William "Bill" Elizondo, OD
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has given of themselves in support of the profession and the College of Optometry. William Bill Elizondo, OD, is a genuine man who beyond on else, truly conveys what it means to have a servants heart.
Dr. Elizondo is a cum Laude graduate of the Southern College of Optometry, Class of 1959. He has been a fixture in Texas optometry and in his home town of San Antonio since he started his practice in 1959. Dr. Elizondo is highly connected within optometry. Consequently, and because of a very persistent and charismatic personality, Dr. Elizondo gets things done. For over 50 years, Dr. Elizondo has been a leader and champion for the optometric profession. He has spent his career spearheading scholarships for students, crafting legislation to advance education, and serving as an advocate for the optometric profession. Throughout his career, Dr. Elizondo has served in numerous positions and received several accolades for his contributions. These include, but not limited to, National LULAC Man of the Year; Catrin Man of the Year Award; the Dr. Bill Pittman Award from the TOA; the Federal Key Person of the Year from the American Optometric Association and the Texas Star Award from the Texas State Teachers Association; Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Korean government. Dr. Elizondo is constantly asked to serve or elected to serve, on local, state and national organizations.
This year Dr. Elizondo is being recognized for his efforts on behalf of UHCO students. Several years ago, the TOA, the Bexar County Optometric Society and many of Dr. Elizondo's friends, raised funds to establish a scholarship endowment in his name. However, not to be out done, last year Dr. Elizondo turned his 85th birthday party into a scholarship fundraising event that resulted in doubling the size of his scholarship endowment. The resulting scholarships will help reduce the costs of optometry school for generations to come at UHCO. His unyielding service and dedication to the profession is without question and UHCO is honored to recognize William Bill Elizondo, OD, as the UHCO 2016 Volunteer of the Year.
