Salus University Alumni Magazine Spring 2017 by Salus University

ALUMNI MAGAZINE T H E F U T U R E O F H E A LT H S C I E N C E S I N C E 1 9 1 9 .

Members of the Salus community are providing essential care both locally and globally

SPRING 2017

FROM PRESIDENT MIT TELMAN As I write this letter in early 2017, it’s hard to believe that spring is right around the corner, as it’s still pretty cold out! While the air temperature has been chilly, things have really been heating up, in a good way, at Salus University. The long-awaited Learning Resource Center and its new, state-of-the-art classroom are finally completed. It’s pretty amazing to see the transformation of both spaces. The classroom has all the “bells and whistles” that are necessary for students and faculty to interact seamlessly. The Learning Resource Center has multiple study and special testing rooms, a meditation room, a coffee bar with microwaves, and lots of space for students to study. I smile every time I walk through knowing that we’ve been able to provide such a relaxing and comfortable environment for our students to use. In other updates, our new optometric Clinical Skills Lab integrates full eye-lanes, an electronic medical record and a virtual reality lab that allows our students to learn how to use a binocular indirect and direct ophthalmoscope without having a person in front of them. Renovations started in January and will be complete this summer. We’ll share more about the lab updates in the fall issue of this magazine (and in a related note, we hope you enjoy this issue’s redesign). Finally, CityLife Neighborhood Clinics will be opening on the second floor of The Eye Institute this summer. They will provide primary medical care to the East Oak Lane community and offer our students an opportunity to observe primary care in action, with plans to integrate our multiple professions. As we expand our reach to even more community members for care, it’s an exciting time at the University for faculty, clinicians, students, and everyone else involved. All of these improvements are expensive—yet necessary—and we wouldn’t be able to do any of them without our alumni. I want to thank you very much for your continued support so we can maintain the highest level of professional education possible for our students.

Michael H. Mittelman, OD ’80, MPH, FAAO, FACHE, RADM, USN

Salus University debuted an open and welcoming space with the unveiling of the newly renovated Learning Resource Center.

In this issue INSIDE COVER

From President Mittelman

FEATURE

Welcome to the Learning Resource Center

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNIT Y

Sensory Support

10 A Living Lab: The Speech-Language Institute

12 ON THE COVER

Commitment to Community

12 SOSH: A History of Helping 14 Providing Veterans the Care They Need

DEPARTMENTS

From local Veterans to residents of Haiti, Salus University has served multiple communities around the world for decades. Starting with this issue, the Salus University Alumni Magazine will feature these stories in our Commitment to Community series.

16 University News 22 Alumni News 22 Alumni Association President’s Message 22 Class Notes

26 In Memoriam 30 2017 Alumni Association Awardees BACK COVER

Calendar of Events

14 2

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SHARE YOUR STORY

Are you a Salus or PCO graduate with a story to share about your commitment to community? If so, please email communications@salus.edu.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN CHIA ‘17OD

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PUBLISHED BY SALUS UNIVERSIT Y

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Michael H, Mittelman, OD ’80, MPH, FAAO, FACHE President Susan C. Oleszewski, OD ‘76, MA, FAAO Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Community Relations Lynne C. Corboy, MS, MPH Director, Development Jamie Lemisch Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Alexis R. Abate, MA Director, Communications EDITOR

Terri Schaefer Communications and Publications Specialist

The “official” opening of the Learning Resource Center! #ichosesalus #salusuniversity #ribboncutting

CONTRIBUTORS

Jamie Lemisch, Dennis Lyons, Michael H. Mittelman

Here’s a sneak peek of a photoshoot our Student Ambassadors had this weekend with fellow student Celeste Gomez! #IChoseSalus #SalusUniversity #StudentAmbassadors #fallcolors

EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE

Alexis R. Abate, Raquel Antoine ‘20OD, Taylor Buotte ‘19AUD, Lynne C. Corboy, Karen Greave, Jamie Lemisch, Niki Mehta ‘20OD, Susan Oleszewski Attention all graduates — don’t forget to tag your photos with #SalusGrad so we can share them!

DESIGN

Roni Lagin & Co. PHOTOGRAPHY

Lesley Anders, ARTsisters, Ryan Chia ’17OD, Shelley Kusnetz, Darryl Moran, Alyssa Nuyen, Don Pearse Photographers, Inc., Terri Schaefer, Rich Schmitt Photography, Robert Serianni, Mercedes Smith ‘20OD, Rachel Stengel Salus University Alumni Magazine is published bi-annually for alumni, staff, faculty, parents and friends. Please send comments, contributions and address changes to:

Members of the University’s Peer Mentoring Program enjoyed a Valentine’s Day-themed Paint Nite last weekend! #IChoseSalus #SalusUniversity #PaintNite

Office of Institutional Advancement Salus University 8360 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 215.780.1391 alumni@salus.edu www.salus.edu 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, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disabilities, or veteran status. 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: Maura Keenan, Affirmative Action Officer, Salus University, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 at 215.780.1267.

Live to inspire #mondaymotivation brought to you by the Wishing Tree at the University’s Winterfest! Have a great week! #wordsofwisdom #salusuniversity

On Monday, members of Salus University Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) joined forces in the creation of busy blankets for dementia patients to donate to Saint Joseph Villa.

Get to know Sal the Salus Salamander a bit more & don’t forget to follow him: @SalusSal

SPRING 2017

Feature

Welcome to the Learning Resource Center 4

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Feature in the Learning Resource Center (LRC),” proclaimed Kris Stinson, manager of Help Desk Operations, not long after the brand new space on Salus University’s campus opened. The LRC is sunny, owed to its plethora of windows and incoming natural light, as well as the “sunny” disposition of Salus community members including faculty, staff and students utilizing the space. “It’s been very rewarding to be part of an experience and process that witnessed the space evolve from abstract ideas to flat renderings on paper, then through construction phases to finally evolve into a [learning] hub for the entire University community,” said Marietta Dooley, director of the LRC. Salus University’s major strategic priorities—quality, innovation and value—were achieved through the creation, execution and opening of this $2.7 million novel campus space, which replaced the former library. Unveiled to the community in early January, the new LRC has been aptly named the “living room of the campus.” According to chief information officer William A. Brichta, the completion of the LRC was the first key issue to be addressed by the University’s master facilities plan. The goal was “to improve campus-wide space utilization to maximize the University’s ability to successfully educate students.” The LRC occupies 11,000 square feet over two floors, with open format seating and collaborative study rooms. The space is ADA accessible, and features a multitude of upgrades. The first floor— with a small coffee bar, microwaves and café atmosphere—is more “chatty” and includes a 50-person classroom outfitted with state-of-the-art technology. The quiet second floor is meant for studying. On that floor, there are testing rooms designed to meet the needs of students with approved accommodations, as well as a dedicated space that various members of the Salus community can use for meditation. “Sprinkled about are study areas

“IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DON PEARSE PHOTOGRAPHERS, INC ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS BY BWA ARCHITECTURE + PL ANNING ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSA NUYEN

SPRING 2017

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

FOR A VIDEO ABOUT THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER, VISIT WWW.SALUS.EDU/LEARNING-RESOURCE-CENTER

and computer workstations,” said Mr. Brichta. Students can easily choose the appropriate workspace that makes the most sense for what they are focusing on any given day. The furniture is Ms. Dooley’s favorite change. The options are unique and maximize students’ studying experience. “The seating includes everything from comfortable, casual seating for group collaboration to modern, private pods, or even traditional carrels for serious studying,” she said. To address the increasing technology needs of students and the multiple devices they use daily, electrical outlets and USB jacks can be found all over the LRC. While enhanced Wi-Fi has significantly improved connectivity, students can also send materials electronically from outside devices to the LRC printer and pick them up with a swipe of their ID card. The University’s Technology and Library Services Help Desk moved onsite and is now prominently accessible. Even the entrance, with a ramp and open doors for easy traffic flow between the lobby and the LRC, helps accentuate the Help Desk, said Richard Winston, principal, BWA Architecture + Planning, who was responsible for the design. “Technology and Library Services is now front and center so students who are in the LRC to study can stop by and get support,” said Ms. Stinson. “The change is that I get to communicate with students directly and I love it—our students are great to be around.” When library materials moved temporarily to the Hafter Student Community Center during renovation, it was the perfect opportunity to weed out resources that either weren’t in good condition or that were outdated, said Ms. Dooley. Since so many publications are online, “going digital with more of our collection allows students to access our collection from anywhere, and allows us to give the space in the LRC back to our students,” she said. An overarching aspect of the upgrade was the aesthetic appeal and look of the

Feature

The completion of the Learning Resource Center was the first key issue to be addressed by the University’s Facilities Plan. LRC. To create a more welcoming space, priorities were given to updating features such as acoustical tile ceilings, lighting, and more vibrant finishes and colors. “From our experiences working on another resource center, you inject a lot of life into it both through architectural treatments and furniture and lighting,” said Mr. Winston. Mr. Winston’s architectural firm was charged with making the LRC space more inviting. This included transparency of the smaller study rooms for more daylight; dramatizing height and adding light by increasing the ceilings on the first floor from eight feet to 14 feet; introducing visually appealing furniture; and replacing the original stairway with one much more broad and open. A floor to ceiling transparent window design portraying the University’s healthcare programs was also added. BWA Architecture + Planning was one part of a team that included project management by Jones Lang LaSalle; construction by Flatiron Building Company; technology and audio visual design by Metropolitan Acoustics; mechanical, plumbing and electrical work

by Sera Engineering; and an entryway mural by Komita Design, LLC. In his remarks at a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on January 30, Mr. Winston said the project was challenging, interesting and fun—specifically calling out members of the Salus committee and the important feedback and ideas they provided. “What is meaningful to me is this was a very smart client who was very involved,” he said. During the ceremony, Katharine Funari ‘18OD shared, “My peers and I have enjoyed utilizing the new space for club meetings, study sessions, and quiet reading. The new Learning Resource Center has provided not only a space for learning but also a space for collaboration and the formation of peer-to-peer relationships.” The completion of the Learning Resource Center has generated a lot of excitement. This project represents the first of many welcome changes that the University plans on providing its students to enhance their learning experience. Additional renovations and innovative changes to on-campus facilities can be expected in the near future.

