51st Annual LCC Cardinal Citation Award Recipient Announced

Parsons, KS – Each year, the Labette Community College (LCC) Foundation and Alumni Association presents the Cardinal Citation Award to an individual associated with the college who has had significant lifetime achievements to their profession, community, state or nation. This is the highest honor that LCC bestows upon individuals. The 2023 recipient of this prestigious award is Dr. John F. Amos.

Dr. Amos received his Associates of Arts degree from Parsons Junior College (now known as LCC) in 1962. He earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate degree from the Illinois College of Optometry. He also holds a master’s degree in physiological optics from Indiana University. He was a Captain in the United States Air Force from January 1966 until September 1969, where he served as an Optometry Officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Services because of his service in the Republic of South Vietnam.

Following his military service, he became an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) School of Optometry, and became Professor in 1982. Amos was the Founding Director of the UAB School of Optometry Residency Programs and served in this position until appointed as Chair of the Department of Optometry and Director of the Professional Program in 1994.  He served as Interim Dean and Dean of the School from 2000 until 2010 when he retired after 38 years of service.

During his career he served on numerous committees of many professional organizations. One of his distinct achievements was the development of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the profession. Dr. Amos published more than 120 reference papers and editorials, and presented over 200 continuing education courses. He is the author of two books and several chapters.

Dr. Amos has received organizational and institutional awards bringing honor to his profession. He received the Presidential Medal of Honor, the Excellence in Education Award, and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Illinois College of Optometry. He was selected by Alabama Southern and American Optometric Associations as the “Optometrist of the Year.” He received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Optometric Association and was elected as a Distinguished Scholar of the National Academies of Practice. In 2004, Amos was named the UAB National Alumni Honorary Alumnus of the Year.  He was awarded a Doctor of Ocular Science degree from two optometry institutions, the Life Service Award from the American Academy of Optometry, and he was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame. 

The University of Alabama Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Amos as the Dean and Professor Emeritus.  He was also named a Veteran of Distinction by the Birmingham Business Journal. The American Optometric Association presented Amos with the President’s Award of Distinguished Service.

Dr. Amos is active in several civic groups. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, where he was recognized as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He’s also a member of the Alabama Newcomb Society, and a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He is married to Dr. Catherine Amos, and they are the parents of three children.

Amos will be honored at the Cardinal Citation Reception prior to commencement on Friday, May 12th at 5:00 p.m. at the Cardinal Event Center. The public is invited to attend. For more information about the Cardinal Citee Award please contact Lindi Forbes at (620) 820-1212 or lindif@labette.edu.