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                                                                                                       May 2012

In This Issue
Commencement 2012
Reunion 2012
SALUS PAs Victorious

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WE SALUTE

The Salus University community offers sincere congratulations to the following members:
 
Sherman Lord, AuD, adjunct who, as vice president for Governmental Affairs for the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology (PAA), was instrumental in the passage of PA Senate Bill 1352 by the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.

Mitchell Scheiman, OD, interim dean of Clinical Research and PCO professor, who developed a pediatrics/binocular vision/vision therapy lecture for the AOA (American Optometric Association) EyeLearn online continuing education program.
________________________
Warren Parker Retiring

Warren Parker, DATLR, is retiring after 20 years of service to PCO/Salus. A farewell reception in his honor will be held on Friday, June 1, at 3:30 pm in the Elkins Park Caf�. Please come to wish Parker the best as he hops on his motorcycle and begins his next adventure.

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DR. FITZGERALD'S MEDICAL MISSION TO PERU 

Dr. John Fitzgerald, medical director and associate director, Physician Assistant program, is going to Peru from June 15 to June 29 with the Global Health Ministry.

   This will be the second trip for Dr. Fitzgerald and his fellow team members, who include doctors, nurses, optometrists, ophthalmalogists, dentists, and other health professionals.

    A box for donations of supplies will be placed in the lobby outside the Caf� beginning May 30 until June 8.

    Many over the counter supplies are needed and can help Peruvians who have little or no access to healthcare. Some of those supplies are listed here, but a full list can be found on the University's website.    

   A sample of over the counter donations needed include:

Allegra, or other anti-histamine-- 30 mg

Benedryl, generic-25 mg

Sudafed, generic

Ibuprofen-200mg

Ear Wax removal drops

Afrin Nasal Spray

Antacids (Tums, Maalox, Generic) tablets

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QUIZ BOWL 2012

by James Deom '14OD

As the reigning national champion of Optometry's biggest student event, the Varilux Esssilor Quiz Bowl, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University had to throw the biggest and most competitive Quiz Bowl to date.  

   The Quiz Bowl, a longstanding and popular student event at the annual Optometry's Meeting of the American Optometric Association, pits one student from each of the participating colleges of optometry around the country against one another. Questions are prepared by panel of judges that consists of deans, faculty and AOA members and the competition is fierce. Students support their contestant by wearing t-shirts they designed and cheering as loud as they can. It is always well-attended and highly anticipated.    

   For this local event to choose the PCO representative for 2013, we had the largest turnout of students and local doctors ever at a PCO Quiz Bowl--- approximately 200 students and 20 doctors from the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA).

   The event was kicked off with an informational session on how to register for this year's Optometry's Meeting-followed by the main event.  

    Host and writer of the questions was our very own Dr. Anne-Marie Lahr. Competing from the Class of 2014 this year were Rahul Gupta, Rachael Lloyd, Charita Smith, Huy Pham, An Huynh, Nicole Maierhoffer, Vitto Mena, and Havish Bhalani.

    The contestants battled it out through three exciting rounds of optometric questions encompassing their clinical and didactic education at PCO. Judging the event was our very own Dean Casser, Dr. Hess (president of the Bucks-Mont Optometric Society), Dr. Nguyen (president of the Philadelphia County Optometric Society), and several other doctors representing both societies and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association.

   The event was hard fought; coming out as victor in the end was Nicole Maierhoffer. Congratulations to Nicole, who will represent PCO at the 2013 National Quiz Bowl presented by Essilor in San Diego. Making an appearance at this year's event was last year's winner and PCO's representative at this year's national Quiz Bowl in Chicago, Jed Ellwood '13.

    The PCO event was continued in the Salus Caf�, where students were treated to Philadelphia cheesesteaks and music. We would like to take this opportunity to also give a big thank you to Drake's Tavern for donating a gift card and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association for the donation of several eye models, Matthew's Bookstore gift cards, and a $500 scholarship to this year's Optometry's Meeting. The lucky winner of this year's scholarship was Rupali Mistry '14. Thank you everyone for coming out and enjoying this tradition at PCO. We will see you in Chicago!

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COTTET LIBRARY NEW WEB-BASED CARD CATALOG

A new web-based card catalog , which contains information about the almost 20,000 items in the Gerard Cottet Library, is available. The system is Koha with ByWaterSolutions.

     "We have updated the technology to join the modern world. This is completely web-based," explained Keith Lammers, library director. "It can be accessed from anywhere which makes it very convenient."