SPRING 2017

Commitment to Community

Sensory Support P

ennsylvania’s most-visited museum, Philadelphia’s The Franklin Institute, opens on occasional Sundays strictly for visitors of any age

with sensory differences. Occupational Therapy (OT) student volunteers from Salus University participate in these events alongside trained museum staff for support as guests are treated to exhibits specifically modified for them, along with countless other special features. “Sensory-Friendly Sunday helps to break down barriers so children of all different abilities are able to enjoy what the museum has to offer,” said Salus student volunteer Katie Stone ‘17OT. This program is one part of a 10-year relationship between associate professor Fern Silverman, EdD, OTR/L, and The Franklin Institute, which operates under the following: “In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin, the mission of The Franklin Institute is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology.” As Dr. Silverman pointed out, “we know people on the spectrum have sensory differences, but also a connection with science.” A 2013 study in the Journal of Autism and Spectrum Disorders found that in general, autistic individuals are more likely than the general public to gravitate towards

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

science, technology, education and math. Conversely, this guest interested in visiting the museum could also be overwhelmed when experiencing it as-is. In an effort to create a space just for them, an accessibility team was formed at the museum, and Sensory-Friendly Sunday was born. Once every two months, The Franklin Institute opens at 8 a.m. for these visitors only. They can pre-purchase tickets at a reduced rate. And, the museum is all theirs for exclusive use until 9:30 a.m., at which time, it opens to all guests. The specially adapted exhibits are available until 12:30 p.m. Examples of modifications include gloves for use at a messy man-made stream table exhibit and potholders for several exhibits to reduce the sensation of electric shock. There’s also a modification at Ms. Stone’s favorite part of the

museum, the Giant Heart. “The Heart is big enough for children to climb in and crawl through, but typically makes a loud heartbeat sound,” she explained. “Once modified, the heart no longer makes the noises, which can be overwhelming, allowing children to crawl through the heart with no fear.” Other benefits of Sensory-Friendly Sunday include: SENSORY MAPS: Guides that indicate the types of sensory input for each exhibit—high, medium, or low for sound, sight, touch, movement and complexity. MUSEUM STORIES: A written and graphic explanation of each exhibit room available during the event. As Salus student volunteer Jenna Napier ‘17OT said, “Parents are able to discuss with their children ahead of time what to expect, which is beneficial as many of these children thrive on predictability.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARRYL MORAN, THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.FI.EDU/SPECIAL-EVENTS/SENSORY-FRIENDLY-SUNDAY

A designated quiet spot where participants can go if they need a break. The space is “located away from the hustle and bustle,” said Ms. Stone. With dim lights, it includes items for guests to use such as weighted blankets and sensory toys. Others reap the benefits of the distinct event as well. Extensive research, which led to published articles, has taken place at the museum as a result. According to Dr. Silverman, this is “an action project to understand families participating to improve their experiences.” Not only are Salus OT students involved, but this program also brings together students from all over the Philadelphia region. The Franklin Institute is able to bring the museum and the exploration of its exhibits to a wider range of visitors, while OTs advocate for their profession and gain experience in an emerging practice area. In 2016, Dr. Silverman, along with Salus assistant professor Andrea Carr Tyszka, MS, OTR/L, SIPT, received the Award for Community Volunteerism from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation for their work with the museum. The accolades don’t end there. Ms. COOL-DOWN SPACE:

Napier shared a story of a mother she met during a Sensory-Friendly Sunday who was taking her autistic son to the museum for the first time. She feared he would have a meltdown in public. “At The Franklin Institute she felt safe

and knew her son would be able to experience the museum in a friendly and non-judgmental manner,” Ms. Napier said. “This conversation made me realize just how important this program is to these families and the communities.”

“Sensory-Friendly Sunday helps to break down barriers so that children of all different abilities are able to enjoy what the museum has to offer,” said Salus student volunteer Katie Stone ‘17OT. SPRING 2017

Commitment to Community

GRACE COLLINS-ALICEA (PICTURED ON RIGHT)

A LIVING LAB: THE SPEECH-LANGUAGE INSTITUTE On July 1, 2015, Salus University added another means of serving the local community with the opening of the Speech-Language Institute (SLI), housed on the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elkins Park campus. Just one month after opening its doors, the first group of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduate students began their program. With this in mind, one of the main purposes of the SLI is for students to hone their clinical skills in SpeechLanguage Pathology. In fact, students are assigned clients on-site their very first week of classes.

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Early clinical experience has been the hallmark of Salus University’s professional degree programs. “My favorite part of the first year at Salus was being in the Speech-Language Institute,” said Brittany Huckin ‘17SLP. “I am a hands-on learner and being able to directly apply what I learned in the classroom to therapy sessions [in the clinic] was very beneficial.” Students provide services under the supervision of licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), according to Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, assistant professor and the SLI’s clinical director. “We want the students to have the responsibility of caring for clients,” he said. “This is like a living lab.” The SLI not only plays a central role in the professional training for future SLPs, but as a no-cost clinical facility, it also provides an invaluable service to the surrounding community. Individuals who are uninsured or whose insurance will no longer cover their ongoing needs can utilize services of the SLI. Priority is given to clients who don’t have access to care or who have limited care options, according to Serianni. The SLI’s client base has continued to grow in the almost two years since its opening. This growth has occurred through professional referrals, outreach efforts, and the development of valuable community partners. The clinical facility’s client base spans quite a large age range—with babies as young as 18 months to older adults in their 90s. The clinical disciplines at Salus stress interprofessional practice, according to Serianni. Students learn they are part of a healthcare network and gain experience working with other clinical providers such as occupational therapists and social workers. Along with another Salus on-campus patient care facility, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI), both clinical practices are uniquely positioned since providers at each site can refer to each other to rule out auditory deficits when there’s a language delay. One client, Grace Collins-Alicea,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSA NUYEN

Commitment to Community

ROB BREEDEN (PICTURED ON RIGHT)

“We want the students to have the responsibility of caring for clients.” ROBERT SERIANNI, MS, CCC-SLP

demonstrates the SLI’s positive impact. Now nearly five years old, Grace was born deaf and had cochlear implant surgery at age one. During preschool, she was referred to the SLI for additional speech services. According to Grace’s father Tony, the therapy his daughter is receiving at the SLI has been great. He noted the SLP students are very inquisitive and have positively impacted Grace’s progress. “Grace has progressed a lot quicker with the SLI’s techniques along with the services she receives at her school,” he said. Then there’s Rob Breeden, 43, one of the facility’s first clients. Rob was referred by a local rehabilitation center for speech treatment following an aneurysm. When he came to the SLI with relevant communication disor-

ders—aphasia and apraxia—the only way he communicated was with an iPad and simple motions. With his treatment plan at the SLI, his speech has dramatically improved. These two clients represent examples of how the SLI is positively impacting the clinical training of Salus students and the impact the SLI’s services are making in the lives of members of the community it serves. “I was able to grow tremendously as a student clinician due to the clinical training I received in my three semesters in the SLI,” said Amanda Kaufmann, ‘17SLP. “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be one of the first students to receive training at the SLI and I am very excited to see how it will continue to grow.”

SPRING 2017

Commitment to Community

SOSH: A History of Helping

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN CHIA â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17OD

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Commitment to Community

or nearly 50 years, eye care has been generously provided at no cost to thousands of people around the world through the efforts of students

from the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). Visits to countries outside the United States take place through PCO’s (now Salus) Student Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH).The group’s origins began in 1968, when then PCO student Algernon Phillips, OD ’69, MD, seeing the great need for vision care in Haiti, planned the College’s first trip to the country. Several factors inspired him: his parents, who were also in the healthcare field; a stop in Haiti during a family trip to Barbados when he was young; and as time passed, the humanitarian work of Albert Schweitzer as well as the work of William Larimer Mellon, Jr. in Haiti. This initial trial humanitarian optometric program in Haiti, based in the commune of Cap-Haïtien, took place over the Christmas holiday of 1968-1969. The seven-person team included Dr. Phillips and five other PCO students, plus Lester Janoff, OD ’53, as faculty advisor. All participants paid their own expenses, supplied or borrowed instruments and supplies, and solicited donations of eyeglasses through organizational and individual support.

“Toward the end of our trip, when all we had were a few pairs of prescription lenses, we would break them in half so people could use them as magnifying glasses.” ALGERNON PHILLIPS, OD ’69, MD

With the country in a police state at the time, Dr. Phillips was able to secure passage for his team with a laissez-passer, or special permit, through military checkpoints. The team was there two full weeks. During that time, Dr. Phillips said their team rendered care to approximately 1,000 people and provided 600 pairs of glasses. As Dr. Phillips recalled, “Toward the end of our trip, when all we had were a few pairs of prescription lenses, we would break them in half so people could use them as magnifying glasses.” Even with the fall of the Haitian government and overthrow of the president, the trips to Haiti continued, with Dr. Phillips still involved, until the mid-80s. By 1986, “the political and security climate was considered too unstable to continue student travel to Haiti,” said Mark Street, OD ’10, who along with Gwenn Amos, OD ‘92, are current co-faculty liaisons to SOSH. As a result of both political uncertainty and safety concerns, in 1986 the SOSH team traveled to the Caribbean island of Dominica to provide care. Subsequent trips included service to locations in Mexico, Central America, South America and South Africa. Dr. Street was a team member in 2008 when SOSH returned to Haiti after more than 20 years. Each year the location for the annual SOSH mission is determined by the organization’s leadership. In recent years the mission trip has occurred during break week between summer and fall academic terms. In addition to planned fundraising events throughout the year, former SOSH members have generously provided monetary contributions, as well as donated eyeglasses to help ensure a successful mission. Ophthalmic drugs,

such as topical antibiotics, artificial tears, and other agents commonly needed, are donated by The Eye Institute as well as pharmaceutical companies. Participating students have an opportunity to hone their clinical skills during an intense week of patient care activities. Faculty members on the team serve as the final arbiter of the diagnosis and management plan for the patients. On the 2016 trip to Haiti, 16 students examined nearly 1,200 patients and referred over 40 patients for surgical management of cataracts and management of glaucoma. Bhawan Minhas, OD, who has traveled with SOSH on two occasions, noted how rewarding it is to see professional students, with very little free time, donate time and energy to mission trips and caring for impoverished people with significant healthcare needs. “In a time when there is so much division among people from different backgrounds, our students come together to help and provide care to people different from themselves,” Dr. Minhas said, noting that students provide these services in a challenging environment and without a single complaint. Student members of the SOSH team echo her sentiments. Alexander W. Van Dyck ’18OD explained one of the patient care sites in Haiti during the most recent trip was a grade school, which had extensive damage. “At Salus we are fortunate not to have the same conditions while we learn. This trip demonstrated how lucky we are,” he said. “It was a humbling experience that allowed us to help people while we improved our clinical skills. This was an invaluable part of my education at Salus and I would do it again, if given the chance.”

