THE ALUMNI MAGA ZINE OF
SPRING 2014
Inside this issue: 2 4 7 8 10 13 15 16 Back
From the President What’s in a Name? Salute to Felix and Pierrette Barker Salus’s Rennaissance Man Alumni News University News Class Notes In Memoriam Missing Alumni Calendar of Coming Events
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Published by Salus University
Michael H, Mittelman, OD ’80, MPH President
Lynne C. Corboy Director of Development
Jamie Lemisch Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
E d ito r
Peggy Shelly Coordinator, Publications and Communications
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano, Jamie Lemisch, Kerry Lueders, Nan Myers
E D I TO R I A L A S S I S TA N C E
Lynne Corboy, Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano, Karen Greave, Jamie Lemisch, Melissa Padilla, Jeanne Zearfoss
The Alumni Magazine of Salus University is published bi-annually for alumni, parents and friends. Please send comments, contributions and address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement Salus University 8360 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 Salus University by choice, declares and reaffirms its policy of complying with federal and state legislation and does not in any way discriminate in education programs, employment or in service to the public on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, 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, (215) 780-1267 Office of Alumni Relations (215) 780-1391 alumni@salus.edu www.salus.edu
Design
Dale Parenti Design
PHOTOGR APHY
Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano, John Dolores, Karen Greave, Don Hamerman, Dan Z. Johnson, Peggy Shelly
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RELE VA NC E F R O M DR . M I T T E L M A N
“The mission of Salus University concentrates not only on keeping pace … but, more importantly, setting national trends and standards and being the leader in providing the nation’s top health, education, and rehabilitation professionals.” As we continue our 94-year tradition of leadership, excellence, innovation, advocacy and outreach in the delivery of healthcare, I want to take this opportunity to thank you – our alumni – for your ongoing support, leadership and encouragement. From its establishment in 1919 as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, this institution has set the standard for health, education, and rehabilitation professionals. We have advanced the scope of practice for the professions we serve while maintaining and expanding our focus on academics and research, and acquiring a distinguished record of firsts. As the healthcare landscape continues to change around us we must remain agile and relevant in order to assure that our graduates are prepared to meet the clinical, professional and political challenges that will come their way. Our commitment to preparing highly skilled professionals has ensured that this University consistently provides the highest level of education for all of our specialties, positioning our graduates as future leaders and state-of-the-art providers who will be at the forefront of their professions. It’s an exciting time at Salus. We’ve added dynamic, relevant programs such as Occupational Therapy and SpeechLanguage Pathology to our already robust armamentarium of academic choices, which positions us extremely well to navigate the changing tides of healthcare education and delivery. A new program, the Salus Institute for Multisensory Rehabilitation (SIMR), combines many of our specialties and will redefine how an interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of acquired brain injury can be effectively leveraged both in our own clinical settings and others’. At Salus we not only teach how to practice in an integrated health care system, we practice it as well. Student education at each of the University’s four colleges speaks to the many aspects of this century’s growing need to promote health and well being throughout society. Through our innovative curricula, the University continues to offer a broad-based, interprofessional clinical education, presenting our students with a wide range of challenging primary care opportunities. Well-known for our excellent clinical education, our commitment to early clinical training
has provided an advantage for Salus students, especially when the clerkship and externship placement process begins. Our alumni preceptors play an integral part in our students’ externship experience, contributing to our clinical reputation. The future of the health professions is dynamic. Changes in the nation’s healthcare delivery system are significantly altering every facet of our diversified medical fields. Advancements in technology, unimaginable in the past, have become standard practice today. The mission of Salus University concentrates not only on keeping pace with these rapidly expanding areas but, more importantly, setting national trends and standards and being the leader in providing the nation’s top health, education, and rehabilitation professionals. Our success as an institution derives from combining bright, motivated students with outstanding, world-class faculty, an involved and generous alumni base, excellent facilities and creative, diverse learning opportunities. Your active and continued support of Salus is not only greatly appreciated but is absolutely necessary if we are to continue to provide the highest level of health science education to the future professionals that we train. If you’re in Philadelphia stop in to see us; you’ll be proud of what we’ve accomplished.
Michael Mittelman, OD,MPH, FAAO President
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What’s in a Name?
By Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD ’73, MPH, MEd
Shakespeare knew the power and magic of words. He understood that within each word, each name, there lies a story, a symbol, a deeper meaning that touches our senses, our intellect and our heart. The choice of Salus as the name of our academic home in 2008 reflected a historical moment in our evolution. In order to appreciate that moment, a journey back in historical consciousness, not to live there, but to again feel, smell and experience the texture of our institutional history and how those aspirations gave birth to who we are today.
Perspective
The founding of the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry in 1919 was led by its first president, Albert Fitch. Fitch understood that the transformation of the profession of optometry from opticianry would have to be built on an understanding of the needs of the public for quality vision care and the absolute importance of a proper educational foundation. As such, Fitch postulated that “A proper college of optometry must compare with any of the colleges of the other health professions, such as medicine and dentistry, and be on a par with the best of them.” Biomedical sciences formed a distinctive academic and clinical foundation of the curriculum, in contrast to other programs which gave almost exclusive emphasis to visual science. Bringing the strength of the biomedical sciences together with the distinctive visual sciences propelled the institution to become the first program to award a Doctor of Optometry degree (OD) in 1923. Fitch’s progressive ideals led to the 1937 introduction of Pennsylvania State House Bill No. 1119, which would have granted optometrists full privileges to diagnose and treat eye diseases. While it fell one vote short because of political deception, it was the catalyst for the transformation of optometry to the full scope primary eye care profession that it enjoys today. Fitch’s drive, boldness and spirit became the defining character of the institution. This root belief in the necessity to grow, to go beyond the norms of the day, to look beyond oneself and aspire to be more and do more, ultimately led to the leadership role that PCO played in curricular innovation, political action and clinical expansion for decades. This spirit of leadership led to a number of firsts such as the development of a comprehensive inter-disciplinary clinical facility, The Eye Institute, for education and patient care; the first school or college of optometry to develop a comprehensive, off-campus externship program; the first to establish graduate programs in the fields of blindness and visual impairment; the first to launch international programs to advance optometry worldwide; and the first college of optometry to expand its programs beyond optometry and include audiology and physician assistant studies. Today, the institution has four doctoral level programs and ten 2
master’s level graduate and professional degree programs including the fields of occupational therapy, public health and biomedicine. In addition, the institution is launching a speech-language pathology program and has a wide-ranging research enterprise and an expanding clinical service system. By the early 21st century, the continued growth and diversification of our educational programs led the Board of Trustees to ultimately approve seeking university status as the appropriate new foundation for the institution. On January 31, 2008, PCO received official notice it had been granted university status. On July 1, 2008 the institution officially changed its name and status to Salus University. That 90-year journey was defined by an enduring commitment to not accepting the status quo and realizing that our future was rooted in the spirit that gave birth to our founding. Grasping this founding spirit gives us continued purpose and a glimpse of our potential.
