus is a key to IUPUI’s success."

 

Honored at the event by the IU School of Optometry were Dr. Gerald and Mrs. Andrya Lowther, who devoted their careers to creating an environment of lifelong learning worldwide. Jerry was professor, co-director of the Borish Center for Ophthalmic Research, and dean of the school until retirement in 2008. Under his leadership, the school became a premier institution for optometric education, patient care, and research. He is a renowned author, lecturer, and leader, received an honorary Ph.D. from Thailand’s Ramkhamhaeng University, and now serves as chair and professor of vision science at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Andrya is past president of the American Foundation for Vision Awareness and served on the faculty as a leader in visual information processing, demonstrating that improved visual skills enhance academic potential. Together, they have supported school initiatives such as the Jack Bennett Classroom, the Borish Center, and Atwater Eye Care Center. We honor their vision, leadership, and support of optometric education worldwide.

The luncheon and ceremony, which took place on April 22, 2010, was hosted by Chancellor Bantz at the IUPUI Campus Center and sponsored by IUPUI, the Indiana University Foundation, and The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.