Stephen and Betsy Fantone
Congratulations to Stephen D. Fantone, who was awarded the Rochester Distinguished Scholar Award on May 16, 2015, at the University’s 2015 Doctoral Ceremony. U of R Provost Lennie introduced Dr. Fantone with the following remarks:
“Stephen Fantone embarked on his career in optics before he even started high school. Now the president and CEO of one of the nation’s leading optical engineering companies, Dr. Fantone has devoted his career to applying the modern understanding of light in ways that have brought innovative products and technology to the American public.
In 1982, Dr. Fantone founded Optikos Corporation, which develops optical products and systems that can be found in consumer products, medical devices, photographic technology, and toys. The success of the company can be measured by its influence in modern American life, where estimates are that an Optikos-designed product can be found in one-half of households in the United States.
Educated at MIT and the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics, Dr. Fantone is widely heralded by colleagues throughout the optics industry and academia. He holds more than 65 patents, and his contributions to optics have been recognized by the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, MIT, Rochester, and other organizations. For more than three decades, he has been prominent in The Optical Society (OSA), holding several leadership positions and working to ensure that the Rochester-founded organization retains its preeminence as the leading organization in advancing the discipline. One of the organizations’s top awards is named in recognition of his contributions.”
–Provost Peter Lennie, Ph.D.
To read Dr. Fantone’s remarks, in acceptance of his award, click here: Stephen D Fantone_U of R Award Acceptance Speech_5-16-2015.