     In time, the Library staff will create a series of public "lists" which could include the links to required and recommended readings, or entire syllabi for each class of a student's semester.

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MEMORIAL DAY 
As we celebrate Memorial Day, thank you to our alumni, faculty, students and staff who have served or are serving
in the Armed Forces.
 
 
As the summer season kicks-off, please remember to:
 Wear sunglasses
 Use sunscreen
 - and avoid overly loud music ! 

Commencement 2012

Commencement 2012 Drs. Lewis Anderson and Jones

Verizon Hall was the site for the 2012 Salus University commencement ceremony for graduates of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), College of Education and Rehabilitation (CER) and Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) on Sunday, May 20.

    Douglas Crombie Anderson, founder and vice president of Global Advocacy, Optos, was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Science degree. Originally trained in industrial design engineering, he founded Optos in 1992 when his five-year-old son suffered a retinal detachment and lost the sight in his eye. His company now produces retinal scanning devices he and his team of engineers developed that have been used on more than 30 million patients around the world. Mr. Anderson was introduced by William L. Jones, OD, long-time friend and colleague, and founder of Jones Eyecare. President Thomas L. Lewis, OD '70, PhD, conferred the degree.

   An awards luncheon was held on May 19 for the 26 honors graduates,  were acknowledged by the audience and their classmates. For a full list of honorees.

   The Class of 2012 was awarded 145 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees; fifteen Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degrees; four Master of Education (MEd) degrees in blindness and visual impairment, and Master of Science (MS) degrees in low vision rehabilitation (four), orientation and mobility (five) and vision rehabilitation teaching (six).

   Thirty three PCO residents in the post graduate residency program, who work in clinical settings across the United States or at The Eye Institute, were awarded post graduate certificates.

   The Center for International Studies (CIS) had 141 graduates this year. Master of Science degrees in Clinical Optometry (MSc) were awarded to students from Norway (14), Poland (80), Singapore (19) and Spain (17), and Bachelor of Science in Optometry (BSc) degrees were awarded to 11 class members from Finland.

    Class president, Jamie Catherine Wohlhagen gave the graduate commencement address to her fellow graduates. There was a moment of silence for the late Rebecca Jayne Shu Teng Lo, a member of the clinical optometry Class of 2012 from Singapore.

   The graduates heard from Dr. Lewis and vice president of Academic Affairs, Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano before being hooded. They then received their diplomas from Dr. Lewis, and were congratulated by the deans of their respective colleges: Dr. Victor Bray (OCA), Dr. Linda Casser (PCO), and Dr. Audrey Smith (CER), and vice president and dean of Student Affairs  Mr. Robert E. Horne.

    This year Dr. Lewis offered a special recognition to Dean Horne, who retires next month after 36 years in Student Affairs, and Ms. Jo Surpin, the University's Board of Trustees chairperson, did the same for Dr. Lewis, who will be stepping down as president.

     This year's invocation and benediction were offered by Charles M. Wormington, OD, MA, PhD, associate professor. The ceremony concluded with a Salus tradition as all participants recited The Oath to Professionalism.

             A commencement slideshow will appear on the University's website sometime next week.

(Pictured above, left to right, are: Dr. Lewis, Mr. Anderson and Dr. Jones)
Reunion 2012
Reunion 2012 Class of 1962

Shown above are members of the Class of 1962 and their spouses. 

It was a glorious day in Elkins Park as alumni gathered on May 5 to tour the campus, visit the newly renovated Eye Institute--featuring a 14,000 square foot addition--and to be reunited with old friends and colleagues.

   Throughout the day participants also had the opportunity to tour the Pennsylvania Ear Institute and check out the offerings at the University Bookstore. Lunch at the Elkins Park Caf� allowed for leisurely time to visit with former classmates.

    A mid-afternoon Alumni Association Annual Meeting featured a spirited discussion with President Thomas L. Lewis '70, deans and program directors. Conversation centered around the evolution of the University, its impact on healthcare professions and what to look forward to at Salus University. Attendees voted on new nominations for the 2012-2013 Alumni Association Board.  

     In the evening, a reunion cocktail reception with Dr. Lewis and other faculty produced many happy moments. Laughter and conversation about shared memories and experiences were the norm in every corner of the space.