SPRING 2017

Commitment to Community

PROVIDING VETERANS THE CARE THEY NEED S

alus University is making its mark in the local Veteran community with the development of the Veterans Readiness Initiative (VRI).

Many Veterans suffer with sensory deficits as an outcome of their military service. VRI’s mission is to assist those Veterans who suffer with sensory barriers to reintegrate into civilian life, including enhancing the prospects of employability, as well as helping ensure success for those pursuing higher education. To meet this mission, sensory challenges of Veterans have been identified through screenings and an integrated multi-disciplinary treatment plan addressing the individual’s specific issues has been designed. Karen J. Hanson, PhD, special consultant for program development at Salus, further explained the project’s inception. It was initially born out of a desire to assist Veterans with sensory deficits— such as blurred or double vision, hearing loss and/or tinnitus—secure training or education, very often at community colleges, to prepare themselves for employment. “We were interested in helping them get ready for their next phase in life,” she said. “Academic success requires sensory endurance. We want to help

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

our Veterans achieve the next level of readiness for civilian reintegration.” Salus was the perfect place to initiate screenings and associated follow-up care because of the University’s strong retired military presence; commitment to integrated healthcare, research and clinical services; and emphasis on neurosensory and sensory motor systems within its programs. As a shared effort between the University’s Osborne College of Audiology and Pennsylvania College of Optometry, the VRI’s three external partners are the

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Community College of Philadelphia, and Montgomery County Community College. Using a multisensory screening protocol, sessions at partner community colleges included a 22-question screening interview and evaluation of visual acuity and function, hearing, balance and tinnitus. A hallmark of the screening protocol is that an Optometry student is paired with an Audiology student, and this team accompanies each Veteran through the entire screening process.

Commitment to Community multi-disciplinary expertise of the doctors at the HVBC is available to them. The HVBC’s model of care includes a three-person clinical team and a care coordinator incorporating optometry, audiology, and vestibular/balance rehabilitation therapy. In October 2016, Steven Bachovin, a United States Air Force Veteran and coordinator of Military/Veterans Programming at the Community College of Philadelphia, was the HVBC’s first patient. “All of the Salus staff and students have been outstanding in their professional interactions,” he said. “My experience at the HVBC has been very positive and I hope to be able to be more productive in my professional life [as a result of the care I am receiving].”

His integrated vision and hearing care was managed jointly by Lynn Greenspan, OD, and Bre L. Myers, AuD ‘07. “The benefit to the patient is the integrated care aspect, with open lines of communication and immediate communication between practitioners,” said Dr. Myers. “What we’re hoping is that the team approach leads to a better outcome so that we’re not missing any problems that might be overlapping.” The current HVBC pilot is scheduled through June 2017, with a commitment to see all referred patients who chose Salus as the location for their care. Dr. Hanson looks forward to the team evaluating, disseminating findings and ultimately improving the process for future patients of the HVBC.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL STENGEL

Since April 2015, 37 Optometry and Audiology students along with supervising faculty screened 56 Veterans identified at two sessions held annually at the partner community colleges. Screening findings revealed significant sensory deficits in the Veterans. Approximately three-quarters of the Veterans screened failed one or more of the vision tests, over half failed the hearing test, and nearly two-thirds reported symptoms of ringing in the ears (tinnitus). These screening results led to the University piloting an interdisciplinary treatment initiative, the Hearing Vision Balance Clinic (HVBC), located on the University’s Elkins Park campus. When Veterans are referred for additional post-screening care, the

Approximately three-quarters of the veterans who were screened failed one or more of the vision tests. SPRING 2017

University News Clinical Skills and Virtual Reality Labs Underway

Four New Board Members Named In February, the University announced four recent appointments to its Board of Trustees: • Thomas E. Beeman, PhD, FACHE, Rear Admiral, USNR, Chief Operating Officer - Regional Operations, University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) • Jerome N. Kline, JD, Senior Partner at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippell LLP • Kyra G. McGrath, JD, Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President, WHYY, Inc. • Adrienne A. Phillips, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College

Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry is engaged in a major renovation of the clinical skills laboratory on the Elkins Park campus. A significant enhancement to the lab is the addition of a virtual reality simulation area. The simulation lab will provide students with the opportunity to hone their direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy skills in a virtual environment. The skills lab will include 32 complete practice lanes along with integration of the electronic health record into a student practice regimen. Renovation commenced in January 2017 and the project is expected to be completed this summer. For a video about the renovations from PCO interim dean Melissa Trego, OD ’04, PhD, visit www.salus.edu/renovations.

Salus Student Ambassador Program Grows and Hosts First Event After only a year, Salus Student Ambassadors are in such a high demand that the program recently added 10 new members to its roster. Each student represents the University at regional,

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community, and on-campus events. Student ambassadors also connect with prospective students. Recently, they hosted their own inaugural event, Dean’s Winterfest. A casual and fun event, the Winterfest allowed students to engage with the University’s dean of Student Affairs James Caldwell, OD ‘89, EdM. Students escaped the dreary January weather to enjoy an afternoon of food, minute-to-win-it games, and contests. This event also served as a drop-off for the Second Annual Winter Coat Drive that benefits One Warm Coat, a nonprofit that provides anyone in need a warm coat, free of charge (www.onewarmcoat.org).

University Faculty Development Day In January, Salus faculty gathered for University Faculty Development Day (UD-day). UD-day provides faculty with professional development opportunities, including group discussion, and the chance to connect with fellow colleagues. As part of UD-day, provost Janice Scharre, OD, MA, FAAO, hosted a reception in the newly renovated Learning Resource Center. The faculty workshop, “Better Together: Skillful Communication at Salus,” provided ways for faculty to work together as educators, mentors, and colleagues through increased interpersonal communication.

University News

D’Arrigo Family Gallery Brings Art to Salus

On-Campus Learning Experiences For nearly 40 years the University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry has hosted the annual Optometry Learning Experience (OLE). The OLE program offers participants the opportunity to investigate the curriculum associated with the University’s Doctor of Optometry program as well as career opportunities available to optometrists. In 1979, the OLE program hosted students from a single institution for an extended period of time. Today this program hosts an increased number of institutions with students having two and a half days of campus experiences. OLE sessions took place in January and hosted 28 students from 15 undergraduate institutions. Designed to recruit prospective optometry students, the sessions included engagement with current optometry students, as well as opportunities to attend lectures, laboratory sessions, and specially designed seminars. In July, the University will welcome its inaugural group of Audiology Learning Experience students.

The D’Arrigo Family Gallery in the Hafter Student Community Center opened in January. Brian Zuckerman, the University’s chief of staff, dedicated the gallery in honor of his wife Jennifer’s family. The gallery will be available to both the Salus and local communities. Six themed shows per year will feature local artists and run for approximately two months each. “Springtime in January” was the gallery’s first exhibit. The current exhibit, “Community Expressions,” features the artistic talents of Salus students, faculty, and other members of the University community.

Delivering Thanksgiving Meals For more than a decade, a team of Salus University and Culinart Café staff members have provided Thanksgiving Day meals to community members. This year, meals were prepared for the Jenkintown Police Department officers and staff, officers and staff of the Cheltenham Township Police Department, and 20 families at the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society in Cheltenham. The Hope Lodge offers no-cost lodging to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment in the Philadelphia area.

Green Tree School Collaboration Salus University participated in the Green Tree School’s staff development session in April. The presentation highlighted the value of the team-based care provided by the University’s various disciplines. Green Tree School and Services, located about 15 minutes from the Elkins Park campus, provides education and clinical support to children and young adults who have autism spectrum disorder and severe emotional disabilities.

Fond Farewells Two long-time Salus employees retired in 2016. Joan Bell, PCO’s Educational Program coordinator, scheduled the teaching assignments for faculty and consultants for a complicated optometric curriculum. Making schedules match with faculty availability was often likened to getting all of the pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle to fit. Joan was a valuable resource for students and faculty and her expertise and commitment to the Optometry program is missed. Rosemary Egan, Human Resource coordinator for 20 years, was a pleasure to work with due to her compassionate and kind manner. She always had a smile and was quick to assist anyone in need. Her personality was well suited to her role at the University.

