Honorary Degree Doctor
of Humane Letters
John Anderson Fry
President Mittelman
President Mittelman
John Fry was appointed Drexel University’s 14th president in 2010 and set out to transform Drexel into a private research university with a strong public purpose — an institution that harnesses its strengths to serve its students, its neighborhood, city and the nation. Prior to Drexel, Fry was president of Franklin & Marshall College, executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania, and a management consultant for the higher education and nonprofit sectors.
Under Fry’s leadership, Drexel has set a national example for the execution of public-private partnerships, and become a powerful force for equitable economic growth in Greater Philadelphia. He has championed major neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including the creation of a multi-faceted university extension center in Mantua — the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships — extensive economic development efforts, and significant partnerships to support local neighborhood schools. He negotiated a groundbreaking affiliation with the Academy of Natural Sciences, launched the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship to foster entrepreneurial learning, and forged a series of academic and research partnerships to enhance Drexel’s global connections. Also, during Fry’s tenure, Drexel has seen a significant increase in fundraising and a growing number of philanthropic partners.
As part of Drexel’s role as an anchor institution, one that invests in its community as a way of doing business, Fry announced the creation of a subsidiary enterprise, now under Drexel Applied Innovation, to help faculty and students partner with the private sector to build businesses around their inventions. And, those relationships will be at the heart of Schuylkill Yards, a $3.5 billion mixeduse development on University real estate adjacent to Philadelphia’s Amtrak 30th Street Station.
Fry came to Drexel from Franklin & Marshall College, where he served as president from 2002 until 2010, and was instrumental in the college’s academic growth, campus and neighborhood development and improved finances. During his tenure, he raised the college’s national profile and brought renewed confidence to the institution.
From 1995 to 2002, Fry served as executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania. He was a major force in developing and implementing Penn’s “Agenda for Excellence,” a comprehensive plan that guided strategic initiatives from 1996 to 2001. He also built a coalition of nonprofit, business, neighborhood and governmental organizations in support of a multi-pronged strategy to address the key challenges facing the University City neighborhood in West Philadelphia.
Before joining Penn, Fry was a management consultant for the higher education and nonprofit sectors. He worked closely with some of the nation’s premier colleges and universities, first with KPMG Peat Marwick and then with Coopers and Lybrand’s National Higher Education Consulting Practice, where he was elected partner and eventually became partner-in-charge of the national practice.
Fry serves on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, the Kresge Foundation, the Wistar Institute, Lafayette College and the Philadelphia Orchestra Association. He also served two years as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, concluding his tenure in October 2018.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Fry graduated from Lafayette College and earned a master’s degree in business administration from the New York University Stern School of Business.
3
Awards
A complete list of award recipients is present on the University website at www.salus.edu/commencement
Announcement of Awards ......................................................................... James M. Caldwell, OD, EdD Associate Provost and
Dean of Student Affairs
Division of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming
Alumni Association Award
Blindness and Low Vision Studies Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Blindness and Low Vision Studies AmbuTech O&M Award
Demonstrated excellence in the Orientation and Mobility program, especially during the fieldwork and internship experiences.
Blindness and Low Vision Studies Excellence in Direct Service Award
Demonstrated excellence in the provision of direct services to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Blindness and Low Vision Studies Dr. Audrey J. Smith/Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness Award
Demonstrated excellence in scholarly work.
Blindness and Low Vision Studies Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Academic Excellence Award in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
Demonstrated excellence academic achievement pursing a degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.
Master of Science in Clinical Optometry Program Leadership Award
Demonstrated exceptional leadership in organizing, administrating and advocating excellence in international optometry.
College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
Alumni Association Award
Speech-Language Pathology Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Speech-Language Pathology Leadership Award
Demonstrated exceptional, consistent leadership in student government and/or program organizations.
Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Excellence Award
Demonstrated clinical excellence and professionalism during the assessment of speech, language and swallowing disorders.
4
Occupational Therapy Outstanding Leadership Award
Demonstrated exceptional, consistent leadership in student government and in contributions to the Salus Occupational Therapy program.
Occupational Therapy Excellence in Scholarship Award
Demonstrated excellence and achievement in scholarship and has promoted occupational therapy through scholarly activities.