Purpose
Notwithstanding the unique accomplishments of the institution during its first 90 year history, the institution became increasingly and acutely aware of the significant internal and external challenges that it must address as a private independent institution in the 21st Century. The diversification of its programs continually challenged its identity and demanded greater clarity in its mission and vision. As a result, a comparison of our mission statements over the past 15 years tells our story of growth and evolution. The mission of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry incrementally evolved from “graduating doctors of optometry…” to “educating healthcare professionals and educators…” In 2010, the University’s mission moved from being discipline-centered to patient-centered. This shift was profound inasmuch as it put the emphasis on our ultimate purpose and less on the means of getting there. Today, the mission of Salus University is “to protect and enhance health and well-being through education, research, patient care and community services worldwide.” The new University mission provides a broad platform for growth, affirming the essence of its new name, Salus, the Latin term for health and well-being. It is wholistic and underscores the interdependent goals of education, research, patient care and community service. Very importantly, it extends the University‘s reach and impact to the global community. In a very real way, our name is our mission. So, what’s in a name? The change in name to Salus (a story in itself) brings with it fascinating history, etymology and mythology – all giving a deeper and richer insight into who we are and can become. Salus was the name of a Roman goddess and was an enduring image throughout the Roman Empire. She was often depicted on the reverse side of many Roman coins. She was the protector and symbolized health, well-being, welfare and security. Most interestingly, she was the protectorate of both the individual and the public across
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the Roman Empire – Salus Publica Populi Romani. Today the state of Missouri has the motto Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto. (“Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.”) If we dig deeper literally, we find that the root of Salus is even more historically and etymologically fascinating (and relevant to our mission). The root of the word salus is the same as that of salt. For centuries, nations fought over salt for its commercial, religious and life-sustaining value. We crave salt because of its importance to the health of our bodies, the Himalayan salt crystal is known for its healing power, and everyone has been exposed to the magical properties of salt for cleansing, purification and protection. Our language is filled with salt idioms, underscoring its ubiquitous significance: “salt of the earth,” “salting something away,” “worth his salt,” and “sending him back to the salt mines,” etc. So, what’s in a name? The University name Salus provides a sharp focus for our overarching purpose. It is defining and aspirational. It bridges our past historical evolution with our future direction.
Potential
Salus University stands poised to continue its journey. Our name underscores our dedication to health and well-being, not only for individuals, but also for the community at large, both externally and internally. As such, Salus represents a dedication to organizational health that includes all aspects of our academic community. Our future will be defined by how we respond to the social, economic, political and technological challenges of the 21st century. Our roots have demonstrated that as an institution we have been agents of and for social change. Our institutional genome has been built on being proactive, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Our future will demand a next generation of creative self-expression. Evolving from a single-purpose institution to an interprofessional environment for learning, discovery and impact positions us to seize the opportunities in a quickly changing, integrated health care system. Our institutional development has been characterized by increasing levels of integration – at curricular, service delivery, and strategic
levels. Our commitment to interprofessional education (IPE) is a natural extension of our organic growth across disciplines. This is more than an academic exercise; it is what our healthcare system will demand. Coordinated care, medical home models, integrated electronic health records, team-based group practices – are just a few of the integrative strategies at work in our system. At Salus, IPE is foundational to preparing all of our students for their future careers. The preparation of tomorrow’s practitioners can be seen at Salus from our integrated Evidence-Based Practice course in which all students participate, to IPE case-based learning, to interprofessional community based-screenings. Probably the most significant initiative that symbolizes the University’s interprofessional strategies is the Salus Institute for Multisensory Rehabilitation (SIMR), a project underway now off-site, with plans to open an Elkins Park campus office. At the core of SIMR’s Collaborate interprofessional practice is the patient who has acquired brain injury (ABI). Remediate Compensate This collaborative model of patient-centered care Patient aims to support the independence of individuals with multisensory loss due to neurological involvement. It will bring together students and faculty across all of our programs in an integrated approach to diagnosing and treating the multifaceted needs of this growing population. Using compensatory and remedial strategies, SIMR professionals will collaborate with patients and caregivers to design individualized plans for evaluation and treatment. Collaboration may even extend into patients’ homes, schools, places of employment and communities as needed. SIMR is an expression of the University’s evolution. It speaks to our potential for seizing opportunities that are responsive to public needs while reaffirming the distinctive profile of our institution. Our president, Dr. Michael Mittelman, has seized our legacy of leadership and innovation. As he states in his president’s message in this issue, “The mission of Salus University concentrates not only on keeping pace… but, more importantly, setting national trends and standards…” So, what’s in a name? Salus gives us perspective, purpose and potential. It tells a story of our past, present and future. It symbolizes health and well-being at individual, community and organizational levels. Ultimately, it will challenge us to realize that our mission is life-affirming as we complete our circle. To quote TS Eliot: “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
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University Salutes Faculty Legacy of Distinction by Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD ’73, MPH, MEd
University culture is more than its academic programs. It is a reflection of its values, aspirations and humanity. Dr. Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker and Dr. Felix Barker came to PCO at a time of historical transformation both for the institution and the profession of optometry. They were immediately immersed in building the foundation for the College’s academic, clinical and research programs. For over three decades, they became an integral part of defining the College’s continued spirit of leadership, innovation and institutional energy. As our colleagues transition to their next adventure, they leave behind more than their course notes, scholarly publications, and office furniture – they leave us with a legacy of leadership, professionalism and commitment. These are the ingredients of organizational culture that will endure beyond the individual, and which shape the future for those that follow. “Pierrette and Felix” came to PCO in 1978 at a time of dynamic institutional change. They now leave the University at a distinctively exciting time of the next generation of transformation. Much of the culture that has been shaped over the last 35 years has their imprint on it. They both believed in progressive change – from Curriculum 2000 to excimer lasers; from integrated case-based learning to modeling the future of eye care in The Eye Institute; and from leadership research training in biomedicine to laying a foundation for competitive clinical research. These achievements punctuate their contributions but also challenge the next generation to continue to aspire and believe in the future possibilities for institutional selfrealization.
The University’s tribute to the legacy of Dr. Pierrette DayhawBarker and Dr. Felix Barker culminated on February 27, 2014, when both received the Faculty Distinguished Service Award at the annual faculty social and awards ceremony. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest recognition accorded to faculty members who have served with distinction and impact. As vice president of Academic Affairs, I had the honor of presenting the awards. I highlighted the award for Dr. Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker by recognizing her as “an academic leader whose extraordinary achievements have made her a role model for education, scholarship and service; a professional whose boundless energy and enthusiasm have inspired colleagues to aspire to academic careers; and a friend whose compassion and commitment have played an historical role in the culture of the University.” Dr. Felix Barker’s award recognized him as “an academic visionary whose distinctive contributions have set the highest standards in education, scholarship and service; a humanitarian whose compassion and dedication have fostered the advancement of global eye and vision care; and a professional whose tireless presence and engagement have unselfishly served his students, colleagues, patients, and communities worldwide.” The University faculty salutes “Pierrette and Felix” as mentors who have guided us with wisdom and honor and who will have an enduring impact on Salus University.
On January 26, 2014, the University Board of Trustees formalized Dr. Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker’s appointment to the status University professor emerita of Biomedical Sciences and founding dean of the University’s Graduate Programs in Biomedicine. Dr. Mittelman noted that “all of our programs recognize and applaud your many years of dedication, commitment and accomplishment. You have touched each member of the University with your professionalism, leadership, and loyalty. You have always been there to guide, support, counsel and inspire – students, faculty and colleagues alike.” On May 23, 2011, the Board granted Dr. Felix Barker the status of professor emeritus of Optometry and Visual Science. At that event, immediate past-president Dr. Thomas L. Lewis stated that the University and PCO in particular “recognize and applaud your many years of dedication, commitment and accomplishment. Your contributions have been exemplary and will have an enduring impact on our programs and academic culture.”