SPRING 2017

University News

Program Updates PCO WORLD Pennsylvania College of Optometry PCO is pleased to report the college received full accreditation from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). PCO’s two year Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease residency program was accredited by the ACOE as a result of its site visit on September 30, 2016. The residency program is the first of its type accredited in the United States. Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry Accelerated Scholars Programs’ first cohort of students is set to graduate this May. The 10 student Scholars have all passed Part 1 and 2 of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). The three-year accelerated program is the first in the United States. Salus University, in collaboration with the Community College of Philadelphia, launched the Ophthalmic Technician Proficiency Certificate Program on January 17. Didactic training for the full-time, two semester program will take place at the Community College’s Northwest Regional Center, adjacent to The Eye Institute (TEI). It includes two clinical internships that will be completed at TEI. The program is designed to prepare the students to be job-ready at completion. Associate professor DeGaulle Chigbu, OD, has been awarded a Master of Science in Immunology from Drexel University’s Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Professional Studies. In addition, Dr. Chigbu has also been

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

elected Vice Chair of the Comprehensive Eye Care Section of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). G. Richard Bennett, OD ’79, was commended by the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) Screening Committee on the outstanding performance of Phase 3 protocol at TEI. The letter states TEI has set the pace for other OHTS clinics, as it was the first fully certified OHTS facility, the first to enroll a patient into OHTS 3 and is now among a handful of clinics that have already achieved 50 percent of the target enrollment for the study. Assistant professor Jingyun Wang, PhD, is Salus University’s first-ever Innovation in Education Grant recipient. Awarded to Dr. Wang in 2016 from the American Optometric Foundation (AOF) in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, the grant is designed to aid recently appointed faculty in advancing their teaching skills, improving the delivery of information to students, integrating new methodologies, increasing the use of new technology in all teaching settings, and promoting online learning tools. Dr. Wang, along with her co-principal investigator, Linda Casser, OD, collaborated to design their program, “Can Prompt Feedback Provided to Students using ‘Poll Everywhere’ Improve the Effectiveness of Optometric Education?”

PCO students Alyssa Anderson ‘18, Leanne Laporte ‘17, Jason Wu ‘19, Alice Lim ‘18, and Jonathan Jacesko ‘17, created and published Optopoetry:

Poems & Drawings All About Vision. This humorous and educational book was created in the vein of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss to be a celebration of vision and eye care. PCO is prominently featured in several of the poems, with cameo appearances from some distinguished faculty.

INSIGHTS College of Education and Rehabilitation The Occupational Therapy program’s first continuing education event for Fieldwork Educators (FWEs) had more than 40 attendees. Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD ’16, director of Graduate Programs in Biomedicine, was a guest speaker that strengthened the University’s relationship with FWEs and acknowledged the services they provide. The University’s OT program has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Arcadia University. The MOU provides qualified Arcadia undergraduate students with an automatic acceptance to the Salus University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree (MSOT). Clinical educators Patricia Mayro, MA, CCC-SLP, and Leah Morton, MS, CCCSLP, were selected for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Leadership Development Program. Both were selected from hundreds of applicants to participate in a yearlong program that includes in-person meetings, webinars, and an individual leadership project, designed to enhance clinical service delivery in the University’s Speech-Language Institute (SLI). The National Leadership Consortium in Sensory Disabilities’ Management Team, led by assistant provost Brooke Kruemmling, MEd, PhD, presented its evaluation plan and findings to the Office of Special Education Programs in October 2016 in Washington, DC. The program

University News has secured funding for the additional years remaining on the grant. In November 2016, Barbara SchwartzBechet, MS, EdD, associate dean, College of Education and Rehabilitation, was invited as the keynote presenter at the UDLnet.eu/Open Spaces Conference in Athens, Greece. Her topic was “Is Content that is Accessible in Online/ Technology Enhanced Learning Environments Universal Design for Learning Compliant? An American Perspective.” In November 2016, the Salus SLP and LaSalle SLP student chapters of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) worked together to create gift bags for the annual meeting of the Council of State Association Presidents. Donations were secured from companies across Pennsylvania to celebrate Philadelphia. A total of 258 people were screened during recent Speech-Language Institute (SLI) community events. Salus University’s OT and SLP programs have partnered with the Breastfeeding Resource Center in Abington, PA. Students are providing educational classes and support to mothers and families. In addition, developmental milestone screenings and assessments are being administered weekly for children from birth to five years old.

tunity to learn about Salus graduate programs that might enhance their skills and knowledge as they begin teaching in the fall. This inaugural event hosted 23 students and two faculty members from Arcadia University. In January 2017, the BLVS department received a three-year grant from the Northeast Lions Service Foundation. Grant funding will support initiatives that help increase the number of qualified education/rehabilitation specialists to serve Pennsylvania residents with blindness or low vision. Funds will be used to complete a needs assessment in the state, provide scholarships for additional training in blindness and low vision studies, and to provide educational programming in the area of blindness and low vision. In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Speech-Language Institute (SLI) conducted free screenings at The Eye Institute (TEI) in March. The screenings were designed to bring awareness to the effects brain injuries can have on one’s speech, language, and cognitive skills. The American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference & Centennial Celebration was held March 30-April 2 in Philadelphia. A pre-conference workshop, “Techniques for Working With Persons With Low Vision” was held at The Eye Institute (TEI). The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Major Review application for SLP was approved in November 2016.

To promote the University’s Blindness and Low Vision Studies (BLVS) programs, local undergraduate students in special education programs were invited to an open house at the Hafter Student Community Center on Thursday, January 26. The goal of the event was to provide graduating seniors an oppor-

The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Major Review Application for the Master of Education in Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI) degree program was approved in December 2016. Jacquelyn Catalini, MS, CCC-SLP, was hired as a clinical educator in the Speech-Language Institute (SLI). Emily Vasile, MAT in Special Education, Concentration in TVI, MS in Low Vision

Rehabilitation, was hired for a dual role as project coordinator for the National Leadership Consortium in Sensory Disabilities (NLCSD), and program coordinator for the Teachers of Children with Visual Impairments program (TVI).

THE AURICLE Osborne College of Audiology

The Osborne College of Audiology’s (OCA) advisory board met with the College’s dean and faculty in December 2016. Evaluation of the current model of Audiology education was central to the discussions, which included alternative educational and curricular models. OCA hosted its annual alumni reception at the AudiologyNOW 2017 meeting in April in Indianapolis. Jonette Owen, AuD, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) as a director at large. Radhika Aravamudhan, PhD, was nominated and selected to serve on the editorial board for Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Disorders and Treatments, Sci Forschen Inc. Radhika Aravamudhan, PhD, and Girija Sundar, PhD, visited Jordan to continue discussions with the Advanced Arab Academy of Audiology (4A) and Al-Ahliyya Amman University (Amman University). This meeting was a follow up to an initial visit that the president, dean, and director of Amman University paid to Salus. While in Jordan,

SPRING 2017

University News Drs. Aravamudhan and Sundar presented at the Arab Hearing Health Conference. The collaboration between Salus and Amman University is intended to provide a path for 4A practicing audiologists to the AuD Bridge degree.

at universities, and in audiology clinics throughout the country.

THE PULSE College of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies

Salus University hosted the Audiology Project’s stakeholders’ meeting to present concepts surrounding a new public health initiative. Led by Kathryn Dowd, AuD ‘08, the Audiology Project’s executive director, the initiative is focused on developing an audiological standard-of-care for the audiology patient with diabetes mellitus. Representatives from the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association (ASHA), American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) participated, as well as representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), and American Optometric Association (AOA). With an interprofessional focus, the stakeholders’ meeting involved optometry, audiology, pharmacy, and diabetes education. AAA and ADA have subsequently joined the Audiology Project initiative, which has started developing educational materials to raise awareness around the comorbidity of diabetes with audiology disorders (e.g. hearing, balance, cognition). The Audiology Project’s mission is to promote audiology’s co-management with other healthcare professions of patients with comorbid diseases; improve the lives of people with hearing loss and balance disorders; and to elevate awareness of these diseases in government,

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On October 4, 2016, ARC-PA notified the Physician Assistant Studies program that, as a result of the submitted self-study report and focused site visit, the program has been granted continuing accreditation status. The program’s next review is scheduled for March 2024. Adam J. Moore, MHS, PA-C, ATC, has been appointed assistant professor. Moore brings 20 years of experience in pediatric orthopedics, emergency medicine and athletic training to the PA program. The PA Program has recently partnered with Global Brigades to provide a medical/public health mission trip. Global Brigades is an international program that unites students and medical professionals from all over the world to provide healthcare to communities with limited resources. The program plans to travel to Nicaragua from August 26-September 2, 2017. A full-fledged medical brigade chapter of 25 students, faculty/staff and alumni will participate. First year students, faculty and staff will participate in a service learning experience by preparing and delivering nutritious meals to neighbors with chronic illness or medical conditions, through the non-profit organization MANNA. The PA Program is moving toward a competency-driven curriculum by increasing clinical skills assessments and augmenting curriculum with standardized patient experiences, patient simulation, and Observed Structured Clinical Experiences (OSCEs).

BIOMEDICINE Bre Myers, AuD ’07, has satisfied all of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biomedicine. Dr. Myers is the first faculty member from the University’s Osborne College of Audiology to complete this program. Current doctoral student Robert Andersson, MSc ’10, FAAO, has been named 2016 Optometrist of the Year by the Finnish Association of Vision and Eye Care and Finnish Professionals of Optometry. Each year, the award is presented to an optometrist certified in Finland, who is highly credible or who exhibits an exceptional performance or perfomed an exceptional deed.

PUBLIC HEALTH Barry Barresi, OD, PhD, has been named professor of Health Policy in the College of Health Sciences. He is involved in a health services research initiative—a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) project designed to compare the effectiveness of rehabilitation service models for improving patient outcomes for age-related macular degeneration chronic vision impairment. Dr. Barresi is a nationally recognized expert in population health and will be teaching the Value-Based Health Care course in the University’s MPH program.

University News

Conference Updates American Speech-LanguageHearing Association Convention Held in Philadelphia from November 17-19, 2016, students and faculty from both the University’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program and the Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) attended the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association Convention.

A few highlights of many were: • The SLP program was represented in 11 presentations throughout the three-day convention, two of which were second-year student capstone projects. • The University’s interprofessional education speaker team represented Salus during a presentation that role-modeled interdisciplinary team-based care of a pediatric patient with Usher syndrome, a condition characterized by partial or total hearing and vision loss that usually worsens over time. • The SLP program, in conjunction with OCA, hosted an open house for more than 100 guests.

