Salus University Alumni Magazine - Spring 2009

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THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF

SPRING 2009

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Inside this issue: 1

From the President

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Ask the Dean: Dr. Linda Casser

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Ask the Dean: Dr. Audrey J. Smith

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Ask Dr. Lewis

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University News

12

AAO Meeting/Student Service Organizations

13

Reunion Preview 2009

14

Class Notes

16

In Memoriam

17

Missing Alumni

Back

Calendar of Coming Events Published by Salus University Thomas L. Lewis, O.D. ’70, Ph.D. President Lynne Corboy Director of Development Heather S. Giampapa Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

BREAKING NEWS: On March 26, just before press time, the University proudly announced that Victor Bray, Jr., Ph.D. had been appointed Dean of the George S. Osborne College of Audiology.

EDITOR Peggy Shelly Coordinator, Publications and Communications

CONTRIBUTORS Mary Ellen Mack, Dr. Lawrence H. McClure, Tracey Robbins

EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE Lynne Corboy, Heather Giampapa, Karen Greave, Jeanne Zearfoss

Dr. Bray, who will begin his tenure in June, brings more than

DESIGN

thirty years of academic, clinical and hearing device experience

PHOTOGRAPHY

to this position, in addition to his many professional accomplishments. The Fall alumni magazine will feature an “Ask the Dean” interview with Dr. Bray.

The Creative Department, Inc. Dr. Tomi Browne, Steven Goldblatt, Kathleen M. Huebner, Peggy Shelly, Robert Wang, O.D. ’10 The Alumni Magazine of Salus University is published bi-annually for alumni, parents and friends. Please send comments, contributions and address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement Salus University 8360 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 Salus University, by choice, declares and reaffirms its policy of complying with federal and state legislation and does not in any way discriminate in education programs, employment or in service to the public on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or physical or mental disabilities. In addition, the University complies with federal regulations issued under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and The Americans with Disabilities Act. Questions concerning any of the above policies should be addressed to the Affirmative Action Officer, Salus University, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, (215) 780-1267.

Office of Alumni Relations (215) 780-1391 alumni@salus.edu www.salus.edu

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welcome FROM THE PRESIDENT

This spring, change is not confined to Mother Nature. Politically, financially and in myriad ways, the country and the world are undergoing great change. Here at the University, where change has been a cornerstone of our PCO legacy, the situation is no different.

In January we welcomed Dr. Linda Casser as the new Dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Dr. Casser was Chief of Primary Care Service at TEI (1980-1984) and an Assistant Professor at PCO (1984–1990), so her return has been a homecoming of sorts. We are delighted that Dr. Casser has returned to PCO and are excited about the contributions she will make to our optometry program.

The worldwide financial downturn over the past months has impacted the University’s portfolio, just as your 401K accounts and portfolios have been affected. The impact, while not minimal, has been offset for this fiscal year by the ability of our faculty and staff to keep costs at a minimum and take on a larger share of responsibilities and I thank them for those efforts.

Thomas L. Lewis, O.D. ’70, Ph.D. President

At The Eye Institute, movement on renovation vs. re-building currently is delayed as we await the outcome of state funding, which will determine how we move forward.

While financial changes are, of course, a driving factor in our future, there remain other changes that indicate the University and its colleges are continuing to produce outstanding professionals who become contributing members of today’s health care teams upon graduation.

This September we look forward to the graduation of our inaugural class of Physician Assistant students. These eighteen young men and women have met the challenge of our rigorous program, winning statewide competitions in their first year of the PA program. We are proud of their accomplishments – and the faculty that has worked so diligently to ensure their students’ success while maintaining the standards of our program.

The impact … has been offset for this fiscal year by the ability of our faculty and staff to keep costs at a minimum and take on a larger share of responsibilities.

While change sometimes can be frustrating, often daunting and frequently unsettling, we would do well to remember that we, all of us, are part of an institution that has experienced great change over its nearly 90 year history. Our founding college, PCO, changed a profession, our low vision graduates continue to raise awareness about a holistic, team approach to rehabilitation and education and our Audiology and Physician Assistant programs continue to garner recognition and break ground.

Change is inevitable; we can lead or we can be swept away in its wake. I remain proud that the University family – our faculty, students, staff, parents and friends – chooses to lead.

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challenges OPTOMETRY

Linda Casser, O.D., F.A.A.O.

Dean, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

On January 5, 2009, Dr. Linda Casser became the new Dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University.

In anticipation of featuring an interview with Dr. Casser in this issue, questions for her were solicited from students, faculty and staff from all programs and class representatives of the Optometry alumni. A good response begat some very good questions. While some of the questions are better answered by Academic Affairs (tenure and faculty development), Admissions/Student Affairs (on-campus work for international students) and administrators (TEI renovations/re-building), there were a good number of interesting questions for Dr. Casser to answer. The interview took place three weeks after Dr. Casser began her tenure as Dean.

Why did you want to come to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry?

I was a TEI resident and I began my academic career here as a PCO faculty member (Editor: see timeline). I had the opportunity to work with wonderful people then in a leading edge program. As I became re-acquainted with PCO and the faculty through the interview process, I knew the College was still comprised of outstanding individuals dedicated to the delivery of an excellent program. Additionally, I felt prepared to be Dean based upon the experiences and opportunities I have had in the 25 years since I left the College.

Additionally, it has been a great pleasure to be able to acknowledge the visionary and dedicated efforts of Tony Di Stefano (Editor: Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano ’73, Interim Dean of Optometry) as he has assumed the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs for Salus University and I appreciate the opportunity afforded to me in this transition.

I hear there are more Optometry schools opening and we need to compete. Do you have any ideas on making the Optometry program more interesting to attract more students to attend?

PCO’s innovative curriculum is a direct result of many individuals’ efforts to integrate the basic and clinical sciences, and I enthusiastically support that type of curriculum. The module configuration of our didactic courses also allows for learning immersion into important content areas. In addition, students continue to be attracted to PCO because of the substantive clinical experience that begins earlier than comparable experiences in other programs.

We now have multiple years of experience with the current curriculum; efforts will be launched in the foreseeable future to strengthen it even further. In addition to refining PCO’s core curriculum, we will also explore continued curricular innovations. Under the leadership of Dr. Tom Lewis, President of Salus University, and Dr. Sue Oleszewski, Vice President for Patient Care Services and Executive Director of The Eye Institute, the on-campus and satellite clinical facilities in which our students work with faculty members to deliver quality patient care services will receive short-term and long-term upgrades.

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I have heard of the new “OptomCAS” application service in the last 12 months that is being implemented in this year’s cycle. Even as an Optometry student, I am aware the new system resembles the AASDAS and AMCAS systems for dental and medical schools. What are your thoughts on the new application service?

New applicants are certain to be enthusiastic about the automated process, as Optometry is the only heath care profession that does not currently have such a process in place. Anything that streamlines the process for students and provides better data for the Office of Admissions is a positive outcome. PCO is fortunate that Dr. Jim Caldwell is a member of the ASCO (Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry) committee responsible for establishing OptomCAS. (Editor: ASCO President John Amos, O.D., appointed Dr. James M. Caldwell ’89, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Director of Admissions, to the committee responsible for developing a centralized application model. PCO is one of five schools/colleges represented on the committee. At press time, OptomCAS was scheduled to go live on July 15.)

Over the past five years, I have received confirmed reports from administrators at major health professional institutions, AAMCAS and AASDAS application services, pre-health care applicants (i.e., dental, medical, pharmacy and optometry applicants). The average GPA and applicant pool has increased significantly. How will you cope with the enormous complexity and competition of present and future applicants to this institution?

Optometry is an excellent profession in terms of a lifelong health care service to the community; however, Optometry in most states is very restricted in terms of scope of practice.

As the Dean of Optometry, what do you envision doing in the school to equip future Optometry students to deal with the present and future obstacles the profession is facing?

PCO, like all optometric institutions, has been very involved in expanding the scope of practice while respecting the traditional strengths of the profession such as binocular vision, ophthalmic materials, contact lenses, and low vision.