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Dr. Felix Barker: “I Left to Fulfill a Dream” by Nan Myers
In April, 2009, Felix M. Barker II, OD, MS, FAAO, left his position as dean of Research at Salus University to fulfill a dream. “Everyone was so surprised; they didn’t have any idea that I was planning this,” he recalls. “They said ‘when did you decide to do that?’ I said 30 years ago. We (he and his wife, Dr. Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker) came to Philadelphia for a job …at PCO, but we’d bought property in South Carolina a long time ago and it was always our intent to go there when we retired. “But I’m not ready to retire,” he explains. “Since there is no branch campus of PCO down there I had to find another opportunity and the Veterans Affairs Department cooperated.” Today, Dr. Barker is a staff optometrist at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Veterans Administration Medical Center in Salisbury, NC. He also works on, and speaks about, traumatic brain injury (TBI). He is the research director at the Vision Center of Excellence, a collaboration of the Department of Defense and the VA. “It (the research) is designed to mitigate the effects of combat eye injury and vision loss due to brain injury through prevention, management and surgical rehabilitation,” he explains. In addition to seeing TBI patients in the hospital, Dr. Barker is doing administrative and advocacy work developing initiatives for combat eye trauma. In remembering earlier days at PCO, he says that he liked the way past president Dr. Norman Wallis was guiding PCO. “He was leading the school forward from its strong roots in medical optometry to a program that, for ten years, led the nation in expanding the scope of optometry from purely optical management to medical eye care.” “When I first came, I got to be one of the first module chiefs at The Eye Institute (TEI). The dean was one of my faculty members at Houston (the University of Houston College of Optometry, where Drs. Felix and Pierrette Barker were on staff prior to coming to PCO). And at that time, TEI was blazing the trail; we were lecturing in every state, leading the effort to legislatively redefine the profession. If you look at schools now you will see this influence across the country. They all have eye institutes now.” “At that time, Dr. Lewis was chief of staff. When Dr. Lewis became dean, I became chief of staff. This morphed into me becoming a director of Clinical Educational at TEI for five years.” The Eye Institute opened in 1978 during Dr. Wallis’ tenure. It was hailed as an “unrivaled setting of comprehensive eye care” – the largest of its kind in the world, with a multidisciplinary approach – optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, optometric technicians, students, and other health care professionals working together under one roof. “We had only the best of everything, including visionary leadership, new facilities, state of the art equipment, bright students and, most importantly, energetic faculty who were committed to quality and to changing the profession of optometry as we knew it,” Dr. Barker notes.
“That is why I had chosen to come into optometric education, to influence the direction of the profession toward a wider scope of practice and toward a greater multidisciplinary involvement with all of the health care professions. PCO was the grand workshop for such a transformation and, it was the only place to be.” In the mid-1980s PCO was the site for the Laser Institute. “We had the first excimer laser in Philadelphia. We were the first to teach laser treatments to optometrists,” Dr. Barker proudly explains. After spending a year in London on sabbatical in 1986, where he worked at Moorfields Eye Hospital with Alan Byrd and Geoff Arden doing retinal physiology to understand how the retina works, Dr. Barker returned to TEI to continue work related to light damage. “I really liked working at PCO,” he says. “When I was head of research I spent one day a week at The Eye Institute.” He became director of Research in 1988 and dean of Research in 2007. Dr. Barker also was named interim dean of Optometry in 2005. Dr. Barker was also a US Army Reserve captain. Military service and higher education run in the Barker family. Adrienne, their youngest, lives in Denver and served three tours of duty, including Iraq, as a US Army signal corps officer. Their eldest, Monica, lives nearby in Chapin, SC and is pursuing a PhD, as is son Alec, who lives in Fairfax, VA. The Barkers also have three grandchildren. As the dean of Research and throughout his career, Dr. Barker was published extensively in scholarly journals. He also worked with the University’s researchers, overseeing their studies, facilitating and helping to support their grant efforts. Additionally, he was instrumental in obtaining the charter for an on-campus PCO chapter of Lions Club International and he rarely missed an opportunity to precept at the many vision screenings held by PCO Lions Club students. In May 2011, Dr. Barker’s appointment as professor emeritus was unanimously approved by the University’s Board of Trustees. In February of this year, he received the University’s Faculty Distinguished Service Award, awarded to faculty members who have served “with distinction and impact.” More than a strong research legacy, the impact of Felix Barker’s thirty-one years of service to PCO and Salus can be found in his willingness to offer information, share knowledge, and provide guidance to colleagues, students and staffers alike. Combined with his professionalism, dry humor and generosity, he has indeed served “with distinction.”
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Dr. Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker: “I was surprised…” by Nan Myers
In February, after 35 years, Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker, PhD, finished a long and distinguished career at Salus University and set off for South Carolina, where she and her husband, Dr. Felix Barker, plan to build a house on Lake Murray.
they moved to Philadelphia. Although her initial plan was to interact with researchers, Pierrette took a small administrative position at PCO and “I became more and more involved in a lot of things in research, curriculum, and administration.
In an interview given months prior to her departure, she admitted that she was leaving Salus with mixed emotions and indicated that initially she would not cut ties to the University. “I will continue to serve as a mentor for some of my graduate students,” promised the founding dean of Graduate Programs in Biomedicine.
“Very quickly we began to reorganize the departments. We folded together two divisions – one was more basic and one was more ocular – as we started to revise some of the approaches done in the laboratory to closely reflect the types of procedures that are done by clinicians.”
The two Dr. Barkers came to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 1978. “We were leery of coming to a small private school because we were university people,” she remembers. “I’d lived my whole life in some sort of an association with a university.” (Her father, Lawrence Dayhaw, was a professor at the University of Ottawa.) About her arrival in Philadelphia, Dr. Dayhaw-Barker says, “I was surprised; it turned out to be a much more serious place than I’d expected. I figured I would stay for three to five years to see if I fit in.” She credits PCO President Norman Wallis, OD, whom she knew by reputation at UHCO, for recruiting her. “He had decided to bring a number of outside faculty members into PCO; he had an outstanding reputation for excellence and being a visionary. The fact that PCO had a history of biomedical approaches to optometry is probably what convinced me. “I was just coming off a research associate position,” she says. In Houston, she and Felix were involved in research on ultraviolet radiation and the eye, work they continued when
During her tenure, she served in many capacities as both an administrator and teacher, and as a researcher. After a period she maintained “minimal research activity” because she was getting more involved in administration. In 1985 Dr. Dayhaw-Barker was named department chair of Biomedical Science and in 1989 she became the assistant dean for Basic Science, a position she had held for eight years when she became associate dean in 1997. Most of my time,” she says, “was being spent in curriculum development.” Dr. Dayhaw-Barker served as associate dean for the Foundations of Optometric Medicine and also as interim director of the Physician Assistant program during a critical accreditation period before she began to create the University’s first PhD program (Biomedicine). She retired in February of this year as the founding dean for Graduate Programs in Biomedicine with the rank of professor emerita, a status granted unanimously by the Board of Trustees in January. In February Dr. Dayhaw-Barker received the Faculty Distinguished Service Award, the highest recognition accorded to faculty members who have served “with distinction and impact.” At the presentation, Salus president, Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, told her, “You have touched each member of the University with your professionalism, leadership and loyalty. You have always been there to guide, support, counsel and inspire students, faculty and colleagues alike… Your contributions have been extraordinary and will have an enduring impact on our programs and academic culture that you helped to define.” In addition to extensive publications in scholarly journals, Dr. Dayhaw-Barker has taught every summer since the 1978 creation of the Summer Enrichment Program begun by now retired dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Robert Horne. Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker is celebrated for her caring professionalism, vision, humor and many other qualities that have earned her the affection and respect of hundreds of her students, as well as her numerous colleagues, friends and associates. Her impact can be found in many areas of the University, not the least of which are her quiet strength, competence and support, which have proven to be a mainstay for so many here at Salus. UHCO Commencement address, May 2013: Dr. Dayhaw-Barker was presented with the Distinguished Alumna Award by the University of Houston College of Optometry. She was the first female graduate of the UHCO optometric PhD program.