AuDACITY, the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) Annual Convention Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) faculty and students attended and presented at the convention in San Diego, Nov. 10-12, 2016. Congratulations to the students who received ADA travel scholarships to attend. Victor Bray, MSC, PhD, was awarded the prestigious David P. Goldstein Outstanding Audiologist Award, which recognizes an individual for promoting audiology’s transformation to a doctoral degree with the AuD as it distinctive designator. Named for one of audiology’s great leaders, the Goldstein Award epitomizes what can be done when dedicated professionals direct their time, talent, and resources toward achieving a common goal.

Academy 2016 Anaheim, the American Academy of Optometry’s 95th Annual Meeting Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) had excellent representation at the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) meeting in Anaheim, CA, on November 9-12, 2016. A number of faculty and residents participated through lectures, posters or special interest groups. College faculty and residents of The Eye Institute (TEI) were also well represented, contributing lectures, education or poster sessions, all of which are displayed throughout TEI. All twelve on-campus residents attended, with eight selected to present posters.

• Students from the Salus Chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) were chosen as student volunteers for the convention and also participated in the NSSLHA Knowledge Bowl, where they competed answering Praxis exam-type questions.

Faculty and student recipients of American Optometric Foundation (AOF) awards presented at AAO included:

• Brooke Jamgochian ‘20AUD received a NSSLHA Member Honors award, which recognizes outstanding national members who support the association’s mission.

• Pelashia Rhodes ‘18OD: J. Pat Cummings Scholarship

• Erin Kenny, OD ‘15: Alfred A. Rosenbloom, Jr. Low Vision Residency Award

• Monica Udaykumar ‘19OD: Vincent Salierno Scholarship

SPRING 2017

Alumni News ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE In June 2015, the Salus University Alumni Association introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting the professional endeavors of our students. The initiative allowed students to apply for small grants to help with travel expenses to professional conferences or student outreach programs approved by the Salus University Office of Student Affairs, such as health screenings or humanitarian service trips. We have now completed three grant cycles, consisting of 22 awards to students and student organizations and totaling more than $5,000. Our fourth cycle of approved applications was announced in February. We have been very proud of our grant recipients who have attended professional conferences representing Salus in leadership roles for student organizations, presented posters at national meetings, and competed in challenge bowl competitions. They have also traveled to Haiti with Students in Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH) where they provided much needed vision care. As our students continue to do great things and represent us with pride, the Salus University Alumni Association will remain committed to contributing to their success, and we invite you to do the same by becoming an Alumni Ambassador. If you are interested in becoming an Alumni Ambassador, please visit www.salus.edu/alumni-ambassadors. As an Alumni Ambassador, you can join an admissions officer at a college fair to assist with recruitment efforts, display the University’s admissions materials in your office and refer an applicant, or welcome admitted students by hosting a regional gathering. You are truly this institution’s greatest resource. On behalf of the Alumni Association, thank you for contributing positively to the success of our students.

Dennis H. Lyons, OD ’73, FAAO

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Class Notes 1960s Robert A. Rosenberg, OD ’61, MA, FAAO has been included in Marquis Who’s Who, an essential source of biographies. He is currently focused on conducting research and preparing a document on macular degeneration for the Kraskin Invitational Skeffington Symposium on Vision in the Washington, DC area. In October 2016, he presented “From the Eyes to the Brain and Back Again: How to Teach Sensation and Keep Students Awake” at the Community College of Philadelphia’s Teach and Learning Center.

1970s Thomas L. Lewis, OD ’70, PhD, FAAO has been honored by the American Academy of Optometry as the recipient of the 2016 Life Fellow Award. Jeffrey S. Zlotnick, OD ’70, FAAO, FCOVD was recognized by the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP) with the E.C. Nurock Award. This award is presented to an optometrist who exemplifies the characteristics of an outstanding practitioner and who has rendered outstanding service to their profession and colleagues for many years. The candidate must also demonstrate involvement within the association and the profession, and have made significant contributions to the community. Dr. Zlotnick certainly fit the bill—he has maintained his own private practice in the Metuchen-Edison area since 1978. He also has been involved with the NJSOP since 1972, serving as the president of the Mid-Jersey Society

Class Notes of Optometric Physicians for 20 years. Neil W. Draisin, OD ’71, FCOVD recently became the 21st physician to receive the Clarence L. McEachern Hall of Fame Award from the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association (SCOPA). The award honors a professional who has a long and distinguished career of service and dedication to the profession of optometry and the advancement of its causes. Edward V. Cordes, III, OD ’77, FAAO serves as a volunteer chairman of the Lions Kidsight USA Foundation, which is a part of the Lions Club International. Scott S. Weaver, OD ’77 Daughter Emily is a member of the Salus PCO graduating class of 2017. As a PCO legacy, his lineage includes his late father, George D. Weaver, OD ’48 and uncle, Jay N. Weaver, OD ’55.

1980s Joseph P. Shovlin, OD ’80, FAAO has been named president of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). Dr. Shovlin has been a long-standing involved and dedicated member to the AAO, previously serving as a diplomate and past chair of the AAO’s Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies. Currently Dr. Shovlin serves the AAO as a member of the Finance Committee and is the Annual Meeting Chair. Dr. Shovlin was also recognized by Salus University in 2011 as the Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year award recipient for PCO. Glenn S. Corbin, OD ’82 has been appointed as the section chief of Optometry in the newly created Section of Optometry at Penn State Health St. Joseph. Dr. Corbin is founder and president of Wyomissing Optometric Center,

which is a seven-optometrist private practice that had been providing 24/7 Emergency Department coverage and in-patient consults for Penn State Health St. Joseph. Additionally, Dr. Corbin is on the Allied Health Medical staff at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center and serves as a consulting staff member at Health South Reading Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Corbin also assists the future of the profession by training up and coming doctors of optometry as a clinical preceptor for the Illinois College of Optometry and Salus University PCO. In past years, Dr. Corbin has been recognized as the Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year as well as the Berks County Optometrist of the Year and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year. Kurt J. Moody, OD ’83, FAAO recently traveled to the Dominican Republic on a medical mission trip. The group of 26 also included a retired cardiologist, a general internist, a pediatrician, a dermatologist, several nurses and other volunteers to help with daily patient care. As part of the eye care team, Dr. Moody provided care to 215 patients, gave 138 patients glasses and referred 14 to local ophthalmologists for surgical care. Key to their success were the five phoropters donated by Salus. The group enlisted an engineer to draw a plan for a custom-made movable stand for the phoropters. The cost to fabricate the stand in Jacksonville was about $2,000. Utilizing a connection in Santo Domingo they worked with several local craftsmen and eventually a metal supply company to alter the design and were able to have a basic stand made within a day that met

their needs at a price of about $125. Dr. Moody also was the recipient of the Johnson Medal in November. The Johnson Medal is given to those innovators within Johnson & Johnson who created an innovation that represented new science and delivered a unique product to the market. Perry C. Umlauf, OD ’87 has recently joined the Wyomissing Optometric Center in Wyomissing, PA. Dr. Umlauf will be working alongside fellow PCO graduates: Glenn S. Corbin, OD ’82, Kerry J. Burrell, OD ’03, Heidi L. Sensenig, OD ’08, MS ’08, Karen L. Heaney, OD ’09, Michael D. Burkhart, OD ’93, and Amanda S. Legge, OD ’12. Alan G. Toler, OD ’88 in July sponsors customsightpicture.com—a two-man pistol team. They competed at the Canton regional, the largest regional match in the nation winning all three events and the aggregate. The next week Dr. Toler co-sponsored the two-man National team with Chambers Custom Pistols. The team started slow: third after the 22 caliber match, second after the center fire match, and first after the 45 caliber match. The 45 caliber win was enough to put the duo on the National stage bringing home two National Pistol match trophies.

1990s R. Anastasia “Stacey” Coulter, OD ’91, FAAO has been honored by the American Academy of Optometry as the recipient of the 2016 William Feinbloom Award. SPRING 2017

Class Notes Brian D. O’Donnell, MS, OD ’92 was nominated and appointed to the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Council of Trustees by Governor Tom Wolf and was approved by the Pennsylvania Senate. Dr. O’Donnell has spent over two decades in private practice, serving the Wilkes-Barre area. A proponent of giving back to the community, Dr. O’Donnell is the founder of New Era Eye Care in Shavertown and is the founder of the Gift for Sight program, which aids underprivileged people with vision problems in three Northeastern Pennsylvania counties. Kovin Naidoo, OD ‘95, MPH, PhD, FAAO has been honored by the American Academy of Optometry as the recipient of the 2016 Henry B. Peters Memorial Award in Public Health and Environmental Vision (American Optometric Foundation Award). Wolfgang Cagnolati, MS ’97, DSc, FAAO has been honored by the American Academy of Optometry as the recipient of the 2016 AAO-Essilor Award for Outstanding International Contributions to Optometry.

2000s Robert M. DiSogra, AuD ’03 received the Joel Wernick Award at the Academy of Doctors of Audiology meeting in November. The award is presented to an audiologist who has made exceptional contributions. Dr. DiSogra was recognized specifically for his educational contributions in the areas of pharmacology for audiologists, and additionally for his research, writing, and teaching about pharmaceuticals, nutrient supplements, ototoxic medications, and related treatments for tinnitus relief.

