A new endowed fund, established by two local optometrists, will help support the most urgent needs in The University of New Mexico Department of Biology.
The Dr. William Jones & Dr. Siu Wong Biology Urgent Needs Endowed Fund will provide a scholarship for a full or part-time, graduate or undergraduate Biology student. The endowment will also help support student publication expenses, student presentation seminars, the department’s annual Research Day Lecture and may also help defray the cost of purchasing lab or classroom equipment as well as building repairs.
“This endowment will make a big impact on the department,” said William Pockman, chair of the Department of Biology. “It really will help make our programs stronger and create a variety of opportunities for our students.”
After graduating from UNM in 1969 with a B.S. in Biology, Dr. William Jones went on to have a successful career as an optometrist, both with the Veterans Administration (VA) and in private practice. Jones is the founding president of the Optometric Retinal Society, has published over 75 articles and is an internationally known lecturer in his field. Today, he continues seeing patients at New Mexico Eyecare.
Dr. Siu Wong, spouse of Dr. Jones, is also an accomplished optometrist having spent many years as a Director of the Division of Eye Care for the U.S. Public Health Service – Indian Health Service program. Outside of her professional work, Wong has been an active member of the Albuquerque community, becoming an integral part of a variety of organizations.
"My husband and I are very proud to sponsor the Dr. William Jones & Dr. Siu Wong Biology Urgent Needs Endowed Fund,” said Wong. “We believe strongly that education is the key for a better life and society. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to support your work and the promising futures of many students."
To learn more about the Dr. William Jones & Dr. Siu Wong Biology Urgent Needs Endowed Fund or to contribute to the fund, click here.