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Salus’s Renaissance Man: Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD ’73, MPH, MEd A force to be reckoned with since his first day at Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) in 1969, Tony Di Stefano, current vice president of Academic Affairs, will step down on June 30 after 45 years as a PCO/Salus student, faculty member, dean and administrator. Born in Italy and raised in the United States, the LaSalle University graduate is justly proud of his Italian roots, which might account for the fact that the University’s Latin name, Salus, was his brainchild. When name choices were under discussion, it was Dr. Di Stefano who presented a cogent and thoughtful explanation of the name Salus to the Board of Trustees and marketing committee as a suggestion, and a new university was born. Described alternately as creative, intelligent, a visionary, focused, and a dreamer, Anthony F. Di Stefano scores high on both ends of the personality spectrum. Observe him during a meeting and it is apparent that his mind never seems to stop. Ever searching for ways to create new processes and programs or to improve existing ones, he gives the speaker his attention while his mind runs full-tilt ahead of everyone else around the table. Always, he looks for ways to integrate the mission of the University and to promote the interprofessional aspects of any project. In ways large and small, Dr. Di Stefano has played no little role in the growth of PCO and its transformation into Salus University. When Dr. Di Stefano announced in August that he would be transitioning this year, President Michael H. Mittelman said, “As Tony Di Stefano prepares to step down, I cannot help but reflect upon the impact he has had on PCO and Salus University, as well as all of the students – myself included – he has positively influenced over the course of his tenure at our great institution.” Former Salus president, Dr. Thomas L. Lewis, who worked closely with Dr. Di Stefano for many years, said, “No one has contributed more to Salus University over the last 25 years than Tony Di Stefano.“ In his role as vice president of Academic Affairs, Dr. Di Stefano is responsible for the overall quality and scope of the educational and research programs delivered by the University. This includes the implementation of the academic
policy; the curriculum for all academic programs; the provision of a research environment, and technical support for the education, research and service programs of the University. He is also responsible for the University’s college and program advisory board programs, as well as faculty support, training, and career development. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Di Stefano has extensive teaching experience in the areas of community health, epidemiology, health care policy and organization, and optometric jurisprudence. In his internal announcement to the Salus community, he noted that the opportunity afforded him by PCO to earn his MPH in 1974 was “transformative in my professional life.” He wants to continue to “pass it on” through continued work at Salus. He created the Salus MPH degree and certificate programs and, while on sabbatical from July 2014 to June 2015, he intends to “develop world class programs in public health for Salus.” Not only did Dr. Di Stefano’s vision help to move the College and University forward, it also made innumerable international contributions. Early on he clearly understood the critical importance of providing education to international practitioners that would allow them to expand the scope of optometric practice in their countries and ultimately improve the public’s access to vision care. As vice president of Academic Affairs he has overseen the growth of the Salus international optometric program, as well as entered into agreements for international programs for the MPH and PhD programs. In addition to his responsibilities here, from 1996 to 2006 Dr. Di Stefano was the executive director of the World Council of Optometry (WCO), an international nongovernmental organization whose mission is to make vision care accessible to all people around the globe. Under his directorship the WCO initiated an official relationship with the United Nations World Health Organization which they continue to maintain today. When pressed to reveal which single achievement has brought him the most pride in his years here, Tony Di Stefano says, “To carry on the spirit of founder Dr. Albert Fitch, who laid the foundation for an institution dedicated to growth, innovation, political activism, and creative self-realization at personal, professional, and program levels.” There is no better way to describe Tony Di Stefano, whose vision and dedication helped to propel an innovative and outstanding college of optometry into a University that is home to eleven additional non-optometry degree programs that are fast gaining reputations for excellence and innovation. Dr. Di Stefano obtained his Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in biology from LaSalle University, a Master of Education (MEd) degree from Temple University, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. 7
Alumni Annual Meeting and Day at the Ballpark! by Jamie Lemisch, Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
Batter up!
Join us for the Alumni Association’s Annual Meeting and free brunch on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the Holiday Inn Stadium Philadelphia followed by a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park. This year’s Annual Meeting includes: The “I” Care Raffle Drawing The election of new Alumni Association Board members Guest speaker, Larry McClure, PhD, associate dean, director of Institutional Research and Strategic Planning will present on student indebtedness and how it affects our graduates and their professions The Annual Meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. and conclude by 12:30 p.m. The baseball game, Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds, begins at 1:35 p.m. This is a family-friendly event, so feel free to bring spouses/ significant others and children. Tickets for the game are $28 per person ($15 for Salus students) with seats located on the Score Board Porch. Wheelchair accessible seats are available upon request. Parking at the hotel is only $15 for our group and is a one block walk to the ballpark. Additionally, tailgating is permitted in the parking lot so feel free to plan your own festivities!
*Please note all baseball ticket sales are non-refundable. Discount hotel rooms are available as well at the Holiday Inn Stadium Philadelphia. Please call the hotel directly to make your reservation at 215.755.9500. For more information and to register, contact Jamie Lemisch, jlemisch@salus.edu or 215.780.1391.