Occupational Therapy Superior Professionalism Award
Demonstrated superior professional behavior and modeling of high standards of conduct valued within the profession.
Occupational Therapy Clinical Excellence Award
Demonstrated exceptional performance during their fieldwork rotations.
Occupational Therapy Service to the Community Award
Demonstrated willingness to volunteer, serve and give of their time and talents for the benefit of others.
Alumni Association Award Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedicine Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Alumni Association Award Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Osborne College of Audiology
Alumni Association Award Master of Science in Clinical Audiology Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Alumni Association Award Audiology Bridge Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Alumni Association Award Three-Year Accelerated Audiology Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Alumni Association Award Four-Year Audiology Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Student Academy of Audiology George S. Osborne Service Award
In remembrance of Dr. George S. Osborne for his extraordinary vision and passionate service to the profession of audiology.
Victor Hugo Bray Clinical Excellence Award
Demonstrated exceptional clinical skills during the externship year awarded to one three-year accelerated audiology program graduate and one four-year audiology program graduate.
5
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Alumni Association Award
Optometry Accelerated Scholars Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Alumni Association Award
Optometry Traditional Program
Attainment of the highest academic average.
Dr. John E. and Ethel M. Crozier Memorial Award
Demonstrated excellence in the study of anatomy and pathology.
Good-Lite Award
Demonstrated professionalism and advanced competency in binocular vision and pediatric vision care.
Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Service: Award for Excellence
Demonstrated excellence in the fourth-year pediatric rotation at The Eye Institute.
Clinical Excellence Citation
Demonstrated excellence in the application of visual science in resolving problems of the human visual system.
Accelerated Scholars
Suite 1
Suite 2
Suite 3
Vision Rehabilitation
Neuro-Ophthalmic Pediatrics
College of Optometrists in Vision Development Award for Excellence in Vision Therapy
Demonstrated outstanding proficiency in both academic knowledge and clinical care in functional vision.
Dr. Arthur Shlaifer Memorial Award
Demonstrated overall excellence in clinical and didactic courses in ocular pathology.
Alcon Student Scholarship Award
Authored winning case report.
Eshenbach Award for Excellence in Low Vision
Demonstrated excellence in the evaluation and prescription of low vision devices.
Noir Low Vision Award
Demonstrated academic excellence in the area of low vision rehabilitation.
Beta Sigma Kappa Award
Attainment of highest academic average among the BSK members.
Donald H. Evans, OD Award
Demonstrated outstanding service to the college, the visual welfare of the public, and the community.
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Cooper Vision Excellence in Contact Lens Award
Demonstrated ability in contact lens courses, aptitude in clinical skills, a willingness to take advantage of professional development opportunities, and financial need.
GP Contact Lens Clinical Excellence Award
Demonstrated interest and overall excellence in contact lens design and application of fitting criteria.
Blanchard Contact Lens Excellence Award
Demonstrated expertise in contact lens.
Conforma Laboratories Award
Demonstrated clinical excellence in contact lens design and application of fitting criteria.
Johnson and Johnson Vision Care Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care
Demonstrated particular excellence in clinical contact lens patient care including good academic standing.
Dr. and Mrs. H.C. Verma Award
Demonstrated above average community service while maintaining a high standard of academic performance.