Our curriculum will continue to train and educate our students to the highest level as statutorily authorized in the states in which they practice.

In prior roles, I served on the boards of two state associations, including a term as President of the Indiana Optometric Association. Throughout my career I have been involved in the important relationship between state associations and optometric institutions. I strive to serve as the role model for students and faculty on the importance of active involvement in organized optometry, such as the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA) and the American Optometric Association (AOA).

It’s important that our current and future students serve as leaders in the profession in order to allow optometry to maintain its current scope of practice and expand into appropriately identified areas.

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2005–2008: Associate Executive Director of Clinical Examinations, National Board of Examiners in Optometry, Charlotte, NC 1997 – 2005: Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR 1992 – 1997: Director, Indianapolis Eye Care Center, Indiana University School of Optometry, Indianapolis, IN 1989 – 1992: Director, Illinois Street Eye Clinic, Indiana University School of Optometry, Indianapolis, IN 1984 – 1992: Director, Walker Eye Clinic, Indiana University School of Optometry, Indianapolis, IN 1980 – 1984: Chief, Primary Care Service Module IV, The Eye Institute, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia, PA 1980: Chief resident, Residency in Primary Care Optometry, Joseph C. Wilson Health Center, Rochester, NY 1978 – 1980: Staff Optometrist, Low Vision Clinic, Monroe County Association for the Blind, Rochester, NY

As a first year Optometry student, I feel that PCO has shown me its reputation for outstanding emphasis on “clinical optometric care” based on the modular system implemented a few years ago. I feel however, that the school is somewhat behind from a technological point of view compared to other optometric institutions. What do you envision to meet this growing demand?

We are actively reviewing technology-centered equipment in our teaching labs as well as at The Eye Institute with our faculty and Dr. Oleszewski (Dr. Susan Oleszewski ’76, Vice President, Patient Care Services and Executive Director, TEI). We are committed to having the most current technology and equipment for effective patient care delivery and appropriate training and education for our students.

What services will you implement as Dean of Optometry to better the average student both academically and professionally? How will you help students further deal with the demands of such a rigorous education?

I look forward to working with appropriate University constituencies to enhance, as appropriate, services available

for our students. Examples include facilitating the implementation of appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, to greater definition of remediation services for those with academic difficulties in classroom and/or clinical settings. I am committed to supporting the University’s efforts to appropriately expand our services in these important areas.

What sorts of Continuing Education (CE) do you envision?

We are enthused about developing Continuing Education programs for practitioners, and we welcome feedback and suggestions. For the upcoming Alumni Weekend (May 2-3), we are designing an exciting offering that features our talented residents from The Eye Institute and I will have the pleasure of monitoring that CE session. (Editor’s note: see page 13 for details of the reunion and the CE being offered).

We will continue to support efforts to provide innovative, substantive, accessible, and meaningful continuing education courses, collaborating with other groups as appropriate.

What do you see as the most significant changes at PCO since your earlier days here?

I can readily identify three highlights: the establishment of the Elkins Park campus ten years ago has been a wonderful 3

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challenges OPTOMETRY

(continued from page 3)

accomplishment for PCO and now Salus. However – and consistent with my experiences on other campuses – it unavoidably results in challenges when the academic and clinical facilities are geographically separated.

Curriculum 2000 represents an exciting and innovative program that, from my perspective, is unique among all the schools and colleges of optometry. (Editor: in 2000, PCO was the first to introduce an innovative curriculum that placed stronger emphasis on earlier and longer clinical exposure for students.)

Attainment of University status last year acknowledges the stature of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry as the founding college of the University, and provides exciting and welcome opportunities to collaborate on an inter-disciplinary level with the Audiology, Physician Assistant and Education/Rehabilitation programs.

What do you see as the most significant challenges and opportunities for PCO in the future?

The opportunity to be part of a new and growing University brings exciting opportunities and challenges for PCO. We look forward to updates for The Eye Institute, be it a substantive renovation or a new facility. Until that potential project completion, I will continue to support efforts to contemporize the equipment and physical plant.

We will continue to be the pre-eminent optometric institution in collaboration with organizations and institutions internationally to establish the profession of optometry in other countries to benefit the public worldwide.

Last but not least, we are continuing to refine our curriculum and develop innovative programs for students and colleagues.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge regarding support for the individual personal and professional development for faculty in the next five years?

During my early months here, I am meeting informally with individual faculty to better learn about their many contributions to our program and to explore ways to further support their efforts on behalf of our students and patients, including opportunities for scholarship, service, and professional development.

As is the case for all the schools and colleges of optometry, it is important that we work hard to retain faculty members. In addition, it is important that we proactively plan for inevitable transitions, such as retirements, so that we maintain the appropriate number of faculty members with the necessary expertise to effectively deliver our program.

I also fully support faculty development programs – both within the College and the University. For example, we launched a “Faculty Crosstalk” series on February 27 to provide the opportunity for faculty dialogue, debate and idea exchange, as well as facilitate collaboration.

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How will PCO and Salus University deal with the increasing complexity of vision and health care?

I appreciate the stature of the Bennett Center for Business and Practice Management under Director Janice Mignogna. The Bennett Center is an important resource and organizational element to help our students and alumni succeed in practice and I fully support the Center and its efforts.

In addition, our faculty and administrators are continually committed to our curriculum being as contemporary as possible, and the staff and administration at The Eye Institute are committed to the implementation of effective practice management policies and procedures.

Very importantly, our students have the opportunity to be assigned to externship rotations in a variety of practice settings and geographic locales. This provides opportunities for them to experience firsthand not only the delivery of eye and vision care services but also practice management strategies in a variety of practice modalities.

How do you see PCO interfacing with other colleges within Salus University?

Part of the attraction in accepting this position was, and continues to be, to interface proactively with other campus programs. I am committed to facilitating communication between and among campus constituencies. We already have co-operative teaching in place, and we look forward to building on those with greater numbers of inter-disciplinary classes and Grand Rounds experiences. There are also exciting opportunities to collaborate on the delivery of interdisciplinary patient care services, including the involvement of externs from multiple programs at established extra-mural clinical sites. Under the leadership of Dr. Audrey Smith, the College of Education and Rehabilitation has an outstanding record of successful grant-writing and research, and we look forward to potential collaborations.

New opportunities for inter-college collaboration have already been launched. PCO and TEI collaborate with the College of Health Science Physician Assistant program to provide opportunities for PA students to observe patient care services in TEI to gain greater insights into optometry and the eye and vision care services that we provide.

I believe leaders, above all, need to be visionaries. I would like to know your vision for the future of Optometry and the future of Salus University. What are the threats and opportunities facing both in the next five years, ten years and beyond? As a follow up, how do you plan to address those threats and opportunities?

Overall, our shared vision is for PCO to remain as the premier college of optometry, with emphasis on academic excellence, and quality patient care services along with a commitment to service, scholarship, and research. The opportunity for us to continue to do so into our future is sound, based upon the excellent faculty, staff, and

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opportunities QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

administration at the College and University, along with the high quality of students we attract.

Salus University will be launching its strategic planning process for 2010-2020 in the foreseeable future. As part of that process, it will be important to continue to identify and address important trends, challenges, and opportunities. For example, the current economic climate indicates that we should continue to monitor opportunities for students to successfully fund their education.

Our program needs to remain a value-added offering in order to attract the best applicants. We need to continue to be proactive in identifying ways that students learn best and to adopt curricular changes as deemed appropriate. Similarly, it will be essential that we appropriately support faculty members, both current and future; continue to provide facilities and resources to effectively deliver our curriculum; and keep pace with evolving technologies.

Like all institutions involved in professional education, we will continue to think creatively with regard to future directions. Strategic collaborations with optometric and nonoptometric institutions will be important. We have been fortunate to have generous support from leaders within ophthalmic industry. While we anticipate that this will

continue, it is an opportune time to also explore support from other avenues.