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T h e A l u m n i Ma g a z i n e o f S a l u s U n i v e r s i t y
AUTO | HOME
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SPRING 2014
Please Join us in Celebrating our Heritage Pennsylvania College of Optometry
HELPING THE Community
vision care services
National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
public health fairs
Friday, June 27, 2014
7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Held in conjunction with Optometry’s MeetingŽ
uninsured children
Special event to benefit community outreach programs. Register online by June 20, 2014 at: www.salus.edu/aoa2014
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University News
Susan C. Oleszewski, OD ’76, MA, was appointed chief of staff to the president and began her new position in December. Prior to accepting this appointment Dr. Oleszewski was vice president of Patient Care Services and executive director of The Eye Institute. John Gaal, MHA,FACHE, was appointed vice president, Clinical Operations and began his new position in February. Mr. Gaal, a US Army veteran with 28 years of service, was chief operating officer of the Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda MD before his retirement. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and the Army-Baylor program at Baylor University, where he earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Jan Scharre, OD, was appointed University provost in March just before the magazine went to press. In his announcement to the Salus community Dr. Mittelman said, ”Dr. Scharre brings a history of success in key areas that include her considerable experience in academic affairs, accreditation, research, program expansion, increasing national test rates, and creating collaborative programs with area universities and colleges.” Dr. Scharre, who will succeed Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano, will transition to her new position during the next few months. Vice president of Academic Affairs, Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano announced the following appointments:
In January and February, the University community attended presentations from three candidates for the position of dean of Optometry. No appointment had been announced at press time. Teng Leng Ooi, PhD, was awarded a research grant by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Ooi’s project, “Improving Binocular Vision Through Perceptual Learning” is a new, three-year grant. Her study investigates binocular vision and focuses on restoring the interocular balance of excitatory and inhibitory interactions. The critical idea motivating this project stems from previous work of Dr. Ooi and her team that was published in the journal, Current Biology, Vol.23, No. 8. Monica Maisto, MA, was promoted to director of Admissions for the University. A graduate of St. Joseph’s University, Ms. Maisto was associate director of Admissions prior to accepting this appointment. t
President Michael H. Mittelman announced several new senior level appointments:
Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker, PhD, has retired after 36 years. She was honored at the Board of Trustees meeting in January, when the Board unanimously voted to grant her professor emerita and founding dean, Graduate Programs in Biomedicine status. At the February faculty meeting, Dr. Dayhaw-Barker was thanked by colleagues and friends for her many contributions to the University. Present at both meetings and also feted in February was Dr. Dayhaw-Barker’s husband Dr. Felix M. Barker, II, professor emeritus, who had declined a party in his honor when he retired in 2010 after a one-year sabbatical. (articles, pages 5,6,7) t
Mitchell Scheiman, OD, was appointed interim dean of Research in March. Over the past years, Dr. Scheiman has served as associate dean of Clinical Research and director of the PCO Pediatric Binocular Vision programs, and has been recognized nationally for his extensive research on convergence insufficiency and his leadership in binocular vision, serving with groups such as the DoD Clinical Practice Consensus Steering Committee on Vision and the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigation Group (PEDIG). William A. Monaco, OD, PhD, has been appointed interim associate dean for Graduate Programs in Biomedicine. Dr. Monaco has served as the associate director of the University’s Public Health programs and special assistant to the vice president of Academic Affairs for program development. He has been instrumental in building the online pedagogical infrastructure for the Public Health programs and the PhD/ MSc in Biomedicine, and he teaches in both programs.
The University’s annual White Coat Ceremony was held in October at Congregation Keneseth Israel, across the street from the Elkins Park campus. Students from the optometry, audiology, physician assistant, biomedicine and occupational therapy programs received the symbol of their professions – their white coats – as invited guests and faculty looked on. BIO-FEEDBACK Graduate Programs in Biomedicine
William A. Monaco, OD, PhD, FAAO, succeeded Dr. Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker, the PhD program’s founding dean, as interim associate director. Dr. Dayhaw-Barker retired in February. 10
T h e A l u m n i Ma g a z i n e o f S a l u s U n i v e r s i t y
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SPRING 2014
PCO WORLD Pennsylvania College of Optometry
THE OSBORNE AURICLE Osborne College of Audiology
Dr. Neal Nyman, associate professor, transitioned from his administrative role as chief of Primary Care Suite 3 at The Eye Institute on January 1. He will continue in his teaching role as faculty. Dr. Nyman was surprised by his colleagues and friends after the January faculty meeting as they celebrated his 29 years of service and friendship.
Dean Victor Bray was selected as a Distinguished Fellow in the National Academies of Practice (NAP), and as a Distinguished Public Policy Fellow of the inaugural class of NAP’s Audiology Academy. Dr. Satya Verma, PCO associate professor and associate director of the Externship program, is president of the NAP.
The annual SOSH (Students in Optometric Service to Humanity) humanitarian trip saw twenty students and two faculty preceptors go to Haiti in August. SOSH members raise money through a series of fundraising events held during the year prior to the trip. Proceeds cover purchased supplies and travel expenses. Members also solicit supplies from optometric companies, their families and friends, and the greater Salus Community.
Girija Sundar, PhD, director, Distance Education Programs, was elected chair of the Audiology sub-committee for the Coalition for Global Hearing Health.
In January, the University hosted a donor recognition reception at The Eye Institute (TEI). Invitees were those who helped contribute $2.3 million to Setting Our Sights, the capital campaign for the $11.2 million renovation of TEI. Attendees were able to view their plaques and tour the facility while enjoying light refreshments. They heard remarks from President Michael H. Mittelman; immediate past president, Dr. Thomas L. Lewis, under whose tenure the project was conceived and brought to completion; Board of Trustees chair, Ms. Jo Surpin, and Dr. Susan Oleszewski, who was executive director of TEI before, during and after the renovations. In another student fundraiser, AOSA (American Optometric Student Association) held their annual Wormington 5K Run/Walk, named for Professor Charles M. Wormington, OD, PhD, in the fall. More than 150 runners and walkers participated, the highest number of participants to date. Proceeds from this event are donated to Fox Chase Cancer Center in honor of Dr. Wormington, who is always there with his family to cheer on the runners and walkers and congratulate the winners. In October, the seventh annual Looking Out for Kids (LOFK) silent auction and reception was held. This year’s co-hosts were former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook and Norristown PA School District superintendent, Dr. Janet Samuels. LOFK raises money to fund vision care and eyeglasses for underinsured and uninsured schoolchildren. This year The Eye Institute expanded its reach to include a Friday afternoon vision screening at Norristown public schools. Proceeds from LOFK are used to fund this new program and the decades old Philadelphia School District program at The Eye Institute.
Thomas Goyne, AuD, adjunct, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). In February, the College hosted Dr. Bettie Borton, president of the American Academy of Audiology for a town hall meeting and light refreshments with faculty and students. t
In March the College was one of many web-host sites for the 24th Annual Mayo Clinic Audiology Conference. The fifty participants included alumni, faculty, preceptors and students. Three presentations were given on different issues within the profession, including, cochlear implants for tinnitus, clinical applications of Auditory Electrophysiology, the impact of changing US healthcare on Audiology and what’s working for children who are hard of hearing. In March, the College hosted a distinguished guest from India on campus, Mr. Ranjith, principal of the Institute of Speech and Hearing at Madras ENT Research Foundation (MERF). The institute is part of the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in Chennai, India, a leading organization in cochlear implants programs. Mr. Ranjith lectured to faculty and students of the College on “Cochlear Implant Program Delivery in India: The model at Madras ENT Research Foundation.”
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uni v e r sity news ( continue d ) INSIGHTS College of Education and Rehabilitation
THE PULSE College of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant (PA) Program)
In December, Dean Audrey Smith and faculty members Ms. Lynne Dellinger, director, Education of Youth with Visual and Multiple Impairments program; Ms. Kerry Lueders, co-director, Low Vision Rehabilitation program; Ms. Jamie Maffit, assistant professor; Dr. Brooke Smith, assistant professor, and Dr. Fabiana Perla, director, Orientation and Mobility program, presented at the annual AER International Orientation and Mobility Conference held in New Orleans.
Dr. Richard C. Vause, Jr., associate dean of program development for the University and director of the Physician Assistant (PA) program, reports that the PA interprofessional experience is expanding. Expanded pre-clinical experience for PA students currently takes place in The Eye Institute (TEI) and will begin this year in the Pennsylvania Ear Institute.
