Glitz and glamour reigned as students, faculty and staff members donned their best tuxedoes, suits, ball gowns and cocktail dresses for the fourth annual Salus Awards Gala (SAG) at Normandy Farm Hotel in Blue Bell, Pa. The celebratory event, hosted by the Campus Activities Committee, honors various Salus community members who have made an impact throughout the year.
Monae Kelsey, associate director of Student Engagement and assistant director in the Office of Admissions, summarized SAG as a great way for the entire Salus community to come together to celebrate its accomplishments.
“I believe the effort put in from the Salus community to participate in recognizing their peers year after year, and the tremendous effort put forth by the Campus Activities Committee with planning, makes this event sweeter and sweeter each year,” she said.
This year, the Emerging Professional Award, which honors a standout student leader in one of the University’s 15 programs, was renamed the Lombardi Emerging Professional of the Year Award, to commemorate Lorraine Lombardi, PhD, interim College of Health Sciences dean who has educated thousands of students at PCO and now Salus throughout her nearly 50-year career.
The Pinnacle Award - established to honor a student that demonstrates leadership outside of the classroom - was another addition to the list this year. Awardees demonstrate leadership in various roles such as serving as a teaching assistant, laboratory assistant, mentor, tour guide, tutor, ambassador, or other interactive role increasing engagement with new and future students. Kaitlyn Kolzow '19OD, Student Council vice president, received the inaugural award.
After thanking those who nominated and voted for her, Kolzow took a moment to emphasize how important it can be to remember to be kind through small gestures.
“The University of Scranton planted this idea deep within my soul – there’s always something more that can be done,” she said. “Often, that something more is something simple, something kind. Small, simple things can turn someone’s day around and when you’re a healthcare provider, small things can have a huge impact.”
More Event Photos
2017 Awards
Outstanding Professor - Audiology
Amanda Marchegiani, AuD
Outstanding Professor – College of Health Sciences
Anthony Di Stefano, OD, MEd, MPH
Outstanding Professor – College of Education and Rehabilitation
Kyomi Gregory, MA, PhD
Outstanding Professor – Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Kriti Bhagat, OD
Outstanding Preceptor – The Eye Institute
Bernard Blaustein, OD
Outstanding Preceptor - Pennsylvania Ear Institute
Elizabeth Sedunov, AuD
Outstanding Preceptor – Speech-Language Institute
Alison Finkelstein, MA
Rybachok Educator of the Year
The Rybachok Educator of the Year award is presented to the most valuable academic professor of any program or department at Salus University.
Dr. Lorraine Lombardi
Helping Hand
The Helping Hand award is presented to the most approachable and/or caring staff member at Salus University. This is someone who goes above and beyond to help students and ensure their success.
Miss Jackie, Reflections Café
Steadfast Service
The Steadfast Service award is presented to the most supportive and dedicated department at Salus University, which can be awarded to any department and is not limited to departments within Academic Affairs.
The Help Desk, Information Technology Department
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
The Student Organization Adviser of the Year award is presented to the most dedicated faculty or staff member that serves as an adviser to a student organization. This faculty or staff member goes above and beyond their role in order to help the organization meet their overall mission and goals.
Monae Kelsey, associate director of Student Engagement and assistant director of Admissions
Student Organization of the Year (Crozier Cup)
The Crozier Cup is presented to the most outstanding student organization of the year for its tremendous contribution to student, campus and community life.
American Optometric Student Association (AOSA)
Social Event of the Year
The Social Event of the Year award is presented to the student group that had provided a remarkable opportunity to encourage student involvement and for students to interact positively with their peers and the Salus community.
Salus Got Talent, National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
Spirit of Salus Community Service
The Spirit of Salus Community Service award is presented to the student organization that displays outstanding community service through screenings, external fundraisers and other charitable contributions.
Students in Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH), provides eye care to in-need countries
Lombardi Emerging Professional
The Lombardi Emerging Professional of the Year award is presented to a student that displays remarkable achievements in the profession he or she will represent. This student will likely become a distinguished professional in his/her future vocation and be an exemplary representative of Salus University as an alumnus.
Kaitlyn Kolzow ’19OD, Student Council vice president
Organization Leadership Excellence
Organizational Leadership Excellence award is presented to an exceptional leader of any student organization. This student should serve as an executive officer of the organization and demonstrate leadership excellence.
Marni Robins ’19OD, Student Council president
Leader on the Rise
The Leader on the Rise award is presented to a student from any program that displays remarkable growth in becoming a well-rounded leader on campus or within his/her respective organization. This nominee should reflect someone who does not hold a formal title, but is seen as an extension of the executive board, or held a position designed for a first-year student, and goes beyond the call of duty. This is the first year this award is being presented.
Emily Smith ’20OD
Unsung Hero
The Unsung Hero award is presented to a member of any student organization that does not serve in an executive officer role, but demonstrates dedication to the overall mission and activities of the organization in which they belong. The member may be someone who does a lot of work behind the scenes, but does not always receive recognition for their contributions.
Lariesa Schwab ’19OD and Chad Killen ’19OD
Pinnacle Award
The Pinnacle Award is presented to a student for outstanding leadership outside of involvement in student organizations in any program. These students demonstrate leadership in various roles such as serving as a teaching assistant, laboratory assistant, mentor, tour guide, tutor, ambassador, or other engaging activities with new and future students. This is the first year this award is being presented.
Kaitlyn Kolzow ’19OD, Student Council vice president
