New England College of Optometry Celebrates Inauguration of Howard B. Purcell

On April 7, 2019, New England College of Optometry inaugurated Dr. Howard B. Purcell as president. Dr. Purcell is the 13th president in the College’s 125 year history. He is a graduate of the program, continuing the legacy of his father, Saul Purcell, OD’54. The ceremony took place at the beautiful Edward Kennedy Institute for the US Senate in Boston in a recreation of the US Senate chamber. The event was attended by over 200 people including the President’s family, friends, and former/current colleagues, student leaders, industry leaders, and community representatives. Distinguished delegates included representatives from four optometry schools – Dr. Kevin Alexander (Marshall B. Ketchum University), Dr. Morris Berman (MCPHS), Dr. Mark Colip (Illinois College of Optometry), and Dr. David Heath (State University of New York College of Optometry).