The alumna and former faculty member will be recognized May 20 at the university’s graduate and professional commencement ceremony, where she also will deliver the keynote address.
Kamelia Massih Prize for a Distinguished Optometrist
The Kamelia Massih Prize for a Distinguished Optometrist is presented annually to an alumnus of the Pacific University College of Optometry who has made a significant impact on the profession of optometry. The endowed prize was founded in 2011 from a bequest from the estate of late alumna Kamelia Massih OD ’85.
Born and raised in Iran, she came to the United States in 1978 to pursue a degree in biology. After graduating from Oregon State University in 1981, Massih completed her doctorate of optometry from Pacific in 1985. She opened her own practice, Beaverton Vision World, in 1989, and later opened a second location in Portland.
Massih cared deeply about others, giving countless hours of time and financial resources to a wide range of local and national charities. She was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed the fine arts, including music and dance, as well as traveling and the outdoors.
She died in March 2010 following a three-year battle with cancer.
"Kamelia had a keen affinity for Pacific University," her brother Fariborz Maseeh said. "Our family hopes this gift will recognize excellence of optometry graduates of Pacific University and will inspire other alumni to carry on Kamelia's passion for serving our community and those in need. She loved Pacific and its commitment to civic engagement, something she believed wholeheartedly in."
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Schnider, a 1982 Pacific University optometry alumnus, will receive the award at Pacific’s Graduate & Professional Commencement, where she also will be the keynote speaker
The honor recognizes a Pacific College of Optometry alumnus or alumna who has made a significant impact on the profession.