The Board of Trustees of Salus University has established a process by which each College will appoint an Advisory Board. The Advisory Board for PCO will be launched in Spring 2009 and will be comprised of leaders and innovators from within optometry and outside of the profession. This body will have an important, active, and integral role in identifying appropriate future directions for the College and helping us to successfully move in those directions.

In the spirit of the activities of the Bennett Center, it is my hope that PCO will not only remain a leader among the academic community but will help to support and develop future collaborative successes among the schools and colleges of optometry. Establishment of Centers of Excellence in the areas of optometric leadership as well as teaching and learning would be very consistent with what PCO has accomplished for decades and will continue to accomplish in the time ahead thanks to the leadership, involvement, and support of so many.

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opportunities EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION

Audrey J. Smith, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Education and Rehabilitation

In preparation for this interview, all University students, faculty and staff, along with alumni from the Education and Rehabilitation programs, were solicited for questions. We have included all questions that applied to Dr. Smith’s areas of responsibility: the Feinbloom Low Vision Center; Community Education and Rehabilitation Services Programs, the National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairment (NCLVI), and the College’s degree and certificate programs – Low Vision Rehabilitation; Orientation and Mobility; Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, and Professional Preparation Programs for Teachers of Children with Visual and Multiple Disabilities.

Rehabilitation. Sometimes our international programs are supported via private donors and international funding agencies. We also have private donors in this country.

When you began the first class in Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired in 1983 with a small group of students who lived on campus and completed the program in one year, could you ever have imagined that you would now be the dean of a multidisciplined, multi-modal, multi-year Graduate Studies Program?

In the early days, we started reaching out to states that didn’t have Low Vision certificate and Orientation and Mobility certificate programs. Our faculty went to those states to teach on weekends and to conduct summer programs. Now all of our courses are offered online, so the amount of travel has decreased. Our student population is nationwide and our hybrid program offers didactic courses online with a summer residency program and local internships. We have made it easier for those who could not get certificates any other way.

Absolutely not! It was not in my game plan. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry was and continues to be the premier program and founding college of Salus University. Many PCO alumni tend to believe that Audiology was the first program to make PCO a multi-purposed institution, but that is not true.

While vision related, the Graduate Studies programs at PCO – now the College of Education and Rehabilitation – came into being in the early 1980s, two decades prior to the establishment of our Audiology and Physician Assistant programs and Salus University.

Being raised to the level of Dean is quite an achievement for anyone, most particularly a female. Because I too am a female, this poses the question: “How does it feel to be the first female Dean in the 90 year history of this institution?”

It doesn’t feel any different. I’m still the same person doing the same job, though I am involved in increasingly more development meetings. I’m very honored to be in this position and have this opportunity. It makes me feel old to know that now I am not only a pioneer and historical figure in low vision, but I am a pioneer at PCO (laughs). I promise it won’t impinge on my sense of humor! (Now serious) I am thrilled at the confidence placed in me by my colleagues. The title of dean opens more doors at other institutions to expand our programs.

Graduate Studies has always seemed to do its own thing and there is a certain mystery about its programs, students and even faculty.

(Editor: what follows is treated as four separate questions) Is it true that your students don’t pay tuition, that they have government subsidies that finance their education?

The majority of our students are partially supported through federal and state tuition grants. In return for these grants, payback is required in some form of teaching in education and rehabilitation settings and those students pay at least 40% to 60% of their tuitions. All students pay some part of their tuition; some students pay 100%.

Does the government fund your programs?

We are supported through the U.S. Department of Education and individual states’ Departments of Education and 6

How do you recruit for your programs?

We have tremendous word of mouth. Our graduates are our best recruiters. In addition, we utilize conferences, listservs, our website and we visit colleges and universities to talk about our programs. Our reputation helps too. Family members also recruit; we use any and all tools in the box!

Your faculty members teach here and online; however, don’t they also teach your programs at other locations? Where are those locations?

Structurally changed from the PCO Graduate Studies Department for Visual Impairment PCO to the new College of Education and Rehabilitation, can you share with us if there are any reforms in your programs coming? Is there anything else you can share with us?

There are some new changes we hope to make. We are working with the Veterans Administration about working in blindness and low vision - doing a certificate program for their employees who are seeing an increase in caseloads, due to aging veterans and Iraqi vets due to head injuries.

We are adding a course in low vision technology to cover the new technologies and are exploring the development of programs (each 12 to 15 credits) on head injury and vision rehabilitation, and potentially developing an occupational therapy low vision post-service vision certificate program.

According to the website of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (www.icevi.org/about.htm), we know that 80% of the population of persons with visual impairment live in developing countries, and less than 10% of them receive some form of education. Do you have any plans to further internationalize the program to bring knowledge, skills and new techniques to meet the demands of those who come from the developing countries, where they are not fond of online courses?

Yes, we do. Currently, we are in the beginning stages of developing a pan-Pacific program, working with multicountry training programs where we would be bringing the low vision program and are considering others (programs).

In an effort to decrease the gap of minority vision rehabilitation service providers, is there a plan to recruit and increase the number of minority students entering into the College of Education and Rehabilitation?

We have just submitted a grant to Rehabilitation Services Administration (Editor: part of the US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services) and the theme of the grant is diversity. Our plan is to increase minority populations

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Evolution of a College 1973: Audrey Smith, teaching at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, reads an article by Drs. Springer and José about a multidisciplinary approach to low vision.

1975: Audrey Smith makes a short film about stimulation of vision in children thought to be blind.

1976: Dr. Randall José (pronounced Joe-zay), working at the West Philadelphia Center for the Blind Clinic, sees Audrey Smith’s film and recruits her to come to PCO and work at the clinic.

Between 1976 and 1978 there was tremendous interest in low vision amongst ophthalmologists and optometrists, but little to no organized training for education and rehabilitation professionals existed.

1977-78: Dr. José and Ms. Smith begin a one day workshop that eventually evolves into a six week course for low vision professionals.

1978: Ms. Smith works with Dr. José and Dr. William Feinbloom as an Orientation and Mobility specialist.

Early 1980s: In their five-year plan, PCO decides to become more than a single purpose institution. Ms. Smith and Dr. José have six to nine months to apply for grant money to begin a Low Vision program at the College. They receive $860,000, the largest grant ever awarded to low vision, from what is now the Pew Charitable Trusts in Philadelphia,

with specific recruitment plans and also to increase the minority populations served by our fieldwork and internships, particularly in the areas of O&M and Rehabilitation Teaching.

Additionally, our master’s projects will involve community outreach. Our Lions Club District’s (14R) focus is “new diversity – working with new populations,” and we are in beginning discussion stages with Latino Regresso about recruiting Latino students for our programs and holding screenings in Latino neighborhoods. We see this as a way to expand screenings as well as minority recruitments.

What has been your most rewarding experience working in the field of Visual Impairment/Blindness?

A very difficult question…teaching I think. Whether it’s patients, clients or students, not only the direct impact teaching has, but also the indirect impact – that ripple effect – of something you do for someone that continues. I have been blessed by much: tremendous administration support…

At an extended weekend workshop at PCO, many low vision professionals (including Dwayne Gearshaw, Gail Watson, Betsey O’Donnell, Anna Bradfield and Anne Barbe), use their notes and published articles (few textbooks existed) to develop a competency based program.

1983: The PCO Graduate Studies in Low Vision department becomes a reality.

1990: Audrey Smith earns a Ph.D. in Health Professionals Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

2008: On July 1, PCO establishes Salus University and the College of Education and Rehabilitation is born. Dr. Audrey J. Smith is appointed its first dean.

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phenomenal colleagues here at PCO…the positive impact of seeing one’s efforts spread out. I have been graced to see that and to see people’s dreams come true through teaching. I value tremendously the opportunity to be a change agent… being able to witness the effects of one’s efforts is a real treat …and finally, how much fun I have had in this field.

What has been your most rewarding experience in preparing vision professionals to work in the field?

Knowing you are a part of establishing a knowledge base from which they (students) impact the lives of others and that you had a hand in establishing a skills set that enhances and impacts their lives. In particular, working with students who have struggled in a program and helping them to succeed…and feeling very, very proud when former students are presenting. I have been blessed with bright, enthusiastic, filled with humor students.

