Philanthropists honored at SCCO’s Circle of Vision
 luncheon were Lynn C. Gabriel, OD; Joseph C. Mallinger, OD, MBA; and Michael R. Sellers, OD. Pictured (L to R)
are SCCO chairman, Board of Trustees Gene D. Calkins, OD, JD; Sellers; Gabriel; and SCCO president Kevin L. Alexander, OD, PhD. Due to illness, Mallinger was
unable to attend the event.


The Artists of Philanthropy was the theme for SCCO’s third annual Circle of Vision Luncheon, and guests had an opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Adding his creative touch to the canvas was David Hansen, OD, head, global professional services, Abbott Medical Optics.

FULLERTON, Calif.—The Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) honored three Artists of Philanthropy for their support at its Circle of Vision Luncheon held here, Jan. 18, 2013. Recognized at the Essilor-sponsored gathering of SCCO alumni and friends were honorees Lynn C. Gabriel, OD; Joseph C. Mallinger, OD, MBA; and Michael R. Sellers, OD. In addition to giving their time to SCCO as well as to the profession of optometry, the three honorees have provided financial support for SCCO as well as for student scholarships.

Gabriel, a 1978 graduate of SCCO, built a successful private practice in Pasadena, Calif., from which she retired six years ago. A long-time major donor to SCCO, she also served as president of the Alumni Association, 1987–89, and was named Distinguished Alumnus, 1993. Gabriel also holds the distinction of serving as president of the California Optometric Association (COA), 1990–91.

Mallinger, president and CEO, Vision West, Inc., is a 1972 graduate of SCCO. He practiced optometry in Coronado and Escondido, Calif., prior to establishing a private practice in Carlsbad, Calif., in 1976. He retired from that practice in 1996 after 24 years and then joined Vision West. A past president of the COA, Mallinger was elected to the SCCO’s Board of Trustees in 2010.

Tucson, Ariz., optometrist, Sellers is a 1978 graduate of SCCO. As a Grand Patron, he has established scholarships at his alma mater to assist students in attaining their Doctor of Optometry degree. A co-contributor to the endowed Arizona Vision Service Plan Scholarship in 2001, he also set-up the Michael R. Sellers, OD, Scholarship Funds in 1999 for entering second-year students. Since 1979, he has been a member of the local, state and national optometric associations. captions: photo: SCCO 2013-506-218 Philanthropists honored at SCCO’s Circle of Vision luncheon were Lynn C. Gabriel, OD; Joseph C. Mallinger, OD, MBA; and Michael R. Sellers, OD. Pictured (L to R) are SCCO chairman, Board of Trustees Gene D. Calkins, OD, JD; Sellers; Gabriel; and SCCO president Kevin L. Alexander, OD, PhD. Due to illness, Mallinger was unable to attend the event. photo: SCCO 2013-506-203 The Artists of Philanthropy was the theme for SCCO’s third annual Circle of Vision Luncheon, and guests had an opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Adding his creative touch to the canvas was David Hansen, OD, head, global professional services, Abbott Medical Optics.