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).