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Kathy A. Foltner, AuD ’03 has been selected by the Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences as one of the 2017 Outstanding Alumni. This award is given to distinguished MSU alumni who have obtained the highest level of professional or academic accomplishment and demonstrated service to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and the community. Angela M. Morris, AuD ’03 was installed at the 2016 AuDACITY conference in November as president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). Dr. Morris is also currently serving on the board of the Audiology Project with Salus faculty member Dr. Victor Bray and fellow Salus graduate Kathryn Dowd, AuD ’08. Michael Castiglione, AuD ’04, FAAA was highlighted as a co-presenter of a course on pediatric modifications for video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT). The course was sponsored by AudiologyOnline and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Dr. Castiglione works at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) in the Pediatric Balance Center where he performs diagnostic evaluations and treatments for children with vestibular disturbances. Michelle L. Beachkofsky, OD ’05 has been welcomed into the International Association of HealthCare Professionals with her publication in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare. Dr. Beachkofsky currently practices at Metrolina Eye Associates in Monroe, NC, where she specializes in comprehensive eye examinations, ocular disease diagnosis and management, and co-management of ocular surgeries and contact lens fittings. John A. Coverstone, AuD ’08 has been named the new editor of Tinnitus Today magazine by the American Tinnitus Association (ATA). The magazine highlights the latest information on tinnitus treatments and research to help improve the lives of patients dealing with tinnitus

and hyperacusis. Dr. Coverstone—who currently works at his private practice in New Brighton, MN—proves to be a good fit for the job with his previously published works as an author, researcher, and columnist. Megan D. Ford, AuD ’09 was recognized by the Decibels Foundation with the Ellen Kurtzer-White Award. The award is presented to an audiologist who demonstrates excellent service to children with hearing loss and their families beyond the traditional parameters of audiology. In addition to an impressive resume of professional experience, the foundation also highlighted the Hear My Dreams support group, which Dr. Ford created and continues to run for the families and caregivers of children with hearing loss. Dr. Ford coordinates professional guest lecturers to present, educate, and empower caregivers.

2010s Ryan O. McKinnis, OD ’10, FAAO and his spouse welcomed their fourth child on December 9, 2016. Mark A. Shumski, OD ’11 and Kara J. Shirley, OD ’11 welcomed their first child—Lena Jean Shumski—on November 2, 2016. Lena was born at 7 lbs 8 oz and was 20 inches long. Jarrad M. Berry, OD ’13 has joined the team at Advanced Eyecare in Louisiana. Prior to his employment with Advanced Eyecare, Dr. Berry served as a captain in the Army, stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. During his time in the Army, Dr. Berry served as a clinic chief, and a clinical preceptor for optometry

Class Notes and physician assistant students, family medicine residents, and Special Forces medics.

different procedures including surgeries, post-operative follow ups and hand therapy meetings.

Catherine M. (Marschinke) Villanueva, MMS ’13 recently married.

Vittorio Mena, Jr., OD ’14 has joined the Optical Academy in Clifton, NJ, as their director of sports vision. The position will include working directly with schools and sports teams to educate on the importance of sports safety eyewear. Dr. Mena will have a role in leading the their national expansion. Dr. Mena focused on specialty contact lenses during his time at Salus PCO and is a part of the American Optometric Sports Vision/Contact Lens section.

Taylor D. Babcock, OD ’14 and his wife Kelly welcomed a new baby to the family on August 18, 2016. Taylor’s dad is Joseph W. Babcock, OD ’81. Nora J. Conway, OD ’14 was married this past fall with many Salus PCO classmates in attendance. Included in the picture are: first row, Alexandra Levashvili, OD ‘14, Shana M. Barrett Zeitlin, OD ‘13, Nora (Standley) Conway ‘14, Philip Conway, and Brooke E. Donaher, OD ’14, FAAO; second row, Rebecca J. Shapiro, OD ’14, Ashley M. Wolanski, OD ‘14, Joseph M. Wagner, OD ‘15, Erica S. Tow, OD ‘14, and Caitlin A. Maciejewski, OD ‘14. James E. Deom, OD ’14, MPH ’14, FAAO designed, implemented, and is medical director of a specialty lens clinic employing the most up-to-date technology to treat all forms of corneal disease that have been otherwise unsuccessfully treated. Building on his MPH studies, Dr. Deom continues to work on educating other local healthcare providers and payors on the advantages of having optometrists as members of the interdisciplinary team at brain injury rehabilitation hospitals. Alta R. Fried, MSOT ’14 recently earned a seat in the Evelyn J. Mackin Hand Therapy Fellowship program at the Philadelphia Hand Center. The fellowship provides clinical training in hand management as well as patient care. Fried will participate in a number of

Matapa F. Chabedi, OD, MPH ’15, a South African public health optometrist, has recently been named manager for partnerships for inclusive health for the Special Olympics International (SOI). SOI is the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, with more than 4.7 million athletes in 169 countries and over a million volunteers. Dr. Chabedi recently met with Imran A. Khan, OD ’02, FAAO, a Salus MPH faculty member in Durban, South Africa, to explore collaboration between SOI and Sightsavers International, with a plan to collaborate in Senegal. Christina M. DalPorto, OD ’15 was recognized in the January issue of Optometry and Vision Science for her clinical case piece “Retrograde Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells Secondary to Head Trauma.” Jerson G. Desiderio, OD ’15 has taken a position as a lecturer for the Optometry Program at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Dr. Desiderio acquired this position through his service with the VOSH Corps volunteer teaching program. Makerere University is located in Uganda and the Optometry Program, which just opened in 2014, is educating practitioners in a field that is severely under-represented. Through his position with the University Dr. Desiderio is helping to change the face of eye care for the people of Uganda.

Erin M. Kenny, OD ’15 has been recognized by the American Academy of Optometry as the recipient of the 2016 Alfred A. Rosenbloom Jr. Low Vision Residency Award. Lucien G. Prince, MD, MBA, MS ’16, CVRT, CLVT has opened The Prince Center for the Visually Impaired, with a goal to focus on providing and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with visual impairment, particularly in the underserved communities of New York. Erin P. Cote, MMS ’16 recently started working at Southcoast Physicians Group Orthopedics in Dartmouth, MA. Shawn P. Morris, OD ’16 has joined the team at the White River Family Eyecare and Hanover Eyecare in Hanover, NH. Dr. Morris is bringing with him experience in the areas of family eye care, including pediatric and adult eye care, treatment and management of ocular disease, contact lens fitting, and eye surgery co-management. Sanna Quasmieh, MSOT ’16 presented her master’s capstone titled “Cognitive Strategies for Wandering Prevention in Dementia Patients” at the October 2016 conference for the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA). Robert M. Sterling, MMS ’16 has been welcomed as a member of the primary care team at the Port Allegany Community Health Center by the Cole Memorial Hospital and the Cole Memorial Medical Group. Mr. Sterling previously worked as a research scientist for California State University and the National Science Foundation in Fort Collins, CO, as well as a nurse assistant in the Intensive Care Unit at Stafford Hospital Center in Stafford, VA. Kristin N. Yandrich, OD ’16 will soon be completing a residency at the Lebanon, PA Veterans Administration Medical Center.

SPRING 2017

In Memoriam WITH SORROW, THE UNIVERSIT Y NOTES THE PASSING OF

1940s George D. Jacobs, OD ’41 passed away on September 13, 2016. Dr. Jacobs is survived by his sons Roy and Carl, his brother Harold, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. George W. Palmer, OD ’42 passed away on March 14, 2016 at the age of 95. Upon his graduation from PCO Dr. Palmer entered the Air Force, serving as an officer in the medical corps. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1946, Dr. Palmer opened his own practice in Middletown, CT. The good spirited and humorous UConn and New York sports fan is survived by his son Richard, daughter Peggy, son-in-law Rick, and two grandchildren—Sarah and Gabriel. Alvin Weinberg, OD ’43 passed away on December 3, 2015 at the age of 94. Dr. Weinberg was a devoted optometrist. Dr. Weinberg also served as an Army Captain of the 8th photo technical squadron during WWII and as an Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel. He was an avid golfer and loved to dance. Ann J. Capecelatro Levenduski, OD ’46 passed away on May 26, 2016 at the age of 91. Dr. Levenduski spent a rewarding career practicing in New Haven, CT, and North Haven, CT. In her

spare time Dr. Levenduski also gave back to her community, serving on the Board of Governors at the University of New Haven, the Board of Trustees at Cheshire Academy, and the State Board of Examiners for Optometry. Dr. Levenduski is survived by her children David and Kathryn, her grandchildren Kyle and Tyler, her sisters-in-law Elaine and Gloria, her nieces and nephews, and her great-nieces and great-nephews. Aaron Goldblum, OD ’48 passed away on February 9, 2015. Dr. Goldblum is survived by his wife Susan, his daughter Donna, and his granddaughter Raina. Maurice H. Zaslow, OD ’48, FAAO passed away on February 24, 2016 at the age of 103. Dr. Zaslow practiced optometry in South River, NJ until his retirement in 1982. Dr. Zaslow is survived by his children Jocelyn and Edwin; his grandchildren Rachel, Naomi, and Aaron; his sister Thelma; and his brother Lonnie. Ellis S. Edelman, OD ’49 passed away on January 23, 2015. Dr. Edelman is survived by his wife Roslyn; his children Marci, Robert, and Charles; his brother Sheldon; his grandchildren Jennifer, Lon, Joanna, Scott, Jordan, and Alyssa; and his 11 great-grandchildren. Meyer Malkin, OD ’49, FAAO passed away on April 20, 2016 at 98 years of age.

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Prior to his graduation from PCO, Dr. Malkin served his country as a member of the Army Air Corps, Medical Detachment during WWII. In 1951 Dr. Malkin started his own practice in Rockville, CT, where he remained for over 50 years, earning him recognition from the Connecticut Optometric Society for 50 years of service and practice. Dr. Malkin’s son has since taken over operation of the practice. Dr. Malkin is survived by his wife of 64 years, Milly; his three sons, Frank Malkin, MD, Neil Malkin, OD, and Robert Malkin, MD; five grandchildren, Daniel, Elise, Melissa, Caroline, and Peter; nieces and nephews; and his brother Herbert J. Malkin, OD ’50.