Degrees
Presentation of Candidates Gerard O’Sullivan, PhD Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs
Conferring of Degree President Mittelman
Division of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming
Master of Education
Blindness and Visual Impairment
Avery Z. Brown
Wanda Maria Easter
David Kimari
Kathryn Julia Pierce
Guillaume Seraglini
Division of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming
Master of Science
Orientation and Mobility
Suha Saleh AlMusa
Jeannine Penzone
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
Genise Burnett
Elaine Elizabeth Covaliuc
Zachary Dreicer
Carolyn Marie Pijanowski
7
Division of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming
Master of Science in Clinical Optometry
International Advanced Studies Certificate
Abdulmajeed Mohammed Almansour Mohammad Asif Joarder
Abdulrhman Ibrahim Alotayeq Kgalalelo Oepeng
Na Bao O. Gloria Okpara
Uzoaru Paulina Chukwu
Meng Guo
Xiaojing He
Anisa Irshad
Ziyi Tang
Shadi Vasigh
Boya Wang
Tong Yang
College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
Master of Science in Biomedicine
Zhuokai Luo
College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Jacqueline Albor
Madelyn Bernetich
Lily Campoli
Mary Kathleen Carney
Jessica Leigh Kusters
Shawnna Lynn Lamond
Kaylyn Regina Lawson
Hannah Rose Lovenwirth
Carly Theresa Clayton Rachael Noelle Montesano
Jessica Concannon
Nichole Coyne
Alyssa Marie Dallmer
Sydni Ariel Delfiner
Kylie Anne DiGiacomo
Olivia Brooke Fogarty
Stevie Goldman
Joshua Edward Hartley
Caitlin Murphy Grace
Devin Haley O’Brien
Erin Marie O’Connell
Jacqueline Rose Ostaszewski
Brielle Irene Piecyk
Alexa Marie Raspanti
Michelle Roginsky
Nina Marie Scola
Rachel Lauren Hedricks Kellyn Weist
India Jenkins-Brown
Madelyn Marie Kallmeyer
Franciene T. Wilson
College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Christie D. Antoine
Taylor Elizabeth Briganti
Haley Burns
Raymond Chow
Kaitlin Veronica Anne Costello
Cinthia Mercedes Crousset Santos
Kailee Alyce D’Amelio
Mia Kathryn De Plato
Alexa Lynn Delaney
Megan Delawder
Madison Marie DeLong
Madison Jean Fisher
Erica Marie Fonseca
Caroline Elise Gaeta
Renee Nicole Gagliardi
Kiley Virginia Gallagher
Elizabeth L. Gaul
Hollyann Elizabeth Gremmel
Emily Grace Groarke
Marisa A. Guardino
Jessica Vanessa Hunkler
Lexi Danielle Hunn
Kendall Noelle Johnson
Brooke Kapinski
Patrick Joseph Kenney
Morgan Leigh Kern
Jaclyn Rose Kuhn
Jessica Martinez
Katie G. Mayer
Payton S. McGowan
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Molly Shannon McLane
Elizabeth L. Morrow
Julie A. Mumford
Mia Katherine Nicolosi
Olivia H. Nieves
Matthew Olson
Sarah Palladino
Angela Reichwein
Laniyah Rhoades
Hannah L. Rushkowski
Meghan Seitter
Lauren Lee Sonino
Joseph Anthony Spatacco Jr.
Tanner I. Stoltzfus
Carmen Cathryn Trefon
Catherine Robin Tullo
Hadley Arden Turner
Sophia Vario
Carly Grace Wasson
Anita Josette Werner
Maura J. White
Shelby Williams
Olivia Louise Wnek
Emily Elizabeth Zavilowitz
Osborne College of Audiology
Master of Science in Clinical Audiology
Ayida Abdulrahim Al Bulushi
Maximilian Bauer
Katherine Ann Gewer
Vineeta Ojha
Rana Titi
Presentation of Candidates Provost O’Sullivan
Conferring of Degree ..................................................................................................President Mittelman
College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
Doctor of Philosophy
Chrystyna Marie Colón
Jenny Ann Rajan
College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Meghan Marie Brems