How many students have graduated from the Low Vision program since 1984?

I’m not certain of the exact number of certificates, but we are approaching 500. For master’s degrees it’s less than 400.

(Editor: The number of master’s degrees awarded from 1984 to 2008 is 321.)

How do you see the need/availability for grants changing with our new presidential administration? Do you see more dollars available in the short run in the area of low vision and rehabilitation with this change?

How do you attribute your success receiving these grants in the past?

I think we’ll see larger money streams in education and rehabilitation and larger streams on the state level, with more money in community projects that lend themselves to vision rehabilitation.

I don’t see that (more available dollars) directly in the short run. I think it is a matter of coming at low vision from a different means. We still receive the same amounts we have been receiving over the last three decades. Federal support for student tuition has lessened over the years…I believe the University needs to develop more partnerships with private corporations and foundations to support student training and education. Coalitions of universities and training programs will be important future moves. We need to work at the high school and early college level to plant the seeds for this profession.

For the last part – (laughs) perseverance! A blend of perseverance, teamwork and trying to stay ahead of the curve…taking the time to read RFPs and learning what truly motivates the funders…if you have an idea no one is funding, you need to have strong powers of persuasion mixed with sales acumen…prayers are also a plus.

In these hard economic times, how would you be able to find the funds to move this university forward and manage to keep the quality of service our university is known for?

We should not involve ourselves in anything that diminishes the quality of our programs. We need to rethink our extramural funding for programs. We need to partner with other universities and colleges and look to corporations and foundations for additional funding. I use the Little League analogy. If they can’t fund the whole team for uniforms, what about the bats and balls?

It’s a grassroots effort. For example, a large corporation may not want to contribute a large amount of money, but they might fund one student through an entire program.

More grass roots efforts are needed…working more with service clubs and not thinking only of huge grants. We need multiplicity of effort with a multiplicity of resources. Staying ahead of the curve is important. We can study and find corporations and foundations whose mission and goals cross over to the things we do. We also need more face-to-face time with our donors.

At no other college or university is there a College of Education and Rehabilitation…we are a unique divergence from the template, as low vision education and rehabilitation courses are usually found in the Education and/or Rehabilitation Department. We are a grass roots program begun in a clinic. We…are probably the only low vision programs in the country housed in a professional school. It’s a testimony to the Salus administration that we have realized the dream of a quarter century ago and are thriving in an inter- and multi-disciplinary environment.

Do you believe Medicare and private insurance will pay for low vision assessments in the near future?

In the near future, no – but it is a fervent hope for the future!

Our own field has to pull itself together and campaign without divisiveness before it becomes a reality. We need to agree on a standard fee for rehabilitation professionals and need to be a more unified voice, pushing for these services and demonstrating our cost effectiveness to the government, in terms of increased independence and vocational success, as well as enhanced quality of living…we need to combine forces with the evergrowing consumer population and work as a consolidated voice amongst professions and with consumers…without that unified voice…we lack the united front necessary to gain the kind of support that will make these services a reality. We need to look beyond interdisciplinary squabbles and re-focus on the intended recipients of our services. If we can do this, we may hold the key to unlock the systematic government support.

To contact Dr. Smith: asmith@salus.edu

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leadership

Dr. Lewis answers the tough questions

Dr. Lewis, how do you see the recent events in the economy impacting Salus University?

Salus, like all colleges and universities, isn’t immune from the impact of the global economic recession. Most people have experienced a significant reduction in the value of their investment and retirement accounts. Colleges and universities have also experienced steep reductions in their endowments and the income they receive from them. For example: in 2008 the University set aside ten million dollars in Board Restricted Endowments for the purpose of assisting the Optometry program. Prior to the current economic recession, these funds would have generated approximately $400,000 in additional income for the Optometry program.

Obviously, the significant reduction in investment equities we have experienced has reduced that ten million dollar endowment, as well as the income it generates, thus the College of Optometry can’t plan on having an additional $400,000 in income, and that hurts.

How do you plan to address this shortfall in income?

Ultimately, the University’s major source of income is in the form of tuition dollars, but we strongly feel that the students shouldn’t be expected to bear the brunt of this economic recession. This is a burden that that we all have to shoulder, thus I recently announced that the University was instituting a temporary freeze on all hiring and wage/salary. We will also be taking a strategic look at all aspects of the University’s budget to determine ways in which we can deliver our educational and clinical programs in more efficient and effective ways. Hopefully, this review may yield some additional savings, but I must hasten to observe that University operations are already tight and lean. Accordingly, while I’m hopeful that we can achieve some operational savings, I don’t believe that the best way out of the current dilemma is through cost cutting, especially in well-run organizations. Rather, we are planning for a modest increase in tuition, as well as planned growth in enrollment in the Physician Assistant and Doctor of Audiology programs, combined with a stabilization of salaries and the cost of operations where possible.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

When you say, a modest increase in tuition, what does that mean?

One of the fundamental premises I have held to while serving as President of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Salus University is that we should do everything in our power to keep graduate and professional education affordable. That has translated into very modest increases in the annual cost of tuition and fees. Over the past decade, we have limited increases in tuition for all academic programs to approximately 3.5 % per year. This stands in stark contrast with the 5.6% and 7.5% average annual increases in tuition and fees experienced at private and public undergraduate colleges and universities over the ten-year period 1998 through 2008!* By those standards alone, I think we have been good and faithful stewards for our students and alumni.

Many people feel that education, while expensive, still represents a good investment for the average individual. Do you have any sense of the “return on investment” of a graduate or professional degree from Salus University?

Yes, I do. I am, by nature, very “bullish” on education, especially professional education. Consider this: according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Surveys, the average income for individuals with a high school education was $31,071 in 2007. The average income for individuals with a bachelor’s degree increased by almost 84% to $56,788!

People with either a master’s or doctoral degree earned on average, $70,358 and $103,944 respectively, and if you had a professional degree your income in 2007 would have averaged $116,514!

I think that these statistics clearly reveal that education remains one of the best investments an individual can make in their lifetime. When you consider that the average optometry student entering Salus University has an earning power of approximately $56,800 per year and leaves (according to the American Optometric Association’s 2008 Caring for the Eyes of America) with an average earning power in excess of $131,000 per year, it’s pretty simple to see what the power of education, especially graduate and professional education, can do for a person. So, I truly believe that a graduate from Salus University receives an excellent return on their investment. * College Board’s 2008 Trends in College Pricing 9

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University News Dr. Alexander Dizhoor, Hafter Professor of Pharmacology, was one of four collaborating scientists who received a special $250,000 Pennsylvania Keystone Innovation Grant (KIG) in the fall. Dr. Dizhoor and his colleagues, working on “Commercial Use of Human Antibodies in Cancer Therapy,” will use the grant money to fund collaboration between scientists at the University, the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Temple University and the Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Mr. Patrick J. Sweeney, Vice President of Finance and Business Administration, will retire from the University in June. In his letter to University faculty and staff, Dr. Thomas L. Lewis, President, cited Mr. Sweeney’s hard work and expertise for most of the significant advances made by PCO and now Salus during his almost 20 years of service. During his transition, Mr. Sweeney is assisting the Office of the President, with a focus on The Eye Institute. Mr. Donald Kates, Assistant Vice President, Finance and Business Administration, has assumed the responsibilities for the financial management of the University.

Ms. Donna Tomlinson has joined the University as Academic Program Coordinator for Faculty Affairs and Post-Graduate Education and will report to Dr. Lorraine Lombardi, Associate Dean.

Ms. Mary Ellen Mack is the new Administrative Coordinator for Dr. Linda Casser, Dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

PCO WORLD (Pennsylvania College of Optometry)

Dr. Mitchell Scheiman, Professor and Chief of Pediatric Services at TEI was in the national spotlight when the National Eye Institute published the results of a 12-week study on the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT) he led in the October 13 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology. Dr. Scheiman was Chair and lead investigator of the study, which encompassed nine study centers, five colleges of optometry, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the Mayo Clinic, along with 75 participating optometrists and ophthalmologists and 221 children from 9 to 17 years of age.