1950s Henry B. Schwartz, OD ’50 passed away in June 20, 2016. Dr. Schwartz is survived by his children, Mark, David, and Rhona, his brother, Sid, five grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barry P. Hershone, OD ’51 passed away on October 29, 2015 at the age of 86. Thomas J. Perka, OD ’51 passed away on April 20, 2016 at the age of 89. Prior to attending PCO, Dr. Perka served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Dr. Perka was active in the optometry commu-

nity serving as a member and a leader for many organizations, including the Lions Club and the Western Pennsylvania Optometric Association. Dr. Perka is survived by his wife Iole, his son Alan, and his grandchildren Leigh, Drew, and Alex. Russell Sinoway, OD ’51 passed away on October 10, 2016 at the age of 89. Dr. Sinoway served his country as a pilot, medic, and photographer in the U.S. Army Air Corps, stationed in Italy and England during WWII. Following his service career, Dr. Sinoway practiced as an optometrist for 64 years. The avid reader was a fellow of the College of Vision Development and was a pioneer in vision therapy. Dr. Sinoway was the father of Stephen L. Sinoway, OD ’90 and nephew of Benzion Sinoway, OD ’33, Emanuel Sinoway, OD ’36, and Jacob Sinoway, OD ’35. He is also survived by daughters Celia and Tricia, and seven grandchildren. Ralph Miller, OD ’52 passed away on September 17, 2015. Following his graduation from PCO, Dr. Miller served in the US Army as a Staff Sargent and was part of the occupation government in Toyoma, Japan. Dr. Miller was also a Rotarian, member of the Jewish War Veterans, and served on the board of the Congregations of Ner Zedek. James E. Picard, OD ’52 passed away on July 26,

In Memoriam 2016 at the age of 87. The avid traveler is survived by his three nieces, Jane, Pamela, and Karen, and his nephew Jacob, as well as several great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Kenneth C. Elwell, OD ’52 passed away on August 30, 2015 at the age of 86. Dr. Elwell served as an optometrist out of his home in Salem, NJ for over 35 years. Dr. Elwell served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, and as a member of the NJ Optometric Association along with other local service organizations. The avid bike rider and lover of dancing is survived by his sons Steven and Michael, his daughter Kathy, his significant other Shirley, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Richard H. Collman, Jr., OD ’53 passed away on August 19, 2015 at the age of 85. Dr. Collman served his country for many years—four years in the U.S. Navy and 30 years in the U.S. Army. Additionally, Dr. Collman followed in the footsteps of a long line of family optometrists, dedicating 37 years to his career. The lover of antiquing and traveling is survived by his daughter Linda; his sons, Jeff, Craig, Mark, and Chris; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Martin Grossman, OD ’53 passed away on May 25, 2015 at the age of 84. Dr. Grossman is survived by his wife Mona, his two children, and his brother Jerome.

Remembering Joseph Toland OD ’54, MD (1931-2016)

alus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) professor Joseph Toland OD ’54, MD, passed away on Sunday, December 4. In his announcement, President Mittelman—a student of Dr. Toland—called him a true icon, advocate, activist and leader who played a pivotal role in ensuring optometrists were able to practice at the levels at which they were being taught. During the turf wars between optometry and ophthalmology in the early ‘70s, Dr. Toland led the political challenge to medicine in support of expanding the scope of optometric practice to include the treatment of disease. His advocacy was central to the therapeutic profession that optometry is today. Dr. Toland, a United States Air Force Captain and United States Navy Lieutenant, graduated from PCO in 1954 and Hahnemann Medical College in 1963, joining the PCO faculty in 1970 as professor of Ocular Pathology. Throughout his career, Dr. Toland ran his own ophthalmology practice in the Olney section of Philadelphia, and served as director of Ophthalmological Services at The Eye Institute (TEI) and Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He was a member of the Holy Redeemer Hospital staff for 35 years and also served on the Pennsylvania Drug, Device and Cosmetic Board. Dr. Toland was named PCO Alumnus of the Year in 1974 and a 75th Anniversary Medal recipient in 1995. In 1982, TEI’s Module 3 was dedicated and named in

Dr. Toland’s honor. In the more recent past, a group of PCO alumni organized a donor campaign and surprised Dr. Toland with their intent to dedicate the now Toland Classroom at TEI, which was unveiled in October 2014. Dr. Toland is survived by his wife Helen (nee Metzing), son Joseph E., daughter Therese O’Brien, and grandchildren Billy, Olivia, Morgan, Joseph, and Kevin. JOSEPH C. TOLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Dr. Toland mentored thousands of optometry students and residents during his 45 years of service to the University’s Doctor of Optometry program. His personal characteristics of kindness, compassion, and loyalty are to be admired and emulated by all. Dr. Toland’s gentle and humble teaching style made him an effective teacher and mentor. It is only fitting that Dr. Toland be memorialized in a manner that is commensurate with his dedication to our institution and the optometric profession as a whole. To honor his memory and legacy, Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry has established the Joseph C. Toland Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Toland Scholarship will be awarded to a worthy third year optometry student (or students) who demonstrates a distinctive ability for providing competent and compassionate care to his/her patients. Support to the Toland Scholarship fund will serve as a fitting tribute to a remarkable man whose loyalty and dedication to optometry, the institution, and his students, was unparalleled.

TO CONTRIBUTE, CALL 215.780.1393 OR VISIT WWW.SALUS.EDU/TOL ANDFUND

SPRING 2017

In Memoriam

1950s

CONTINUED

Pat E. Morone, OD ’53 passed away on July 25, 2016 at the age of 96. Prior to enrolling in PCO, Dr. Morone served three years in the U.S. Army in the 222nd regiment in Germany, France, and Austria during WWII where he earned a bronze star. After graduating from PCO, Dr. Morone opened his own practice, which expanded to have locations in Parsippany and Saddle Brook, NJ; he practiced at these locations until his retirement in 2000. The military buff was a member of the alumni association of Pennsylvania State College of Optometry’s (PSCO) Omega Delta Fraternity, as well as the Fidalians and the Lion’s Club. Dr. Morone is survived by his sister Angela, nephew Paul, niece Lynne, and four grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Michael L. Onorato, OD ’53 passed away on December 17, 2015 at 90 years of age. Dr. Onorato practiced optometry in his offices in Lansdale, PA and Folcroft, PA until his retirement. The avid cyclist and surf fisher was heavily involved with the Volunteer Medical Service Corps, serving as a member for over 75 years and holding a variety of positions, ultimately ending with the distinguished position of Chairman Emeritus in 2013. Dr. Onorato is survived by his four children, Renita, Michael, David, and Daniel, and his four grandchildren—Eric, Michael, Alexandra, and Anna.

Louis I. Misto, Jr., OD ’54 passed away on November 23, 2016 at 91 years of age.

and a grand-nephew.

Joseph C. Toland, OD ’54, MD passed away on December 4, 2016 at the age of 85. See more on page 27.

1970s

Robert A. Ginsburg, OD ’58 passed away on May 24, 2015. Dr. Ginsburg is survived by his children Jeffrey and Terri, his brother Arthur, and five grandchildren. Kenneth L. Weiner, OD ’58 passed away in March 2016. Dr. Weiner had a passion for singing and showmanship—having performed as a member of the San Fernando Valley male chorus and acting in the Showboat Dinner Theater for many years. Dr. Weiner spent his career practicing in California and is survived by his wife Lynne.

1960s Leonard Levin, OD ’60 passed away on August 2, 2016. Dr. Levin began his medical service career as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. Following his service Dr. Levin opened his own optometry practice where he remained for over 33 years. He was an avid golfer and the brother of Alvin Levin, OD ’51, FAAO. John Sosin, OD ’62 passed away on September 3, 2016 at the age of 85. The avid water skier is survived by his three daughters, Linda, Mary, and Shirley; his sister Pearl; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; nieces; grand-nieces; a nephew;

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Thomas B. Darrin, OD ’72 passed away on November 26, 2015 at the age of 67. Following graduation from PCO Dr. Darrin spent his career as a practicing optometrist at St. Mary, PA, Emporium, PA and Coudersport, PA. The antique enthusiast is survived by his sister Roberta, and his children Robert, Linnea, and Bonnie. Penny A. Lightholder Thomas, OD ’72 passed away on August 6, 2016 at the age of 69. Dr. Thomas practiced optometry at the State University of New York prior to moving to Pittsburgh where she opened her own practice for 40 years. Dr. Thomas was highly involved within the community—serving as the director of low vision services at Pittsburgh Vision Services, serving as past president and member of WOMEN of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and participating as a member of the American Optometric Association and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. The avid dancer and traveler was dedicated to her family and is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dick, her sons Britton, Bradley, and Barrett, grandchildren Lily, Aiden, and Blake, and her sister Carrilee. Peter A. Martin, OD ’75 passed away on August 23, 2016. Dr. Martin is survived by his wife Denise and granddaughter Alexandria.

Gary A. Heubel, OD ’79 passed away on September 21, 2016 at the age of 65. Dr. Heubel worked as an optometrist at Vision Works in Toms River, NJ. The Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan is survived by his wife Eleanor, his son Randall, his sister Terri and his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

2000s Shirley M.C. Albright, AuD ’08 passed away on December 18, 2016 at 67 years of age. Dr. Albright served as a staff audiologist and hearing aid dispenser at the South Dakota and Hawaii schools for the deaf for the majority of her career, concluding her career as an audiologist for the Linn-Benton-Lincoln ESD in Albany. The fiber arts and Star Trek enthusiast had a passion for the profession of audiology—she was a longtime member of both the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and was recognized for starting the first Girl Scout troop for deaf girls. The lover of reading is survived by her parents, Robert and Irene; her husband, Michael; her three children, Laura, Gregory, and Kathryn; seven grandchildren; her sister and brother; six nieces; and four nephews.

Help Us Contact Our Alumni WE HAVE NO CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE ALUMNI LISTED BELOW.

Can you provide information about a classmate? If so, please contact Jamie Lemisch at 215.780.1391 or jlemisch@salus.edu.