Brenna Lynn Clowney
Emma Harriet Kaplan
Brittnee Jane Livingston
Sara Garrell Simone
Osborne College of Audiology
Doctor of Audiology – Bridge Program
Anu Mohan Mohanan Geetha Kumari
Shinju Thomas
Osborne College of Audiology
Doctor of Audiology – Accelerated Program
Ann Maria Benny
Brianna Byard
Emily Elizabeth Descano
Sofiya Dorokhin
Alexandra Marie Jackson
Alexis C. McCain
Keira Aislinn Mehigan
Megan N. Palmer
Osborne College of Audiology
Doctor of Audiology
Nora Ibraheem Almuaqel
Danielle M. Baran
Karissa Grace Boutross
Brian E. Bureau
Yesenia Castillo
Samantha Rose Charlton
9
Jennifer Nicole Curtin
Lilliana Geraldes
Megan Elizabeth Kirkpatrick
Emma Grace Lanhart
Erin Nicole Rielly
Ivelca Antonia Rodriguez
Robert Corey Roseberry
Katerina Marie Russek
Kaitlyn Marie McCarthy Shayna M. Sawyer
Simone Milyavsky
Sierra Elizabeth Niesen-Friend
Alexandra Patella
Leticia Ramirez
Sabila Rana
Chase Michael Sereno
Brooke Sussman
Alyssa Jaclyn Wendolowski
Jaqueline Serwaa Wiafe
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry – Accelerated Scholars Program
Shale Beharie
Laura Micela Osborn Holtz
Rushil Vinay Brahmbhatt Koosha Kermani
Claire Chabin Aaron M. Rydzynski
Lauren Christine Chamberlin Won Ho Seo
India Deirdre Donofrio Luvpreet Singh
Megan Marie Dunn
Gabrielle A. Tull-Lewis
Jonathan Hamilton Azeb Mohammed Yusuf
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry – Advanced Placement Program
Sampson Listowell Abu
Kelvin Nunez Compres
Xiaobai Mei
Lucien Guichard Prince
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry – Traditional Program
Diamond Nicole Abbate
Aayh Abdelgawad
Thomas Armstrong V
Curtis Edward Balch
Melanie Diane Bale
Gini Selena Beltran
Patrick Joseph Boyea
Abigail Marie Bradigan
Rayanne Elise Brown
Katelyn Brook Bush
Brandon J. Butters
Vivian Thuy Cao
Jennifer Chan
Gurkirat Chana
Bom Choi
Allison Lauren Clower
Mikayla Marie Cree
Jenny Dang
Theresa H. Dang
Kruthika Dhannapuneni
Kayla M. Dingman
Christopher Paul Dolce
∆ TuQuynh Nguyen Duong
Ryder Elliott Elder
Mariam Elias
Erica Timinodi Enarusai
Angela Emad Falastin
Zamzama Gafar
Shikha N. Gandhi
Ashlyn Garcia
Logan Alexa Gaughan
Hayden Troy Gilbert
Emi J. Girgis
Adi Golan
Gerardo Guadarrama
Susana Noemy Gutierrez
Sara Haidery
Rachel M. Halatin
Morin Nader Hanna
Kayla Aliyah Hawkins
Abigail Katherine Hoang
Natalie Paige Hofferber
Daniel James Hoffman
Joseph Daniel Howie
Brenda Hoxha
Yuchi Hsu
10
∆
∆
Ashmita Sharma Jandwani
Tanner Johnson
Noah T. Kauffman
Ramanpreet Kaur Kang
Simran Kaur
Tarek Khalil
Wonil Johann Ko
April Kongmanichanh
Erica Krepostman
Taylor Nicole Kujawa
Lindsay Loren Lelas
Liza Rose Levy
Sean LaMont Lewis
Michelle Casuga Lopez
Isabella Nkauj Tshiab Lor
Paul W. Maglioli
Diana Mamoud
Mariel J. Mata
Kendall Joy Mattoni
Alexandria Mckeen
Dale Dana Meelheim
Samantha Ali Miletta
Bailee Nicole Miller
Chantana Melanie Moapichai
Celine Mohammed
Ava Kelley Moran
Holly Renée Morin
Dorothy Rose Mulligan
Samantha Angela Muncey
Samra Kiran Naeem
∆ Syeda Zainab Narmeen
Ketaki Uday Nene
Rick Anthony Nero
Erin L. Nguyen
Alexis Kim Nivaud
Naomi Joy Nixon
Adaeze Ashley Nnabue
Thomas John O’Connell
Lucy O’Connor
Karolina Maria Pasierb
Disha Jatin Patel
∆ Divya Patel
Pratik J. Patel
Ronak Patel
Shivani Palvin Patel
Danielle Jasmin Pavic
Kristine E. Pedersen
Ariella Erin C. Poon
Nahomie S. Possible
Angela Renee Regier
Corbin M. Reppert
Olmedo Restrepo
Bryan P. Ross
Sandy Mourad Sadek
Jaskirat Kaur Sahni
∆ Sarah Salman
Abanob Y. Samwil
Mariah Yvonne Sandy
Jheel Shah
Viral M. Shah
Stephen J. Shalamanda Jr.