Dr. Peter Kehoe, President of the American Optometric Association visited PCO and TEI in February. Dr. Kehoe met with Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano and Dr. Linda Casser, toured

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the academic facilities and had a working lunch with faculty members in Elkins Park before touring The Eye Institute in the afternoon. Dr. Kehoe and Ms. Laurie Bergman, AOA Student and Faculty Administrator, then returned to PCO for dinner with 130 optometry students in the University Café.

The international optometric programs at PCO will be changing once again this year, according to Associate Dean and Director Dr. Abraham Gonen. Discussions are in progress to add Italy and the Czech Republic as participating countries, beginning in mid-2010. Additional dual B.Sc./M.Sc. international programs will begin this spring, with the addition of a fourth program in Singapore, a third in Berlin, Germany and a third in Krems, Austria. A first exclusively Swiss dual degree program is anticipated this year.

Dr. Felix M. Barker II, Dean of Research, received the Multiple 14 Pennsylvania Counselors Distinguished Service Award from the District Governor of the Lions Club 14-R District in February. The award is the highest honor awarded by the Lions Club of Pennsylvania and Dr. Barker received it for his longtime service with the Lions.

Dr. Srihari Narayanan, Assistant Professor, spent three weeks at the molecular biology lab at the Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada-IOBA in Valladolid, Spain in the fall, where his research focused on molecular markers of dry eye disease.

Dr. Anne-Marie Mader, Assistant Professor, was married to John W. Lahr, O.D., Divisional Vice President and Executive Director of Eyemed Vision Care, Mason, OH in November.

Dr. Mader is now known as Dr. Anne-Marie Lahr and continues to teach at the College.

INSIGHTS (College of Education and Rehabilitation)

Ayala Ballonoff, M.Ed. ’05, has joined the University as Coordinator of the Professional Preparation Program For Teachers of Children with Visual and Multiple Disabilities.

Dr. Kathleen Huebner, Associate Dean and Co-Director, National Center for Leadership in Vision Impairment (NCLVI), was awarded the Ambrose Shotwell Award at the International AER Conference in September for her contributions to the development of professionals and organizations for blind or visually impaired people around

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

the world. Dr. Huebner is the only person ever to receive the two highest AER awards, the Shotwell Award and the Mary K. Bauman Award.

Dr. Missy Garber, Assistant Professor and Director, Professional Preparation Programs for Teachers of Children with Visual and Multiple Disabilities, presented a poster at the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Programs entitled, “Increasing Leaders in the Field of Blindness and Visual Impairment.”

Amy T. Parker, Eric S. Grimmett and Sharon Summers, Fellows of the National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairment (NCLVI), had articles published in the September issue of the Journal of the Visually Impaired and Blind (JVIB).

Young students at the St. Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairment in Philadelphia, under the direction of Adjunct Instructor, Sister M. Margaret Fleming, IHM, exhibited their artwork in a special show at the Middletown NJ Arts Center in September. The art show, under the direction of the Center’s curator, Sue Ferraro M.S. ’03, featured a collection of works created by and for blind children and adults that included paintings, sculptures, prints and mixed media works with an emphasis on tactual accessibility.

on a humanitarian trip to Nairobi, Kenya in late February.

The students performed hearing screenings, working with the inhabitants of Heart of the Village, an organization with which Dr. Browne has been associated for a number of years.

(See PCO World, Spring 2007) THE PULSE (College of Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Program)

Dr. George Bottomley, founding Director of the Physician Assistant program, will leave the University in the spring to assume a new post as Director of the Physician Assistant program at the University of New England in Portland, Maine. Dr. Bottomley, a native New Englander, will continue his association with Salus University as a visiting professor.

Susan Dubendorfer, PA-C and Joseph Spanier, PA-C, joined the Physician Assistant faculty as Assistant Professors in the fall.

The Class of 2009 took top honors at the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants (PSPA) annual meeting in Valley Forge in the fall. In their first time in the competition, the students competed against teams of students from 12

THE OSBORNE AURICLE (George S. Osborne College of Audiology)

Yell Inverso, Au.D., Assistant Professor, has earned a Ph.D. in Audiology from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. Dr. Radhika Aravamudhan, Assistant Professor, was nominated for travel fellowships to the 7th Annual Conference on Research in Communication Sciences 2009 “Lessons for Success” Research Conference and also was selected to submit an application for the grant review process. The conference provides intensive training to a select group of emerging scientists in the areas of grant preparation and funding, development and management of competitive research programs, and advancement of professional competencies.

Dr. Tricia Dabrowski, Assistant Professor and Director of the Pennsylvania Ear Institute, accompanied three Audiology students to the Starkey Student Focus Group Conference in Minnesota in September, where the students met Dr. James Jerger, an Audiology pioneer considered to be a founding father of the profession.

In September, Dr. Jim Robertson, Adjunct Instructor, took the Class of 2010 on a field trip to the Tastykake factory in Philadelphia to measure noise levels in the factory.

Four Audiology students accompanied Dr. Tomi Browne, Adjunct Instructor, and Dr. Yell Inverso, Assistant Professor,

Physician Assistant programs around the state in the PSPA Annual Challenge Bowl, a spirited competition that tests the students’ medical knowledge. While only a three-student team competed, the entire class organized many research and practice sessions to ensure the Salus team was fully prepared.

A letter to the editor by Assistant Professor Joseph Spanier entitled “Persistent Secondary Post-Partum Hemorrhage Following Uterine Artery Embolization,” was published in the January issue of Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR). Mr. Spanier’s experience prior to coming to the University was as a team leader and interventional radiology Physician Assistant at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Jane Arenas, PA-C, Assistant Professor, presented at the Physician Assistant Educators Association October meeting in Savannah, GA.

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Annual Academy Meeting 2008 The annual American Academy of Optometry (AAO) meeting was held in Anaheim California in October and PCO was well represented.

Associate Professor Charles Wormington, O.D., FAAO, was honored with the Michael G. Harris Award for Excellence in Optometric Education. An article in the Optometry and Vision Science Journal (vol. 85, No. 8, p.617) cited Dr. Wormington as “the ultimate role model for students and colleagues,” and praised him for “continuously learning, exploring, mentoring, guiding and supporting the learning process, upholding the highest standards of excellence,” concluding that “…because of his national leadership role, the profession of optometry has been enriched by his insight and dedication.”

Dr. Wormington has been a member of the faculty at PCO since 1984 and his innovative teaching methods, such as his popular “Wormington Cards,” have enlightened countless optometry students. In a letter to the AOA, President Thomas L. Lewis noted that “Dr. Wormington expects a great deal from his students, but never more than what he expects from himself. Dr. Wormington is universally respected and admired by the many students, faculty members and staff who have had the good fortune to call him teacher, mentor, colleague and friend.”

OUT AND ABOUT

Congratulations to the PCO alumni admitted as Fellows of the Academy this year: Dr. Maria A. Bosco ’03 Rebecca Yong Kee Chew, M.Sc. Dr. Nacondus G. Gamble ’06 Dr. Lauren Maloney ’06 Dr. Tam Nguyen ’02 Dr. Stacy Marie Schorner ’07

Dr. Peter E. Carra ’07 Dr. Ricardo Fukuzato ’05 Dr. Adreain Maurice Henry ’04 Dr. Stacy Martinson ’07 Dr. Ryan K. Patel ’07 Dr. Robert Patrick Senko ’04

Posters were presented at the meeting by the following PCO authors: Faculty: Sarah Appel; Edward Deglin; Andrew Gurwood; Kelly Malloy; Derek Mladenovich; Srihari Narayanan and Carlo Pelino.

Alumni: Rebecca Yong Kee Chew ’08 M.Sc.; Joseph Hartman

’07; Ali Khoshnevis ’08; Irene Langeggen ’02 M.Sc.; Matthew Mastrine ’08; Marc Myers ’99; Steven Shaw ’08; Tehseena Ullah ’08; Brenda Wedig ’08 and Bridgette Casey Yeoh ’04 M.Sc. Students: Daniel Baruffi ’10, Maria Pribis ’09 and Robert Wang ’10.

