The New England College of Optometry (NECO) has announced the establishment of the Dr. Maureen Hanley Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the late Maureen Hanley, OD, a longtime faculty member and 1981 graduate of the institution.

Dr. Hanley, who passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 69, joined the NECO faculty in 1984 and taught for over 40 years. She was recognized for her contributions to optometric education with the Dupuis Pellerin Award for Faculty Excellence and the Foster Namias Award for Superior Classroom Instruction.

"Dr. Hanley's impact on optometric education cannot be overstated," says Howard Purcell, OD ’84, FAAO, Dipl., president and CEO of NECO. "This planned endowed scholarship will serve as a living testament to her expertise, dedication, and extraordinary compassion for her students. It's a fitting tribute to her legacy of excellence."

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Hanley provided patient care at the VA in West Roxbury for 14 years and later at Upham’s Corner Community Health Center, where she worked with underserved populations.

Donations to the scholarship fund can be made here or by contacting Lindsay Allen, NECO’s director of development and alumni relations, at allenl@neco.edu.