Trenton E. Shuke
∆ Marya Siddiq
Tanvi Kaur Singh
Jennie Louise Stasio
Dominic Steward
Ashley Ji-yoon Suh
∆ Gretchen Mae Suter
Sabrina Syed
Manisha Talwar
Samantha Jordan Taylor
Nicholas Owen Thomas
Danielle Anne Torre
∆ Gillian Patricia Uldrich
Virginia Mae Veltri
Fayaz Yahiya Vizam
Jennifer Elizabeth Vu
Yi-Kwen Nicolle Wah
Rachel Elizabeth White
Jourden Huynh Wise
Bobi Yang
Rhys Jenkins Yarns
Morgan Marianna Yelverton
∆ Advanced Studies – Advanced studies prepares students beyond entry-level, enhances their knowledge and skills in distinct areas of practice or research, and expands their breadth and concentration in personally selected knowledge bases. Content areas of study include Anterior Segment, Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy, Contact Lens and Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease.
This program was printed before final certification of graduation. Therefore, this listing is tentative only. Any errors or omissions are inadvertent, and the University cannot be held responsible. The academic transcript is the official record.
11
** All Health and Service Professionals in attendance, including the graduating class, are invited to stand and take this opportunity to read aloud, with Dr. O’Sullivan, “The Oath to Professionalism.”
The Oath to Professionalism
With full deliberation I freely and solemnly pledge that:
I will practice the art and science of my chosen profession faithfully and conscientiously, and to the fullest scope of my competence.
I will uphold and honorably promote by example and action the highest standards, ethics and ideals of my chosen profession.
I will provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern, with compassion and with due regard for their human rights and dignity without discrimination.
I will place the treatment of those whom I serve above personal gain and strive to see that none shall lack for proper care with their welfare my utmost concern.
I will maintain absolute confidentiality of all information provided by those who seek my services.
I will continuously strive to broaden my knowledge and skills to deliver all new and efficacious means to enhance my services.
I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country and humankind.
I hereby commit myself to be steadfast in the performance of this, my solemn oath and obligation.
Congratulations from the Salus University Alumni Association ............................................................
Zachary D. Saunders, MSOT, CHT President, Alumni Association
Music Postlude*
Festive Trumpet Tune
David German
Donald Meineke, Organ Perry Sutton, Trumpet
* THE AUDIENCE’S COOPERATION IS REQUESTED TO PLEASE REMAIN SEATED UNTIL THE GRADUATES HAVE PASSED DOWN THE AISLE.
12 Administration of Oath to Professionalism** Provost O’Sullivan
2013 – present
Presidents
Salus University
Established 2008
Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, LHD (Hon.), MBA
2008 – 2013 ...................................................................................................... Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD
Presidents
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Established 1919
1989 – 2008
1979 – 1989
1972 – 1979
Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD
Melvin D. Wolfberg, OD, LHD (Hon)
Norman E. Wallis, OD, PhD, DSc (Hon)
1960 – 1972 Lawrence Fitch, OD
1919 – 1960 Albert Fitch, OD
Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs
Salus University
2023 – present .......................................................................................................
2023 – 2023 ..................................................................................
2019 – 2023
2018 – 2019
2014 – 2018
2008 – 2014
Gerard O’Sullivan, PhD
Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD (Interim)
Barry S. Eckert, PhD
Melissa A. Vitek, OD (Interim)
Janice E. Scharre, OD, MA
Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD, MEd, MPH
Deans
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
2016 – present
2014 – 2016
2009 – 2013
1989 – 2009
1979 – 1989
1974 – 1979
1973 – 1974 .................................................................................
Melissa E. Trego, OD, PhD
Lori Grover, OD, PhD
Linda Casser, OD
Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD, MEd, MPH
Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD
Jerald W. Strickland, OD, PhD
Norman E. Wallis, OD, PhD, DSc (Hon)
1971 – 1973........................................................................................................
