A Legacy of Excellence: Celebrating NECO's 132nd Commencement |
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Boston's historic Symphony Hall resonated with the cheers of family, friends, and faculty as NECO celebrated its 132nd Commencement ceremony. This year, the college honored the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2026, welcoming a new generation of doctors into the optometric profession.
The ceremony served not only as a milestone for our graduates but also as an opportunity to recognize trailblazers who have made profound contributions to vision science, education, and global eye health.
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It's Time to Come Back to Beacon Street! |
We are thrilled to invite you to NECO's annual Alumni Reunion on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Whether it’s been five years or fifty since you last walked our halls, this day is designed to celebrate our shared history and look toward NECO’s exciting future.
Honoring Our Milestone Classes
This year, we are celebrating classes ending in 1 or 6 (plus 2025 for their first reunion).
1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021, 2025
The Day’s Agenda
Reconnect with faculty, meet the next generation of ODs, and earn credit while you're at it:
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- Registration & Light Breakfast: Start the day with coffee and reconnect with friends.
- Welcoming Remarks: An update on the vision for NECO’s future.
- Continuing Education: Sessions led by distinguished alumni speakers.
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Alumni Lunch: Plenty of time to swap stories and catch up.
- Student-Led Campus Tours: See what's changed (and what’s stayed the same) on campus.
- ...and more surprises to come!
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We can't wait to welcome you home to Beacon Street this November!
| Honoring a NECO Icon: Tecleab Neguse |
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After 38 years of unwavering dedication, Tecleab “Tec” Neguse, our Manager of Buildings, Grounds & Security, officially stepped into retirement this spring. The NECO community gathered on April 15 to bid a heartfelt farewell to the man who has been the "stalwart backbone" of our campus for nearly four decades.
A Legacy of Service and Resilience
Tec’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Having fought for the independence of his homeland, Eritrea, Tec arrived in the U.S. in 1985 with little more than his freedom. Since joining NECO in 1988, he has seen the college through decades of milestones—working under six presidents, maintaining the historic splendor of our five Gilded Age mansions, and even raising his family within the campus walls during the 1990s!
Announcing the Tecleab Neguse Scholarship
To ensure Tec’s spirit of service continues to inspire future generations, we are proud to announce the establishment of the Tecleab Neguse Scholarship.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who embodies Tec’s work ethic and heart for others. Criteria for the award include:
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- Those with a history of meaningful community service.
- A commitment to uplifting others through their future careers in optometry.
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Support Tec’s Legacy
We warmly invite our alumni and friends to help us reach our goal of honoring a truly exceptional colleague. Your generosity will ensure that Tec’s lasting impact on NECO endures—just as enduring as the buildings he so thoughtfully cared for.
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Join Us in Phoenix for the AOA Alumni Reception |
The desert is heating up, and so is NECO spirit! Since we’re officially in June, it’s time to pack your bags for Phoenix. After you’ve wrapped up your CE sessions and navigated the exhibit hall, come unwind with your fellow alumni in the heart of the Valley of the Sun.
This is your chance to grab a drink, enjoy some appetizers, and get the latest updates from Beacon Street. Whether you’re reconnecting with lifelong friends or welcoming our newest graduates to the profession, we can’t wait to see you there!
Reception Details
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When: Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Time: 5:00–7:00PM
- Where: Phoenix Convention Center
- Admission: Free! (Includes appetizers and two drink tickets)
- Who: All alumni and guests are welcome
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See you in the Valley of the Sun!
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The Alumni Engagement Committee of the NECO Alumni Board focuses on strengthening the connection between graduates and the broader NECO community through professional networking, mentorship, social events, and shared experiences. By fostering engagement among alumni at all stages of their careers, the committee hopes to build a stronger sense of community and encourage lasting involvement with NECO.
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Dr. Lauren Dickerman - Director of Alumni Engagement Committee
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Dr. Lauren Dickerman’s journey in optometry has been shaped by both a passion for patient care and a strong commitment to leadership. In 2002, Dr. Dickerman became the owner of Harvard Square Eye Care and has since expanded the practice to locations in Davis Square, Belmont, and Martha’s Vineyard. She is also deeply involved in community outreach, helping provide free eye care to underserved individuals through organizations like Youth on Fire and Y2Y Harvard Square, and volunteering internationally to deliver eye care in Peru and Nicaragua through Flying Doctors.
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Dr. Lynn Brandes - Delegate of Alumni Engagement Committee
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Dr. Lynn Brandes is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. She also serves as an Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Brandes has had a strong interest in research. In recent years, she was honored to work part-time at Mass Eye and Ear and at The Schepens Eye Research Institute on two clinical research projects. Dr. Brandes has served on the Alumni Board for over 15 years, including a term as Vice President. She is very grateful for the education she received at NECO and is proud to be an active member of the Optometric Community.
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Join the Alumni Board
Alumni interested in reconnecting with fellow graduates, supporting future optometrists, or contributing ideas for future programming are encouraged to get involved. The board looks forward to continuing to expand opportunities for alumni engagement and connecting with more members of the NECO network at upcoming events. Contact Dr. Alina Reznik, NECO Alumni Relations Liaison, to learn more.
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OSU Survey on Attitudes Toward Optometric Residencies
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Dawn J. Goedde, OD, FAAO, from the Ohio State University, is conducting a survey on attitudes towards optometric residencies. The purpose of the survey is explained in detail at the start of the survey. To summarize, the survey asks why you did/did not complete an optometric residency.
The survey takes 10 minutes. It is an anonymous survey through OSU RedCAP and your responses will remain completely confidential. If you have any questions about the study, please email the principal investigator, Dr. Dawn Goedde.
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NECO Yearbooks Now Online
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We’re excited to share that the majority of NECO yearbooks are now available online!
Take a walk down memory lane and revisit your time at NECO—whether it’s spotting familiar faces, reliving milestones, or discovering moments you may have missed. This growing digital archive makes it easier than ever to reconnect with the rich history of our community. Start exploring today!
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NECO Grad Carissa Fleming, OD '25, Featured in Women in Optometry
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Dedicating her skills to underserved communities right from the start, Carissa Fleming, OD ’25, is making a tangible difference at the Brockton Community Health Center. In a recent feature for Women in Optometry, Dr. Fleming discusses the critical systems, such as translation services and patient education, required to break down healthcare barriers for a diverse population. We are incredibly proud to see a recent NECO graduate using her clinical training to create lasting community impact!
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Russell Francis Aldrich, Jr., OD ’49
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Russ Aldrich, OD '49, passed away peacefully at his home on April 17, 2026, in his 100th year.
Following his graduation from Fitchburg High School, Russ honorably served his country during World War II as a U.S. Navy gunner’s mate on PT Boats. He went on to graduate from the New England College of Optometry in 1949, dedicating his career to optometry and dispensing opticianry in Clinton, Salem, and ultimately Beverly Hospital until his retirement in 1989.
Russ was deeply devoted to his community and country. An 80-year member of the American Legion, he proudly marched as Manchester’s last remaining WWII veteran in recent Memorial Day parades. He was also a two-time recipient of the Boston Post Cane and an active member of numerous local clubs and Masonic organizations.
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Graveside services were held in May at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Donations in Russ’s memory may be made to Care Dimensions or Cape Ann Animal Aid.
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We want to hear from you! Whether you've opened a new practice, published a paper, started an innovative company, got married, had a baby, or learned of someone's passing, keep your NECO classmates informed.
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| New England College of Optometry
424 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 587-5700
Copyright ©2026 New England College of Optometry
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