   The reception was followed by dinner and the presentation of four awards. Alumni Association president, John Ochsenreither, OD '88, presented the Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year Award to John S. Biernacki, OD '52, for his work on behalf of the optometry profession in Pennsylvania and for his years of teaching more than 40 PCO students during their clinical externships. Dr. Barbara Yanak '85 followed on stage to deliver a message from the president of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. Dr. Yanak interned with Dr. Biernacki when she was a PCO student then worked as his associate for 15 years. Dr. Ochsenreither also announced the awarding of the inaugural Audiology Alumna of the Year Award to Gail I. Gudmundsen, AuD '02. Unable to attend the reunion, Dr. Gudmundsen received her award at the American Academy of Audiology annual meeting from Osborne College of Audiology Dean Victor Bray.

    Two additional awards presented this year honored a combined 76 years of service. Salus President Thomas L. Lewis, OD'70, PhD received the Special Recognition Award from past Alumni association president, Dr. Thomas Landry '87. Retiring vice president and dean of Student Affairs, Robert E. Horne, MS, received the Distinguished Service Award from 2006 Alumnus of the Year, Dr. Derek Artis '89. Dean Horne also received a commendation from Dr. Daniel Desrivieres '87, current president of the National Optometric Foundation.

    After a delicious buffet provided by Culinart, the I Care Raffle winners were announced. More than $650,000 has been raised for theUniversity and its clinical programs through this annual raffle, begun by Dr. Harry Kaplan '49 in 1989. This year's winners are Gregory K. Barnes; Donna W. Dagnon; Monroe N. Farmer, Jr. OD '75; Reid L. Grayson, OD '71; James E. Hill, OD '72; Amanda M. Marchegiani, AuD '10; Kari Mattson, OD '99; Mr. and Mrs. David A. Parker; Charita L. Smith '14OD, and Amanda L. Verprauskus, OD '07.

     The Class of 1952 was named "PCO Proudest" for this year, as members had the highest percentage of donations of all classes.

    The fun continued with dancing to live music provided by Tony Diecidue, OD '87 and his band, Soul Intent.

      For a photo slideshow of the 2012 reunion.  

Salus Victorious in Physician Assistant Olympics

by Daniel P. Scott, PA-C, MPAS, Assistant Professor

PA Olympics 2012 

For the second year in a row, the Salus University Physician Assistant (PA) Olympic Team roared to a tremendous victory in the 2012 Physician Assistant Olympics. At the helm, Class of 2013 team captains Courtney Harris, Sean Yaeger, Emily Augar, and Jessica Hesford, led the mighty Salus warriors to a decisive triumph over Philadelphia University. This was the University's fourth victory in five years.

   According to the event's brainchild, physician assistant and former Salus faculty member Michael Huber, "The PA Olympics highlights the leadership and talents of over 300 PA students and faculty from the five physician assistant schools in Philadelphia's Delaware Valley region." In addition to Salus, the schools are Arcadia University, the Hahnemann PA School at Drexel University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Philadelphia University. The PA Olympics also raises funds for a designated charity. A $3,000 check was presented to the Philadelphia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

     Congratulations to our PA Olympics champion team, all Class of 2012 (but one): Danielle Brown; Jessica Cerveny; Joshua Chavez; Edith Chittenden; Raymond Clifton; Caitlin Clompus; Stephani Cook; Jessel Coomansingh; Sergio Dilone; Brooke Erickson; Britney Fedor; Rachel Foster; Jennifer Fratz; Abby Funk; Larisa Gallo; Christine Gerges; Manjit Gidda; Jorge Guerrero; Carrie Harsomchuck; Christine Hollenbeck; Katie Hooper; Caitlin Kairys; Nellie Kippley; Michael Kozlowski; Keri Kres; Gregory Leder; Emma Madden; Catherine Marschinke; Barbara Matos '13; Michelle Nevil; Lan Nguyen; Rebecca Nuessle; Ashley O'Neill; Melissa Otte; Andrew Paszko; Jessica Powers; Brian Russo; Michelle Sanchez; Joanna Sewall; Danielle Shearer; Alyson Shields; Hanna St. John; Jessica Tucciarone and Julie Walter.

 

Salus Volleyball Champion Crowned

The 12 week Salus intramural volleyball season closed with one victorious team emerging as champion.

    Congratulations to the all-optometry team Practice Safe Sets: Vitto Mena '14 (captain), Tara Bucklew '14; Matthew Cain '14, Nicole Maierhoffer '14,

Elizabeth McLaughlin '14 and Jared Scheff '15.

   Practice Safe Sets played Team Speyeked in the finals. Both teams had a great 12 week season.        

   Congratulations as well to all of the Salus students and faculty who participated. A particular thanks goes to tournament organizer Vitto Mena.