1967 – 1969
Don W. Hickman, MS, PhD
Stanley S. Willing, MA, EdD
1950 – 1967 Lawrence Fitch, OD
George S. Osborne College of Audiology
2016 – present
2009 – 2016
1999 – 2007
2019 – 2020
2017 – 2019
2016 – 2017
2008 – 2016
College
Radhika Aravamudhan, PhD
Victor H. Bray, PhD
George S. Osborne, DDS, PhD, AuD (Hon)
of Education and Rehabilitation
Barry S. Eckert, PhD (Acting)
Barbara Schwartz-Bechet, MS, EdD (Interim)
Jason J. Barr, PhD
Audrey J. Smith, PhD
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2018 – 2020
College of Health Sciences
Donna Agnew, MSPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA (Interim) 2008 – 2018 Lorraine Lombardi, MS, PhD (Interim)
College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
2023 – present
Lauren Sponseller, PhD, OTD, MSOTR/L, MEd, CLA 2020 – 2023
Office of Student Affairs
James F. Konopack, PhD
2012 – present
James M. Caldwell, OD, EdD 1990 – 2012
Robert E. Horne, MS, LHD (Hon.), 1973 – 1990 John J. Crozier, OD
Research and Sponsored Programs
2017 – present
Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD
2009 - 2012 Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD, MEd, MPH (Interim)
2007 - 2009 ........................................................................................................
Felix M. Barker, II, OD, MS
Department of International and Continuing Education
2021 – 2023 ..................................................................................................................
Melissa A. Vitek, OD
Division of Global, Interprofessional and Specialized Programming
2023 – Present
Commencement Marshals
James M. Caldwell, OD, EdD, Chief Marshal Girija Sundar, PhD, CCC-A, FAAA, Mace Bearer
Rebecca Blaha, AuD, CCC-A
Connie Chronister, OD, MS
Brandi N. DeVeaux, MS, OTR/L, CLT
Andrew Gurwood, OD, FAAO, Dipl.
Erin Kenny, OD, FAAO, Dipl.
Doan Trang Kwak, OD, FAAO
Stephanie M. Leburg-Jett, OD, FAAO
Kerry S. Lueders, MS, COMS, TVI, CLVT
Jamie Maffit, MS, COMS, CLVT, RYT
Patricia Martin Mayro, MA, CCC-SLP
Bre Lynn Myers, AuD, PhD, CH-AP, F-NAP
Tracy Offerdahl, PharmD, BPharm, RPh, FAAO
Jonette B. Owen, AuD, MHA, FNAP, CH-AP
Julie McCulley Quinlan, MPO, MS, CPO, ATC, FAAOP
Jenny Rajan, AuD, PASC, CCC-A
Kelly Salmon, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLT-LANA, NDC
Elizabeth Sedunov, AuD
Robert W. Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP
Elizabeth Tonkery, OD, MPH
Andrea Carr Tyszka, OTD, MS, OTR/L, SIPT
Emily Vasile, MAT, TVI, MS, CLVT, VRT
Melissa A. Vitek, OD
14
The Ceremonial Mace
The mace is a traditional symbol of authority dating back to the Middle Ages. The use of ceremonial maces by educational institutions began in the 17th century, when Cambridge and Oxford Universities in England adopted the mace as an emblem to be carried on ceremonial occasions. In keeping with many colleges and universities in the United States that began the tradition of ceremonial maces in the 20th century, Pennsylvania College of Optometry - the founding college of Salus University - adopted the mace in 1993 for significant ceremonies. The mace bearer traditionally precedes the president of an institution as he/she enters or departs.
The Chain of Office
Our president wears a Chain of Office for all commencement ceremonies with the University’s official seal on the central medallion. The chain connects four smaller medallions and banners that honor the original four Colleges of the University. Additional banners are dedicated to the previous presidents of our founding college, Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Salus University.
Presented by the Alumni Association, the Chain of Office is an expression of the history and traditions of Salus University.
Gonfalon
Beginning with the Spring 2016 Commencement, Salus University incorporated gonfalons into its commencement exercises. Gonfalons are the flags or banners, hung from crosspieces on poles, used since medieval times. The gonfalons are used during graduation ceremonies to symbolize the different academic areas within the University.
Our Hooding Tradition
Initiated by the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and continued today is our long-standing tradition of inviting alumni who are immediate family members to participate on stage in the hooding of their graduate. This occurs on the right side of the stage immediately prior to the degree conferral.