PCO faculty lecturers at the conference included Dr. Gregory Caldwell, Dr. Louis Catania, Dr. Andrew Gurwood, Dr. Kelly Malloy and Dr. Charles Wormington.

Student Service Organizations The University has always been proud of the high level of commitment to serving others that is shown by our students.

In the past six months, two groups of student have traveled outside of the country and have brought services to populations that would otherwise not have had them.

Both trips delivered much needed services and the experience the students gained in going to these locations was life-altering, living up to the University’s mission to “provide patient care…that advances the welfare of the public worldwide.”

www.salus.edu/students/sosh.htm

In September, 2008, 24 members of Students in Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH) incuding two PCO faculty members spent 10 days in Cap Haitian, Haiti. They manned two separate clinic sites, and with an ophthalmologist and surgical nurse from SEE International, provided eye exams to more than 2300 individuals. With the help of the PCO Lions Club, the students also purchased a screening tonometer for use during future missions.

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www.salus.edu/news/audStudentNews.html

In February, four Audiology students accompanied two faculty members to Nairobi, Kenya, where they set up a permanent audiology clinic in the Nyumbani Children’s Village, which is home to 105 HIV+ children. Examinations of 319 patients revealed many pathologies for which treatment and rehabilitation plans were decided.

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ALUMNI REUNION PREVIEW 2009

Save the Date: May 2-3, 2009 S AT U R D AY, M AY 2

S U N D AY, M AY 3

9 am to 2 pm

9 am to 11 am

Tours of the campus, including the Hafter Student Community Center

Farewell breakfast in the University Café for anyone who wants just “one more visit” with friends and colleagues before the trip home.

11:30 am

Alumni meeting with Dr. Thomas Lewis ’70, who will discuss what is happening at the University.

12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Buffet lunch in the cafeteria.

7:00 pm

The celebration begins in the Bennett Lounge with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, then the awards presentation, a gourmet buffet, wine tasting, live music, dancing, the “I Care” raffle drawing and casino style games.

This year, the live music has a personal touch, as Dr. Monty Vickers ’79 and his Lost Cause band will be entertaining reunion guests all night long.* Dr. Vickers may be familiar to many as the author of the “Chairside” column in the Review of Optometry.

Another “79’er,” Paul Lobby, O.D., will provide wines for a wine tasting, as will Bob Owens, O.D.,’80.

2009 ALBERT FITCH ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

Michele R. Haranin, O.D. ’89

u/news/audStudentNews.html

For all classes ending in a 4 or a 9, this is your year to celebrate!

Dr. Haranin serves as the Chair of the American Optometric Association Federal Relations Committee, sits on the Medical Home Project Team and is a former member of the State Legislation Committee. She is a past president and secretary of the Delaware State Board of Examiners in Optometry and a past president and current member of the Delaware Optometric Association. Dr. Haranin, in private practice since 1989, incorporated Vision Quest Eye Care Center in Dover, Delaware in 2000.

2009 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

Carl A. Polsky, Esq.

Carl Polsky has been a member of the PCO Board of Trustees, now the Salus University Board, since 1987 and served as its Chair from 1999 to 2006. He was an important member of the Finance Committee for many years and provided important counsel on our move to Elkins Park.

Mr. Polsky played a pivotal role in the development of the Hafter Student Community Center and in the success of the Expanding the Vision campaign to fund its construction.

C O N T I N U I N G E D U C AT I O N

9:30 am to 12:30 pm

“Focus on Patient Care: The Eye Institute Residents’ Grand Rounds.” A three hour, COPE-approved CE program with our new Dean of Optometry, Linda Casser, O.D., and our residents features Grand Rounds, as the residents discuss unique/curious/extraordinary cases they have encountered at TEI, including binocular vision conditions, ocular disease, and associated systemic conditions. Dr. Casser will lead the discussion between the residents and alumni.

REUNION TOAST CHALLENGE

This year, each Reunion Class has the chance to participate in the Reunion Toast Challenge. Each class achieving a 40% giving participation or a $5,000 total giving amount will partake in a special champagne toast at the start of the Saturday dinner. Show your support of the Annual Fund today and help your class receive a special celebration May 2!

Contact Heather S. Giampapa 215. 780.1391 or hgiampapa@salus.edu, or donate online at http://www.salus.edu/alumni/donateOnline.html.

R E U N I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

Detailed information - including hotel info - is available online: www.salus.edu/alumni/reunion.html

There are always challenges to getting away but we hope to see you at the reunion, whether it’s for the morning or the evening or both. A day or an evening to visit with old friends and share what’s been happening in your life is worth the effort for your classmates who will be thrilled to see you.

We hope you can come!

*For those unable to attend the reunion, enjoy Dr. Vickers’ music from his new CD “Cellular,” available for download at www.digstation.com.

A copy of the CD also can be ordered at mvick236@aol.com. The cost (including shipping) is $15 and a donation will be made to the Lance Armstrong Foundation for every copy sold.

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Class Notes

1940s

1960s

Lillian E. (Freedman) Friedman, O.D. ’46 and Elmer Friedman, O.D. ’46 celebrated sixty years of marriage on October 31, 2008. The Doctors Friedman were junior-high classmates who reconnected during their years at PCO.

Algernon A. Phillips, O.D. ’69 visited the Elkins Park campus in December and met with the students of SOSH (Students in Optometric Service to Humanity), the organization he founded at PCO while a second-year student. Current SOSH members showed Dr. Phillips videos of their September mission to Haiti. The first SOSH mission was to Haiti in 1969, when Dr. Harry Kaplan ’49, accompanied the students as a faculty member.

Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Phillips posed for photos with the students and Dr. Phillips shared his experiences over the years in volunteering around the world.

Lester B. Kahn, O.D. ’46 had an article published in the April 2008 issue of HINDSIGHT: Journal of Optometry History. The article, titled “A Little Personal Optometric History,” tells about how Dr. Kahn successfully received permission to take the New York State Boards after graduating from PCO (at the time, the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry.) The New York State Board Regents did not recognize the College at that time; however, shortly thereafter, PCO was recognized in all states.

Anthony B. Litwak, O.D. ’85 and Greg W. McGrew, O.D. ’85 competed in the Dewey Beach Sprint Triathlon in Dewey Beach, Delaware on September 13, 2008. Dr. Litwak posted the fourth fastest swim time out of nearly 900 participants and finished third in the Master’s Clydesdale category. Dr. McGrew finished in the top third of all competitors, completing the race for the sixth consecutive year. The race features an ocean swim, a bike ride on Rte. 1 along the Delaware coast, and a run through the town of Dewey Beach.

1950s

Louis J. Gorz, O.D., FAAO ’53 was inducted into the inaugural group of the Eagle River (Wisconsin) High School Alumni Hall of Fame. Dr. Gorz was awarded the Silver Medal of Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society upon graduation from PCO, and later was elected B.S.K. President, was Chancellor for four years and received Life Membership. He served in the U.S. Army Hospital Eye Clinics and later started a solo practice in Rhinelander, WI. He was elected President of the Wisconsin Optometric Association, was honored as O.D. of the Year in 1974 and was awarded Life Membership in both the Wisconsin Association and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Gorz is enjoying retirement in Rhinelander, WI with his wife Ann and their children and grandchildren.

Jesse E. Vics, O.D. ’59 is enjoying what his many years of hard work have provided during his retirement. He enjoys golfing and skiing, and he and his wife, Renie, volunteer a good deal of time to many local organizations, including the Georgia Holocaust Commission, the Kiwanis Club, a local veteran’s organization, and their local middle school, where they tutor in math and reading.