Ms. Lachelle Smith, director, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) program, organized a nationwide meeting of key stakeholders in the field of Vision Rehabilitation teaching on April 4 and 5 on the University’s campus in Elkins Park. Attendees included university professors, consumer organizations, and state, federal and private agency administrators. The topic of the conference was the challenges and opportunities in advancing the VRT profession. t
Director of the University’s Orientation and Mobility program, Dr. Fabiana Perla was a contributor for the “English/Spanish Manual for Orientation and Mobility,” which was published by the American Foundation for the Blind. Dr. Perla also had an article which had been published in English in the International Journal of O&M translated into Spanish for inclusion in the electronic journal, Once. Dean Audrey Smith and faculty members Ms. Kerry Lueders, Ms. Jamie Maffit, Dr. Brooke Smith and Dr. Fabiana Perla presented at the Penn-Del Vision Conference held April 2325 in Harrisburg.
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A continuing accreditation site visit was held in December. A response to the initial observations was submitted to the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of Physician Assistants (ARC) in January. “Continuing accreditation” is the term used to describe accreditation that is granted when an established program is in compliance with the ARC standards and happens periodically over the course of a program’s lifetime. At press time, the full Commission was to meet in March to make a final determination. The ExamMaster online testing platform is now in full operation. All examinations and quizzes, with the exception of skill demonstration exams, are now online. Students log on in the classroom using their laptop computers and complete the exam in a format that mimics the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Students get immediate feedback on scores, explanation of answers, and the ability to directly challenge questions. The ExamMaster system provides 27,000 medically oriented questions, 11,000 vetted specifically for PAs. According to Dr. Richard C. Vause, Jr., program director, the faculty has the opportunity to create their own question bank within the system, which has helped them to grow a Salus bank of questions tailored specifically to Salus students. The Class of 2015 is currently piloting the use of eBooks. All books required for the total program currently reside on students’ laptops and iPads, reducing costs to the students by 55%. T he F rontline College of Health Sciences, Public Health Programs
Dr. William Monaco, director of the Public Health programs, announced that the University currently has nine AFOS (Armed Forces Optometric Society) students in the program. The AFOS scholarship is a joint effort of Salus and AFOS and provides scholarships to AFOS members in good standing who are currently in the military, or to a designated family dependent who qualifies for acceptance into the Master of Public Health degree program.
T h e A l u m n i Ma g a z i n e o f S a l u s U n i v e r s i t y
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SPRING 2014
Class Notes 1960s
Bernard H. Blaustein, OD ’67, FAAO, associate professor, is very proud of his daughter, Sharon Marcy, who has been accepted into the Salus Occupational Therapy master’s degree program beginning in August. 1970s
James Alphonso “Jim” Dandy, OD ’72 was the focus of a four-part series in The Savannah Tribune during February. Dr. Dandy was Savannah’s first black optometrist and the series told the story of his life and experiences. Dr. Dandy was one of four black students at PCO, which had about 500 students at the time. In the series he related how he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa while in the US Air Force, and recalled that, on a typical day at PCO, one of the upper classmen would stop him and ask if he would go to the lab, so that he or she could look inside his eyes. Dr. Dandy also told the reporter of another “important thing” that happened to him in Philadelphia: he met his wife, Evelyn there. Steven A. Linas, OD ’75 was nominated by Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell in December to a four-year term as a doctor member of the Virginia State Board of Examiners in Optometry. Dr. Linas lives with his family in Richmond and is a practicing partner of the Virginia Eye Institute. 1980s
David R. McPhillips, OD ‘85, FAAO, FVI, became the 19th president of the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) International at the VOSH International annual meeting in Puerto Rico in October.
Janice L. Bianchi Frederickson, OD ’86 received honors in the 2013 annual Optometric Business Innovators in the Marketing category. John Burns, OD ’89, was named “Optometrist of the Year” by Maryland Optometric Association (MOA). Dr. Burns, current MOA president, who operates Eye Design Family Eyecare Center in Clinton, MD, earned recognition “for his tireless efforts and advocacy on behalf of the profession.” The long-time preceptor to PCO students thanked optometry, “my profession which has given me so much.” t
1990s
Gregory M. Schultz, OD ’93, FAAO, the new owner of Eyewear Plus Optometric Center in Newtown, VA, was featured in an online article in vagazette.com in February. Robert G. Haak, OD ’99 became the first – and at the time only – eye doctor in Pennsylvania to offer Google glass and was featured in an article in the Delaware County Times of February 24. Dr. Haak told the reporter that Google selected him because of his engineering background. His undergraduate degree from Lehigh University is in engineering. 2000s
t
Lawrence M. Eng, AuD ’02 was elected president-elect of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). His term begins on July 1.
Ilana Gelfond-Polnariev, OD ’02, FCOVD was featured in the September edition of Women In Optometry, a supplement to Review of Optometry. The story covered her trip to Moscow, where she helped a four-year old boy with a deviating eye. The family had searched for more than two years for a Russian-speaking vision therapy provider because there are no vision therapy providers in Russia. They found Dr. Gelfond-Polnariev through a Google search that listed Russian as one of her spoken languages. The family was to have come to NYC originally, but a newborn complicated their travel plans. Dr. Gelfond-Polnariev traveled to Moscow instead, bringing a variety of vision therapy equipment with her and spent time with the family training the parents – both medical doctors who speak only Russian – on how to use the equipment. Now back in the States, she communicates with the family via Skype. After three months of therapy, the family reports a 40% improvement. Svend-Erik Runberg, MSCO ’02 celebrated his 25th anniversary as the head of the Optician School at Randers Technical College, which is part of Dania (Danish Academy of Business and Technology), in Randers, Denmark in January. Sheryl Figliano, AuD ’03 was featured in an online article at vindy.com in March. The article featured Dr. Figliano’s upcoming third “lifechanging” international mission to the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. A Rotarian, Dr. Figliano was part of a team that fit and distributed digital hearing aids and batteries donated by her patients, Rotarians and members of her community at large. At press time Dr. Figliano and her team were to see an estimated 400-plus patients. Michelle L. Beachkofsky, OD ’05 was named 2013 Young Optometrist of the Year by the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. Mindy Brudereck, AuD ’06 was appointed chair of the Board of Governors of the American Board of Audiology (AAA) in February, and was elected president-elect of the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology (PAA).
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class notes ( continue d ) Tove L. Morisbakk, MSCO ’06 defended her doctoral thesis in January at Buskerud and Vestfold University College in Norway. The thesis examined how age affects the relationship between structure and function of the retina of the eye. t
2010s
Ryan McKinnis, OD ’10, FAAO and his wife Heather, a former Salus Audiology Admissions officer, welcomed their third child and second son, Wyatt Joel, in March. He joins big brother Owen and sister, Brooklynn. t
Lisa Christensen, AuD ’07 was elected memberat-large of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and will begin her three-year term on July 1.
Whitney (Gilbert) Saunders, MS ’12, Rebecca Knaub, MS ’12, Jennifer Lilly, MS ’12 and Erin Sabatini, MS ’12 passed the national certification exams and are now nationally certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists.
Bradley M. Lane, OD ’07 received the Young Optometrist of the Year Award at the fall meeting of the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians this past November. Taylor M. McMullen, OD ’07 celebrates the three year anniversary of his Scottsdale, Arizona practice as well as the first birthday of his baby girl this year. John A. Coverstone, AuD ’08 was elected vice chair of the American Board of Audiology Board of Governors.