The Academic Regalia
The wearing of academic dress dates back to the early days of the world’s older universities. American universities adopted academic dress in 1895 and immediately established a code of regulations followed today by almost all American institutions. Establishment of this code has made it possible to distinguish the bachelor, master and doctoral degree holders, while at the same time recognizing the university that awarded the degree. The bachelor’s gown has pointed sleeves and is worn closed. The master’s gown has oblong sleeves, open at the wrist. The rear part of its oblong shape is square cut, and the front part has an arc cut away which can be worn opened or closed. The doctor’s gown has bell-shaped sleeves and is worn opened or closed. The majority of gowns are black, but a number of institutions have adopted other colors to identify special programs or groups within that institution.
The hoods vary in length. All hoods are silk-lined in the academic color(s) of the institution conferring the degree. If the institution has more than one color, the colors are shown in divisions using chevrons. The traditional colors of Pennsylvania College of Optometry were
15
adopted by Salus University and are represented by the cardinal and silver satin lining of the hood. The binding or edge of the doctor’s, master’s and bachelor’s hoods is usually made of velvet in the color designating the subject in which the degree was granted. Some colors in the bindings of hoods are:
Arts/Humane Letters white
Audiology ................................................................................................................................... spruce green
Dentistry lilac
Education light blue
Law purple
Medicine hunter green
Nursing apricot
Occupational Therapy rhoades blue
Optometry seafoam green
Philosophy dark blue
Physician Assistant ................................................................................................................... hunter green
Public Health salmon pink
Science golden yellow
Black mortarboards are most commonly worn, though six-sided tams of various colors may be used.
Academic Regalia Adornment
Alpha Upsilon Delta Spruce Green Cords Alumni Association Award Medal
American Optometric Student Association (Member) ......................................................... Blue Cords
American Optometric Student Association (Trustee) Blue and White Intertwined Cords
Beta Sigma Kappa (3 years or less) Gold Cords
Beta Sigma Kappa (4 years) Gold and Black Intertwined Cords
Gold Key International Gold Stole
Pi Alpha Light Gray and Teal Intertwined Cords
Pi Theta Epsilon Gold and Blue Intertwined Cords
Established in 2015, the Alpha Upsilon Delta National Honor Society recognizes significant academic achievement, leadership and service to the audiology profession.
The Salus University Alumni Association recognizes students in each program who attain the highest academic average.
The American Optometric Student Association works to improve the visual welfare and health of the public, promotes the profession of optometry and life-long commitment to state affiliates, and enhances the education and welfare of optometry students.
Founded in 1925, Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society membership is attained by scholastic excellence as honor students in the schools and colleges of optometry.
Established in 1972, the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society recognizes
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optometry students who have demonstrated outstanding professional and ethical attitudes through leadership and service to their class, college and profession.
Established in 2004, the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants recognizes significant academic achievement, leadership, research, community/professional service. Honorary membership is bestowed to individuals who provide scholarship, leadership or service to the profession.
Established in 1958, Pi Theta Epsilon National Honor Society for Occupational Therapists recognizes dedication toward advancement of the profession through scholarship.
17
Board of Trustees
Rebecca Delia, MS, Chair
Daniel Abramowicz, PhD, Vice-Chair
Emily Turner, CFA, Treasurer
Craig Cassey, OD, Secretary
Stella Lee, MA, Assistant Secretary
Derrick Artis, OD, MBA
Terri Albertson, BS
Thomas Beeman, PhD
Mark Boas, MS, OD, Emeritus
I. William Collins, OD, Emeritus
Christopher Dezzi, MBA
Reade Fahs, MBA
Barry Farkas, OD, Emeritus
Carolyn Forcina, BA
Caitlyn Foy, DOT, Faculty Representative
Donald M. Gleken, JD, Emeritus
Keith Ignotz, MBA
Kathleen Kinslow, CRNA, EdD, MBA
Joyce Koh, JD
Sean Lewis, BS, Student Representative
Daniel Liberman, JD, MS
Dana Mattingly, MHA
William McCune, MPH
Sarah Mitchell, JD
Michele Palos-Samsi, PA-C
Carl A. Polsky, JD, Emeritus
Jane Scaccetti, MS, CPA, MST, Emeritus
Jo Surpin, MA,
Shannon Tornoe, BS
Harold Wiener, OD, Emeritus
Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, LHD (Hon.), MBA, Ex-officio
18