Peter W. Ross, O.D. ’69 was selected as the Santa Clara Optometric Society’s 2008 O.D. of the Year. Dr. Ross founded the Family Eye Care Clinic in Campbell, CA and has been active in organized optometry his entire career. He helped start COLA (California Optometric Laser Associates), which has allowed optometrists to proactively co-manage LASIK in its infancy and be fairly reimbursed for doing so. The Family Eye Care Clinic serves as a preceptor site for PCO students; Dr. Ross is currently training his 27th student. He volunteers for various vision service organizations and provides vision exams and glasses for the homeless of San Francisco through City Team. Dr. Ross is very active in his church and community, and, along with his wife, Carol, has 5 children and four grandchildren.

1980s

Patricia M. Cisarik, O.D., Ph.D. ’87 has accepted a position as Associate Professor of Optometry at the Southern College of Optometry.

Robert D. Strohecker, O.D. ’89 was commencement speaker at Mansfield University’s graduation ceremony in December, 2008.

Dr. Strohecker is the only graduate in Mansfield’s history to receive his bachelor’s degree after his doctorate, having entered PCO after completing three years of undergraduate studies, and later returning to graduate with magna cum laude honors in 1991. Dr. Strohecker, Vice President of the Mansfield University Council of Trustees, told the graduates “this milestone is just the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.”

Michael H. Mittelman, O.D., M.P.H. ’80 has been nominated for the rank of full Rear Admiral. The first optometrist to be promoted to Flag rank and the first OD to serve as Director of the Navy Medical Service Corps, he currently serves as the medical officer for U.S. Joint Forces Command. Dr. Mittelman was the PCO 2007 Alumnus of the Year.

Marla L. Moon, O.D., FAAO ’82 was honored as a recipient of a PCO Resolution of Commendation, awarded by the University’s Trustees for service on the Board of Trustees. Dr. Moon served on the PCO Board for six years.

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Connie Chronister, O.D. ’86, was honored with the Elizabethtown College Alumni Biology Award in October. Dr. Chronister also met with Elizabethtown students to discuss optometry as a career choice while at the College.

Michael A. Todd, O.D. ’89 reports that he has been practicing in South Jersey for twenty years, and owns two private practice offices: The Optical Room in Absecon and Rio Grande, NJ. He is also the proud father of three teenage daughters.

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CLASS NOTES 1990s

Michael P. Lange, O.D. ’92 founder of Lange Eye Care and Associates and The Lange Eye Institute has just passed boards achieving the designation of Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.), from the American College of Nutrition.

Dr. Lange is one of only three people in the Optometric profession to become a certified nutritional specialist. He believes this brings “more credibility to what we have been offering our patients for many years in nutritional eye care and preventative medicine.” Dr. Lange is Chairman of the Board of Fortifeye Vitamins, where he uses his knowledge in nutrition to develop science based nutraceuticles for the eyecare industry. He has hosted a talk show on nutrition and eye care called Ask the Doctor, on eight radio stations from Tampa Bay to south Georgia since 1993 and travels extensively, promoting science based nutrition to eyecare providers all over the world.

David D. Reed, O.D., FAAO ’93 had an exciting 2008. He was nominated for a second term as President of the Maryland State Board of Examiners in Optometry, chosen as the ARBO appointee to the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education for the American Optometric Association and named Maryland’s O.D. of the Year. He practices in Churchville, MD with Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates. Dr. Reed reports that best of all, he is loving life with his wife, Valerie (Gross) Reed, O.D. ’92 and their two children.

Jennifer M. (Perez) Battiato, O.D. ’98 and husband Joseph proudly announce the birth of their third child, Brooke Alexis, in January 2008.

Brooke joins big sister Ashley, eight and big brother Joey, six.

Lynne Naegele Martin, O.D. ‘99 (residency class ‘00) and N. Alex Martin, O.D. ‘98, live in Chapel Hill, NC, with their daughter, Ella Caroline, who was born in April 2006. Alex practices and operates their private practice, O’Connell and Martin Eye Associates, in Sanford, NC. He is a Trustee of the North Carolina State Optometric Society and serves on the legislative committee. Lynne is currently working part-time in their practice. They can be reached at visionone@nc.rr.com.

2000s

Carrie L. (Allgeier) Cardillo, O.D. ’00 and husband Robert happily welcomed their first child, Robert John Cardillo, III, in September 2008.

Jamie A. (Ellsworth) Neiman, O.D. ‘01 and husband Greg welcomed Courtney Logan in October 2008. Courtney weighed in at 7 pounds, 2.5 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Courtney joined big sister Madison and big brother A.J.

Derek Mladenovich, O.D. ’02, M.P.H., Assistant Professor at PCO, presented his research findings in August at the 8th General Assembly of the World Health Organization/International Agency for Prevention of Blindness in Buenos Aires, under the Young Achiever’s Panel.

Steven P. Thompson, O.D. ’95 became Pearle Vision’s Regional Director of Eyecare in October 2008. He had been with Luxottica since 1998 prior to his new role. He and his wife Jessica have two children: Grace, five and Matthew, three.

David E. Paden, O.D. ’05 married Jennifer Sickmeier in August, 2008 at the Ephrata Church of the Brethren in Ephrata, PA, with a reception at Country Barn Farm Market in Lancaster, PA. PCO alums in attendance included Mary E. Linnell, O.D. ’05, Aaron R. Blehm, O.D. ’06, Lisa (Klein) Roberts, O.D. ’05 and Janet (Rogers) Hackworth, O.D. ’05.

Dr. Sam Vaught, Au.D. ’05, was the subject of the cover story of the September/October issue of ADVANCE for Audiologists magazine. Dr. Vaught is in practice in Snellville, GA. Christine (Kantor) Kempski, O.D. ’06 and husband Christopher proudly announce the birth of their son, Christopher Jack in September 2008. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Laura (Zerfing) Lehman, O.D. ’07 and husband Matt were married in August 2008 at Rooke Chapel on Bucknell University’s Campus in Lewisburg, PA. Two PCO alumnae served as bridesmaids: Eris (Prifti) Jordan, O.D. ’07 and Stacy M. Schorner, O.D. ’07. PCO alums in attendance included Monika P. Wysoczanska, O.D. ’07, Lauren A. Gormley, O.D. ’07, Erin C. Vogt, O.D. ’07, Maria F. Mylonas, O.D. ’07, Suzanne Parker, Brooke A. Smith, O.D. ’07 and Brent L. Segeleon, O.D. ’05.

Nazanin Shams, O.D. ’07 married Shahriyar Leilabadai, a family doctor, at the Royal Ambassador Event Center in Toronto, Canada on June 15, 2008.

Robert M. DiSogra, Au.D. ‘03, continues to lecture on “The Internet Pharmacy” and “Adverse Drug Reactions and Patient Management.” His most recent speaking engagements included the Illinois Academy of Audiology, the Georgia Academy of Audiology and the Ohio SpeechHearing-Language Association. “The Internet Pharmacy” lecture will be presented in April at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Audiology in Dallas.

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In Memoriam With sorrow, we note the passing of: Shirls J. Clunk, O.D. ’32 of Reading, PA, on October 11, 2008.

Dr. Clunk served in the Marine Corps during World War II and was a member of local, state and national optometric associations. He was a 40-year member of the Toastmaster’s International Club and a well-known model railroader.

Rose H. Feldenkreis, O.D. ’35 of Philadelphia, PA, on April 3, 2008.

A. Harry Malin, O.D. ’39 of La Jolla, CA, on April 4, 2004.

Jack Volin, O.D. ’40 of Lansdale, PA, on July 17, 2008.

Dr. Volin was a member of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association for sixty-three years.

David Elliot Lazerow, O.D. ’41 of Baltimore, MD, on August 7, 2008.

Dr. Lazerow practiced until he was 88 years old. An army optometrist during World War II, he practiced for a time in Vineland, NJ before returning to his hometown of Baltimore. An avid traveler, Dr. Lazerow also enjoyed golf and was a member of the Suburban Club.

Robert I. Tanner, O.D. ’41 of Miami Beach, FL, on December 8, 2008.

Bernard Adler, O.D. ’42 of Philadelphia, PA, on December 23, 2008.