Virginia L. Wise, AuD ’10 gave birth to her fourth daughter. Darryl Glover, OD ’11 was married in November. He and his wife, Adeola, a native of Nigeria, had two ceremonies – one with African formal attire and one with western formal wear. Dr. Glover is in practice near Triangle Park in NC.
t
Jill A. Abrahamson, AuD ’09 married Scott Patrick Sheehan this past November.
Amanda Frye, OD ’12 and Brett Moore, OD ’12 were married on June 16, 2013 in South Carolina. It was a PCO family affair, as the maid of honor was Jessica Frye, OD ’13, sister of the bride, the groomsmen included Michael Joyce, OD ’12, and the groom’s parents are James Moore, OD ’85 and Sandra (Schrader) Moore, OD ‘85. t
t
Theresa Mamah, AuD ’12 has written a book about an event in her father’s childhood that was one of her mother’s favorite stories to tell her children. Dr. Mamah’s late parents were from Nigeria (her dad) and Hungary (her mother). Right now the book, entitled, Jeg, is available only in Hungarian on ibooks, but she hopes to have an English version available. Tiffany Burick, OD ’13 was awarded the Donald H. Evans, OD Award by the Pennsylvania Optometric Association.
Peggy Beckley, LVR Graduate Certificate ’09 is happy to announce that she has recently moved from Columbus, OH to St. Louis, MO. Peggy has taken a position with the St. Louis VA Medical Center as a Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist. Julie K. Hutchinson, OD ’09, FAAO was married to Jonathan McGinnis on October 20, 2013. Bridesmaids included PCO Class of 2009 classmates Nabila Hussaini, OD, Irida Llambiri, OD, and Erin K. McConnell, OD. Wedding guests included Charles A. Druckman, OD ’09, Lynne M. Glinski, OD ’09, Marcia L. Harris, MSLV ’10, Sona B. Kalra, OD ’09, and Brett W. Neal, OD ’06. The couple honeymooned in Ireland. Christine M. Weld, OD ’09 was named the Central PA Chapter of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association’s 2013 Young Optometrist of the Year.
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T h e A l u m n i Ma g a z i n e o f S a l u s U n i v e r s i t y
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SPRING 2014
In Memoriam With sorrow, the University notes the passing of: 1920s
Bernard Kushner, OD ’29, FAAO, of Bala Cynwyd, PA, on January 5, 2014 at the age of 96. A recipient of the 1973 Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year award, Dr. Kushner was also a member of the PCO Board of Trustees. He was appointed by four governors to serve on the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners, and was its chair for many years. The founder of the non-profit Vision Conservation Institute, Dr. Kushner also served the Commonwealth and his community with his work in civic organizations and his synagogue. Dr. Kushner is survived by a son, Alan, and two grandsons, and his cousin was the late Arnold Mazer, OD ’40. 1930s
Allen M. Wolpe, OD ’38 of Pompano Beach, FL, on September 24, 2013. 1940s
Wilmer O. “Yonnie” Kron, OD ’40, of Wyncote, PA, on November 29, 2013 at the age of 96. Dr. Kron, who was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda, is survived by two daughters, a son, their spouses, five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Harry C. “Chuck” Morgan, OD ’46, of Braddock, PA, on June 12, 2013. Dr. Morgan was a creative inventor who helped improve the vision of Pittsburgh Pirates players in the 1960s at the behest of his friend, Branch Rickey, Jr. He also invented night driving lenses and later pioneered antibacterial contact lenses with a patented process. Dr. Morgan is survived by his wife, Estelle, two daughters, his son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Wendell R. Burgess, OD ’47, of Lady Lake, FL, formerly of Windsor, CT, on January 11, 2013. Dr. Burgess served in the US Marine Corps in WWII in the South Pacific. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jean, and his second wife, Dorothy. Herman R. Raines, OD ’49, of Wynnewood, PA, on December 22, 2013. A decorated WWII veteran who served as a combat medic in several historic battles, Dr. Raines had published “Okay Men, This Is It: A Combat Medic’s Odyssey” in November, 2013. Dr. Raines is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beatrice, whom he met in a high school chemistry class, two sons and a grandson. 1950s
Bernard W. Rothschild, OD ’41, of Sarasota, FL, on November 3, 2013 at the age of 95. Dr. Rothschild was a proud veteran of the US Army and is survived by his extended family and numerous friends.
John Allwein Embich, OD ’50, of Annville, PA, on November 24, 2013. A US Army veteran, Dr. Embich was preceded in death by his wife, Justine, and is survived by his three daughters and two grandsons.
Joseph Wescott, OD ’42, of Onancock, VA, on August 9, 2010 at the age of 93.
Edwin Weisbond, OD ’50, of Tampa, FL, formerly of Mount Carmel, PA, on October 22, 2013. A WWII veteran, Dr. Weisbond is survived by his two daughters, their spouses and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Etta, to whom he was married for forty-seven years.
A. Frederick Uhler, OD ’43, of Forks Township, PA, formerly of Aspen, CO, on January 18, 2014. A pilot, Dr. Uhler served in the Medical Corps of the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was very active in his community and was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club. Dr. Uhler is survived by Frances, his wife of seventy-one years, two daughters, a son and six grandchildren. A third daughter preceded him in death. Donald J. Tasso, OD ’43 of Orange, Connecticut on November 22, 2013. Dr. Tasso practiced optometry for 59 years before retiring in 2003. He was co-founder of the New Haven Optometric Society and a lifetime member of the American Optometric Association. Dr. Tasso was editor of the PCO yearbook for his class and regularly published the “EYE” with unique font and drawings. His is survived by a daughter, son, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. George E. Rimby, OD ’44, of Crisfield, MD, formerly of Royersford, PA, on May 22, 2013 at the age of 90. A US Navy veteran of WWII and a former mayor of Royersford, Dr. Rimby also was active in his community and belonged to many civic organizations. He was an accomplished singer and a member of several choirs in PA, DE and MD. He is survived by his wife, Nancy and daughter, Denise. Elmer Snyder, OD ’45, of Delray Beach, FL, formerly of Bala Cynwyd, PA, on August 31, 2013. Dr. Snyder was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley and daughter Madelyn. He is survived by a daughter, a son and eight grandchildren.
