KNUST Optometry Interns Awarded Edmund Arthur Graduate School Application Support Fund – Phase 1
On Thursday, 7th March, 2024, seven (7) Teaching, Clinical and Research Assistants in the Department of Optometry and Visual Science (DOVS) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana received support from the prestigious Edmund Arthur Graduate School Application Support Fund.
The Edmund Arthur Graduate School Application Scholarship Fund is an initiative of Dr. Edmund Arthur, an alumnus of the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at KNUST. Dr Arthur is currently an assistant professor at the School of Optometry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The goal of this scholarship is to: (i) Increase interest in graduate school education in the Vision Sciences and in turn grow and improve the reputation of Optometric education/practice in Ghana (ii) Support brilliant but financially challenged optometry students, who are interested and are likely to succeed in graduate school in the Vision Sciences in the United States.
The award ceremony, held under the auspices of the Provost of the College of Science, Professor Leonard Amekudzi, and attended by dignitaries including the Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences, the Registrar of the College of Science, and Lecturers from DOVS marked the inauguration of the fund's first phase. During this event, the deserving recipients were presented with funds designated to cover their graduate school application fees. The distinguished awardees were Dr. Samson Darrah, Dr. Prince Mintah, Dr. Emmanuella Asabere, Dr. Moses Awuni, Dr. Albert Andoh, Dr. Michael Asante, and Dr. James Anin Odame. The second phase of the funds will be awarded to applicants who secure admission to study vision science graduate program in the United States. This phase of the funds will cover applicants F1 visa and SEVIS fees.
Professor Leonard Amekudzi expressed his deep appreciation as he commended Dr. Edmund Arthur for his forward-thinking philanthropy. He stated that Dr. Arthur's generosity not only empowers upcoming vision scientists but also emphasizes the significance of giving back to one's alma mater. Professor Amekudzi encouraged the recipients to uphold Dr. Arthur's legacy by showcasing excellence and dedication in their academic endeavours, while also urging them to remember the importance of giving back to their alma mater.
Professor Mohammed Abdul-Kabir, the esteemed Head of the Department of Optometry and Visual Science, echoed similar sentiments of appreciation towards Dr. Arthur's benevolence. He emphasized the imperative for the recipients to leverage this opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the Vision Sciences field.
Dr. Albert Andoh, representing his fellow recipients, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Edmund Arthur for his unwavering support and generosity. He affirmed their collective dedication to making the most of this invaluable opportunity, ensuring that Dr. Arthur's investment in their futures yields significant dividends for the field of optometry and beyond.
