When Naeem Abdulla, OD ’03 found out that Leonard Messner, OD would be visiting town, he took a break from his successful optometry practice in Toronto to attend. He was excited to reconnect with his former professor, catch up with fellow alumni in the area, and get an update on ICO. Little did he know that this one event would lead to a significant commitment to ICO and have a lasting impact on its students for years to come.

That evening, Dr. Messner met with the alums. “He explained that ICO needs recurring donations from its alumni. These resources are crucial to ICO’s ability to maintain its reputation, provide high-quality education for its students, and serve its patients. It inspired me to donate.” 

As Dr. Abdulla contemplated his contribution, he perused the ICO donor rolls and found that many of the Leadership Circle donors were faculty and staff. This was heartening. He thought, "If the faculty and staff can be so generous, I should join them." Dr. Abdulla then became a part of the Leadership Circle, a giving society for donors who make investments of $1,000 or more. He renews his commitment to the circle every year.

Committed to building diversity in optometry, Dr. Abdulla directs his giving to the ICO Scholarship Fund for Underrepresented Populations. “I want more students looking more like our patients and those in the communities we serve in the United States and Canada.” 

To date, his annual donations total over $25,000. Because of this steady giving, ICO has strengthened its ability to recruit and support talented, more diverse students with the goal of greater access to care and better health outcomes. 

Along with Dr. Abdulla’s contribution, came a new sense of connection. “It may sound strange, but donating is a great way to reconnect with the school. I’m more inclined to serve on councils and committees and to be included in more activities. I can have a direct impact on the College's future.” Indeed, Dr. Abdulla now serves as an alumni council member and is instrumental in ICO’s efforts to recruit prospective students living in Canada. “I plan to continue donating at the Leadership Circle level for as long as I am working.”

Dr. Abdulla hopes that his giving motivates fellow graduates. “I am in the position to contribute because of what I gained at ICO. Plus, supporting ICO also benefits alumni. The ability to recruit talented students, provide superior training, and produce quality practitioners today ultimately enhances the value of our ICO diploma.”

To speak to someone about making a gift to ICO, please contact the Development Office at 312.949.7073 or development@ico.edu.