Irvin J. Coin, OD 1943 Samuel Gordon, OD 1943 Leon W. Robbins, OD 1943 Donald H. Doctor, OD 1953 Russell H. Hunt, OD 1953 Ralf H. Miller, OD 1958 Herschel Russell, OD 1958 Arthur D. Katz, OD 1963 Robert T. Boone, OD 1968 Kolman Brown, OD 1968 Edward R. Johnston, OD 1968 Theodore W. Kassalow, OD 1968 Kenneth Berger, OD 1973 Thomas R. Hufnal, OD 1973 Paul H. Roberts, OD 1973 John J. Duffy, OD 1978 Richard M. Matusiak, OD 1978 Steve Rabinowitz, OD 1978 Michael S. Bryan, OD 1983 David H. Evian, OD 1983 Beth L. Keller, OD 1983 Wayne L. Knight, OD 1983 George A. Stephenson, OD 1983 Robert J. Bastaich, OD 1988 Teresa J. Pastula, OD 1988 Richard W. Roth, OD 1988 B. Evon Wadsworth, OD 1988 Elizabeth A. Yocius-Ball, OD 1993 Cynthia M. Brame, MS 1993 Cheryl L. Chesney, MEd 1993 Kevin J. De Angelis, MS, DPM 1993 Joyce A. Morton-Elzie, MEd 1993 Margaret Shuker-Terry, MEd 1993 Mary A. Tillotson, OD 1993 William M. Velez, OD 1993 Linda Gerard Ables, OD 1998 Grace A. Martinez, MS 1998 Rebecca F. Ritchie, MS 1998 Arlene Rodriguez, OD 1998 Shawn D. Thomas, OD 1998 Melanie L. Williams, OD 1998 Michelle L. Bayan, MS 2003

Roger Borner, BS, MSc 2003 Ms. Katherine W. Carroccio 2003 Chanin J. Funair, OD 2003 Ms. Anita C. Henderson 2003 Sven Jonuscheit, BS, MSc 2003 Zia Mahmood, AuD 2003 Leo R. Neuweiler, BS, MSc 2003 Hannah Park, OD 2003 Jeong-Hun Song, OD 2003 Ms. Tilly R. Steele 2003 Ms. Deborah L. Vonderheid 2003 Andreas Wilhelm, BS, MSc 2003 Nicolaj Aagaard, MSc 2008 Patricia M. Auger, AuD 2008 Judith Behm, MSc 2008 Harald Buchner, BS, MSc 2008 Sabine E. Buchner, BS, MSc 2008 Anne-Marie Calkins, AuD 2008 Ronald J. Campana, OD 2008 James Chong, BS, MSc 2008 Gerardina Competiello, AuD 2008 Heidi Dittmann, MSc 2008 Jaime L. Ehret, AuD 2008 Jeremy M. Ernstes, OD 2008 Klaus Gmeiner, BS, MSc 2008 Christine Haegstad, MSc 2008 Wanja Hansen, MSc 2008 Helmut Hassmann, BS, MSc 2008 Gerd S. Hollund, MSc 2008 Jeramy J. Jenkins, AuD 2008 D. Jason Kemp, AuD 2008 Beth F. Rasmussen, AuD 2008 Carmen Schier, MSc 2008 Snyde Simbert-Pierre, AuD 2008 Sara J. Stone, AuD 2008 Helene Stromsvik, MSc 2008 Ellen P. Torvik, MSc 2008 Brianne B. Tully, AuD 2008 Richard J. Zimbalist, OD, FAAO 2008 Suemaya S. Gouda, OD 2013 Sarah A. Nowling, AuD 2013

Brunch+ Baseball with the Board Join Salus University Alumni Association board members for brunch and a day of camaraderie and fun at the ballpark.

Sunday June 4, 2017 Phillies vs. Giants THIS YEAR'S EVENT INCLUDES:

• The "I" Care Raffle Drawing • The election of Alumni Association Board Members • A presentation by Ryan Hollister, MS, Salus University Career Services and Enrollment Coordinator This is a family-friendly event, so feel free to bring spouses/ significant others and children. Registration includes a Salus University baseball cap. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER VISIT WWW.SALUS.EDU/EVENTS

SPRING 2017

2017 Alumni Association Awardees The Salus University Alumni Association annually recognizes the professional contributions and achievements of graduates and friends of the institution. Awardees are nominated by alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of Salus.

Christopher J. Quinn, OD ’85, FAAO

Sherman G. Lord, AuD ’09

ALBERT FITCH MEMORIAL ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD

AUDIOLOGY ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

Dr. Quinn is founder and president of Omni Eye Services in NJ. Omni is a multi-specialty ophthalmic practice that serves as an affiliated externship site for Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) students and sponsors an accredited residency program affiliated with Salus PCO. Currently serving as American Optometric Association (AOA) president-elect, he is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, and Distinguished Practitioner of the National Academies of Practice.

Dr. Lord has had the unique situation of not only being at the forefront of the latest developments in hearing and balance technologies (former owner of Midlantic Technologies Group—a special equipment distributor for audiologist and otologists) but also as a teacher and technical consultant to end users. A strong advocate and promoter of the University’s Osborne College of Audiology, he is also an adjunct faculty member and Advisory Board member. He has been the leading advocate for audiology issues in Pennsylvania and was instrumental in several successful legislative issues for state licensure.

This award is presented to an alumnus of the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) who has distinguished himself/herself through extraordinary service and contributions to the profession of optometry, bringing honor and prestige to the College.

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

This award is presented to an alumnus of the Salus University Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) or the PCO School of Audiology who has distinguished himself/herself through extraordinary service and contributions to the profession of Audiology, bringing honor and prestige to Salus University and OCA.

2017 Alumni Association Awardees

FOR FULL AWARDEE BIOGRAPHIES, VISIT WWW.SALUS.EDU/ALUMNI-AWARDS

Audrey J. Smith, PhD, CLVT, COMS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD In 1978, Dr. Smith joined the Pennsylvania College of Optometry as a low vision and orientation and mobility specialist at the William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center. She later headed the Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment, and led the development of the Blindness and Low Vision Studies programs that became the College of Education and Rehabilitation (CER), of which she became dean. Under her leadership, the College has received more than $40 million in grant funding, an accomplishment she attributes to teamwork and working with her talented and passionate CER staff.

This award is presented to a non-alumnus who is closely identified with Salus University and who has provided notable service to the University and their profession.

Christine T. McAndrew, MMS ’09, PA-C

Elizabeth A. O’Donnell, MS ’86, COMS, CLVT, TVI

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION STUDIES ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

A certified physician assistant in the field of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, Ms. McAndrew serves as the physician assistant to Dr. L. Scott Levin, the chairman of the department of Orthopedic Surgery. She serves as the hand transplant coordinator for the adult and pediatric hand transplant programs at Penn and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In July 2015, she was an integral part of the Penn Medicine/ CHOP team that trained together for 18 months and then performed the world’s first pediatric bilateral hand transplant on eight-year-old Zion Harvey.

Ms. O’Donnell has made significant contributions to the field of blindness and low vision through her decades-long career. In 1986, she was hired by Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) as the coordinator of the orientation and mobility program for fieldwork and internships while working as a low vision rehabilitation specialist at the Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center, among other roles. Currently serving as adjunct faculty for the Orientation and Mobility summer orientation and Mobility Techniques course, she also acts as a supervisor for interns in the program.

This award is presented to an alumnus of the Salus University Physician Assistant Studies program who has distinguished himself/herself through extraordinary service and contributions to the physician assistant profession, bringing honor and prestige to Salus University.

This award is presented to an alumnus of the Salus University Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies who has distinguished himself/herself through extraordinary service and contributions to the field of Blindness and Low Vision Education and Rehabilitation, bringing honor and prestige to Salus University.

SPRING 2017

“This photo is from my first year at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, which was 35 years ago, when I had a lot more hair. In the early 1980s, I was chief of the Pediatric Department at The Eye Institute supervising fourth year interns. Here I’m demonstrating the evaluation of binocular vision in a young child.” MITCHELL SCHEIMAN, OD, PHD ‘16, SALUS UNIVERSIT Y DEAN OF RESEARCH AND DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE

SALUS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Looking Back

NONP R OFIT ORGAN I ZATI ON U.S. POSTAGE PAID P H IL A DELPHI A, PA P E R MIT N O. 773

Office of Institutional Advancement Salus University 8360 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027-1516 ADDRE SS S E RV ICE REQUE S TE D

www.salus.edu

Calendar of Events

VISIT WWW.SALUS.EDU/EVENTS FOR DETAILS

APRIL 26 – 28, 2017 2017 Penn-Del AER Conference* Harrisburg, PA

JUNE 8 — 11, 2017 NEAAHP 2017 Conference Philadelphia, PA

SEPTEMBER 17, 2017 Optometric Education Program Elkins Park, PA

APRIL 28 – 30, 2017 Adventures in Voice and Voice Therapy Spectrum, SLP Continuing Education Elkins Park, PA

JUNE 11, 2017 Myopia Symposium, Optometry Continuing Education Elkins Park, PA

OCTOBER 9, 2017 Fall Commencement Philadelphia, PA

MAY 7, 2017 Excellence in Education, Optometry Continuing Education Elkins Park, PA MAY 15 – 19, 2017 American Academy of Physician Assistants Conference* Las Vegas, NV MAY 25, 2017 Spring Commencement Kimmel Center for Performing Arts Philadelphia, PA JUNE 4, 2017 Brunch+Baseball with the Board* Philadelphia, PA

*Includes Salus University-hosted alumni reception

JUNE 21 – 25, 2017 American Optometric Association: Optometry’s Meeting* Washington, DC JULY 6, 2017 Blindness and Low Vision Studies Reception and Awards Program* Elkins Park, PA JULY 19 – 22, 2017 AER International Conference Pittsburgh, PA JULY 22 – 25 & JULY 27 – 30, 2017 Audiology Summer Workshops Elkins Park, PA

OCTOBER 11 – 14, 2017 American Academy of Optometry Chicago, IL OCTOBER 26, 2017 ACT 31 Training Elkins Park, PA NOV 9 – 11, 2017 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference Los Angeles, CA NOVEMBER 11, 2017 Looking Out for Kids Philadelphia, PA FEB 28 – MAR 4, 2018 SECO International* Atlanta, GA