Lewis Krotick, OD ’51, of Naples, FL, formerly of Kingston, PA, on August 11, 2013. Dr. Krotick was active in many civic and religious organizations. He is survived by his wife, Connie, their three children and one grandson. David Lazovick, OD ’51, on December 17, 2013. Edward W. Stratton, OD ’51, of Dublin, OH, on September 17, 2013. John S. Biernacki, OD ’52, of Mountain Top, PA, on December 27, 2013. Dr. Biernacki was a WWII US Army veteran who served in the Pacific theater. He was also a popular PCO preceptor, welcoming thirty students into his practice for their clinical rotations over the years. Dr. Biernacki was awarded the University’s Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year award in 2012. A third baseman during his undergrad days at Columbia University, Dr. Biernacki loved baseball. He was active in many community organizations and in his church. Dr. Biernacki is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice; son, David; son, Ronald and wife, Elizabeth; daughter, son-in-law and practice partners, Dr. Donna McLaughlin ’81 and Dr. William McLaughlin ’81 and four grandchildren. Dr. Biernacki hooded granddaughter, Dr. Julie McLaughlin ’12, at her commencement. Frank A. Cirbus, OD ’52, of Morgantown, WV, on January 2, 2014. Dr. Cirbus was a US Navy veteran and is survived by his wife of sixty years, Wilma, a son, four daughters, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. His son Mark preceded him in death. Raymond A. Hopper, OD ’52, of Peru, IN, on September 20, 2013. Dr. Hopper was a US Navy veteran who was active in his church and community. He is survived by his wife Shirley, two daughters, one son, their spouses, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
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in memo r iam ( continue d ) 1970s
2000s
David A. Rosenbloom, OD ’70, of Pittsburgh, PA, on November 3, 2013. Dr. Rosenbloom is survived by his wife, Natalie, daughter, son-in-law, two sons and five grandchildren.
Teresa Marie Cygnarowicz, AuD ’06, of Linden, MI, on December 25, 2013. Dr. Cygnarowicz was a longtime resident of Maryland, where she was an audiologist for the Food and Drug Administration. She is survived by her husband, John and daughter, Karen.
1980s
Gary F. Marrone, OD ’82 of Syracuse, New York, on December 6, 2013. 1990s
Beverly Kolb, MS ’95, of Silver Spring, MD, on January 15, 2014. A low vision specialist, Ms. Kolb is the daughter of Dr. Elwood Kolb ’50 and granddaughter of the late Dr. Leon Kolb ’22. She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Brinn, a daughter and a son. Sean Anderson Fuller, OD ’97, of Round Rock, TX, on December 14, 2013. Dr. Fuller was chosen as one of “America’s Top Optometrists” in 2013 and he was noted for his love and knowledge of all types of music. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Bridgette (Dowe) Fuller ’97, and three daughters.
Missing Alumni Noemi Ramirez, OD Saul D. Schor, OD Juan L. Gorbea, OD Malcolm G. Meyer, OD Howard F. Schapiro, OD Raynold A. Desbois, OD Don W. Kincaid, OD Lawrence Kirschner, OD Barnett Stein, OD, FAAO Burton A. Vigoda, OD Pasquale F. Mancini, OD Donald E. Dunphy, OD Joseph N. Trachtman, OD Robert N. Silverman, OD Stanley Benton, OD Ira Herman, OD Gary S. Kots, OD Harold V. Nelson, OD Marvin L. Schecter, OD Raymond M. Tarantula, OD Sandra E. Hardy, OD Paula K. Starbuck, MS Byung-Joon Ahn, OD Michael P. Honan, MS Aaron T. Moore, MS Karla M. Bryant, MS Thu T. Cai, OD Barbara Deppe, MS Lauren M. Gildenberg, MS Anna M. Ngo, MS Patricia D. Payne, OD 16
1944 1944 1949 1949 1949 1954 1954 1954 1954 1954 1959 1969 1969 1974 1979 1979 1979 1979 1979 1979 1989 1989 1994 1994 1994 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999
Judy Y. Park, OD Debra V. Scott, MS Phyllis B. Simmons, MEd Nicole D. Swain, OD Oystein Aamodt, MS Vickie Anderson, MS Wei Meng Denis Chng, MS Maria Pilar Cubillas Campo, MS Clara Isabel Duarte Garcia Velasco, MS Gunnar Eikeland, MS Eilen Eilertsen, MS Lars Elgetun, MS Ignacio Ferreira Blanco-Argibay, MS Aleksandra Gonoratskaya, OD Margarita Gonoratskaya, OD Trygue Hammelbo, MS Birgitte Hansen, MS Hans T. Haugo, MS Kuen Hoe Ho, MS Lise Ivarson, MS Ann S. Iversen, MS Roland Jacob Izaac, MS Trine Johansen Lonning, MS Mette Lundevold, MS Paul R. Montague, OD Cecilie Nielsen, MS Veronica Alicia Nunez Navarro, MS Kok Boon Ong, MS Hege Rosmo, MS Robert H. Schwartz, OD Nathan J. Smith, AuD
1999 1999 1999 1999 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004
Trine Storengen, MS Sissel M. Storro, MS Tuan A. Tran, OD Jacqueline H. Tung, OD Teresa Maria Valero Perez, MS Tore D. Viksand, MS Thuy Mong T. Vu, OD Ms. Lee E. Whitefield Chad T. Bogren, OD Revital Buganim, BS Jill C. Iles, AuD Yaakov Israeli, BS Ms. Courtney L. John, MS Lindsay Welch Johnson, AuD Eitan Karner, BS Simin I. Kee, BS Chien Hui Lee, BS John N. Mayer, OD Mohammad Natour, BS Christiana M. Palmer, MS Maria A. Pribis, OD, FAAO John Pumford, AuD Hagit Sagy, BS Fani Tavor, BS Sharon Velich, BS Jessica E. Loyd-Zellmer, AuD
2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
We have no contact information for the alumni listed here. If you can provide information about a classmate, please contact Jamie Lemisch at 215.780.1391 or jlemisch@salus.edu.
T h e A l u m n i Ma g a z i n e o f S a l u s U n i v e r s i t y
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SPRING 2014
Salus University alumni, faculty, staff and students salute
During your 41 years of service, your vision, planning, persistence and guidance have helped to shape the course of this institution.
thank you!
Our alumni proudly serve the professions of optometry, education and rehabilitation of the visually impaired, audiology, physician assistant, public health and occupational therapy. We thank you for your dedication
and, most especially, for your mentorship, friendship, humor and grace.
thank you!
Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD ’73, MPH, MEd, FAAO
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N onprofit O rganization U . S . Postage
paid Philadelphia , PA Permit No. 773
8360 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027-1598 A ddress S ervice R equested
Calendar
OF EVENTS
A pril 2 3 – 2 5 , 2 0 1 4
M ay 2 4 – 2 8 , 2 0 1 4
Penn-Del Association for the Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) Spring Vision Conference Harrisburg, PA
American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual Conference Boston, MA
M ay 4 , 2 0 1 4
Continuing Education The Dr. Joseph C. Toland 24th Annual Excellence in Education Conference • Contemporary Optometric Care – What’s New for 2014 • Ophthalmic Optics – Workshop Elkins Park Campus M ay 5 – 9 , 2 0 1 4
J une 2 5 – 2 9 , 2 0 1 4 * * American Optometric Association: Optometry’s Meeting® Philadelphia, PA J uly 3 0 – A ugust 3 , 2 0 1 4
AER International Conference San Antonio, TX OCTOBER 1, 2014
Commencement: College of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies
Acoustical Society of America Spring Meeting Providence, RI
O ctober 2 2 – 2 5 , 2 0 1 4
M ay 1 8 , 2 0 1 4 *
N ovember 1 2 – 1 5 , 2 0 1 4
Salus University Alumni Association Annual Meeting and Day at the Ballpark Philadelphia, PA
American Academy of Optometry Denver, CO
Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants Annual CME Conference Lancaster, PA
M ay 2 2 , 2 0 1 4
Commencement: Optometry, Audiology, Education and Rehabilitation, Public Health, PCO Residents Kimmel Center Philadelphia, PA
* see page 8 for details ** see page 9 for details