Dr. Adler served as an army optometrist in England and France during World War II. Patients traveled from other states to be treated by Dr. Adler, who retired in 1998 but continued to take optometry courses because he loved to learn.

Benson Y. Olenick, O.D. ’42 of Tallahassee, FL, on April 12, 2008.

Arthur G. Wright, Jr., O.D. ’42 of Carlisle, PA, on August 13, 2008.

William S. Fogelman, O.D. ’43 of Bethlehem and Hellertown, PA, on October 16, 2008. Dr. Fogelman served in the Navy with the Medical Services Corp. during World War II. Dr. Fogelman was very involved with the Lions Club. After retiring in 1989, he worked with Visual Impairment and Blindness Services of Northampton County, which in 1996, was dedicated as the William S. Fogelman Low Vision Center.

Arthur L. Wolfe, O.D. ’43 of Boca Raton, FL, on October 4, 2008.

Harold Halpern, O.D. ’46 of Dover, DE, on June 6, 2008.

Dr. Halpern served with the Army during World War II. He was active in the Masons and Shriners and was an ardent golfer.

Fred L. Nungesser, Jr., O.D. ’50 of Brookville, PA, on October 27, 2007.

Charles S. Smith, O.D. ’51 of Bucks County, PA, on November 4, 2008.

Dr. Smith served in the Army during World War II. Dr. Smith was an involved member of the PCO community, serving on the Board of Directors, as a clinic chief and Past President of the Alumni Association. He was also active in the Lions Club, Pennsbury School District, the Masons and was a founding member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Levittown.

Earl J. Hunt, O.D. ’52 of Johnstown, PA, on July 9, 2008.

Dr. Hunt was active in the Lions Club and Masons. Dr. Hunt was known for his extensive knowledge of Abraham Lincoln, and he dedicated his Lincoln collection to Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

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Manley “Bud” Prussel, O.D. ’52 of Philadelphia, PA, on February 3, 2009.

Dr. Prussel practiced for over fifty years and enjoyed sports, painting, golfing and gardening. He was a founding member of the Greater Northeast Jewish Congregation and was active in the Masons.

Eugene T. Greenfield, O.D. ’53 of Plymouth Meeting, PA, on January 25, 2009.

Philip Davis, O.D. ’55 of Lancaster, PA, on March 18, 2008.

Dr. Davis served in the Army at Fort Dix. While in practice in Reading, he established the “Eye Care Plan” which brought affordable coverage to thousands of local union members and their families. Dr. Davis was active in the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Faith Friendship Ministries and enjoyed sport fishing and water-skiing.

Spencer I. Richmond, O.D., M.D. ’55 of St. Petersburg, FL, on January 28, 2009. Dr. Richmond attained the rank of Captain in the Air Force. He enjoyed travel and was a great supporter of the cultural arts.

Karl J. Kaufman, O.D. ’62 of Radnor, PA, on November 21, 2008.

Dr. Kaufman enjoyed helping his patients through his practice.

Frank M. Kitchell, O.D. ’63 of Toms River, NJ, on July 29, 2008.

Walter J. Ruszczyk, O.D. ’63 of Tequesta, FL, on January 18, 2009.

Susan J. Betts, O.D. ’81 of Seaford, DE, on December 26, 2008.

Dr. Betts was Acting Executive Director and Secretary of the Delaware Optometric Society and was a past member of the State Board of Optometry for Licensing. She was active in the Seaford Chamber of Commerce and received the 1990 ATHENA award for her professional leadership in support of women and for her community service.

Gary L. Pelkofsky, O.D. ’84 of Springfield, PA, on October 8, 2008.

Dr. Pelkofsky was an avid sports fan.

James C. Selph, O.D. ’84 of Whiting, NJ, on December 11, 2008.

Dr. Selph was active in his state optometric associations and was an avid fisherman and a radio-controlled vehicle enthusiast. He was a Den Leader and Cub Scout Master and a communicant in his church.

Kerry Sullivan, O.D. ’87 of Windsor and Statesville, NC, on December 7, 2008.

Dr. Sullivan served on the Bertie County Board of Health and was a member of the North Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry. Dr. Sullivan knew early that he wanted to go into healthcare, and in his high school yearbook thanked God for the mind to provide medical care for those in need.

Nancy Uhrich, a much loved employee who retired from PCO after many years in the Graduate Studies department, passed away on December 17, 2008.

Ms. Uhrich began her career in 1986 at the Oak Lane campus as a secretary in the Low Vision Training Center, eventually retiring from Elkins Park as the office manager and “the glue that held the Grad Studies department together,” according to Dr. Audrey Smith, Dean of the College of Education and Rehabilitation. The University has established a Nancy Uhrich Student Assistance Fund in her memory. To contribute, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 215.780.1391 or hgiampapa@salus.edu.

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Missing Alumni Warren T. Reynolds, O.D. Saul D. Schor, O.D. Juan L. Gorbea, O.D. Jerome S. Greenberg, O.D. Murray Klaff, O.D. Sigmund P. Rutecky, O.D. Donald E. Dunphy, O.D. Stephen S. Luloff, O.D. Frank E. Cheney, Jr., O.D. Rafael Pacheco, O.D.

1939 1944 1949 1949 1949 1959 1969 1969 1974 1974

Robert N. Silverman, O.D. Ira Herman, O.D. Alan M. Rosenberg, O.D. Marvin L. Schecter, O.D. David J. Smith, O.D. Clare M. Dammann, O.D. Maria C. Liotta, O.D. Byung-Joon Ahn, O.D. Monica E. Emerson, O.D. Deborah L. Mastrangelo-Martin, O.D.

1974 1979 1979 1979 1979 1989 1989 1994 1994 1994

Robin R. Barry, O.D. Thu T. Cai, O.D. Minh Q. Truong, O.D. Aleksandra Gonoratskaya, O.D. Margarita Gonoratskaya, O.D. Mehidad M. Keramati, O.D. Robert H. Schwartz, O.D. Tuan A. Tran, O.D. Thuy Mong T. Vu, O.D.

1999 1999 1999 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004

The alumni listed here cannot be invited to their reunion because we have no contact information for them.

If you can provide information about a classmate, please contact Heather Giampapa (215-780-1391 or hgiampapa@salus.edu) to ensure that no one misses the celebration!

Do you have one of these collecting dust?

Would you like to free up some space?

We have plenty of space and constant use means dust is no problem!

Donate an invaluable teaching tool –

your usable radioscope.

Contact Dr. Michael Spinell Contact Lens Center at The Eye Institute mspinell@salus.edu or 215.276.6133

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N O N P R O F I T O R G A N I Z AT I O N U . S . P O S TA G E

PA I D P H I L A D E L P H I A , PA PERMIT NO. 773

8360 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027-1598 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Calendar

OF COMING EVENTS

APRIL 22-24, 2009

M AY 2 6 - 2 7 , 2 0 0 9

Penn-Del Association for the Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) Spring Vision Conference Harrisburg, PA

American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual Conference San Diego, CA

M AY 2 - 3 , 2 0 0 9

Annual Alumni Reunion Classes of ’39, ’44, ’49, ’54, ’59, ’64, ’69, ’74, ’79, ’84, ’89, ’94, ’99, ‘04 (’84 celebrating 25 years and ’59 celebrating 50 years) PCO Elkins Park Campus M AY 1 7 , 2 0 0 9

O.D. Continuing Education Program: Dynamic Duos Elkins Park Campus M AY 2 2 , 2 0 0 9

Audiology Commencement Temple Beth Sholom, Elkins Park, PA M AY 2 3 , 2 0 0 9

Optometry, Education & Rehabilitation, International Students and PCO Residents Commencement Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA

JUNE 14, 2009

O.D. Continuing Education Program: Retinal Symposium Elkins Park Campus JUNE 24-28, 2009

American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting Washington, DC PCO Alumni Reception: Friday, June 26th SEPTEMBER 19, 2009

Physician Assistant Commencement The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19103 OCTOBER 8-10, 2009

Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology 16th Annual Convention Harrisburg, PA NOVEMBER 11-14, 2009

American Academy of Optometry Orlando, FL