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Pelé, the retired Brazilian professional football (soccer) player, once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” This sentiment was expressed on several occasions to Salus University’s graduating class throughout the week of May 21, leading up to Spring Commencement on Thursday.
The first of many pre-ceremony events was the celebration of 21 graduates who not only completed the Optometry program at Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) but also successfully completed the Advanced Studies program, which allows students to pursue certificates in distinct areas of practice or research in conjunction with the Optometry curriculum.
The Advanced Studies Recognition Ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 22 in the Hafter Student Center. There the students celebrated with friends and family as congratulations also came from the Dean of PCO, Melissa Trego ‘04 OD and Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, President of the University. “This is an exciting time for all of you. Congratulations and celebrate these moments,” Dr. Trego said. “It’s not easy to go above and beyond the program,” said Dr. Mittelman, who also noted that 40% of the Advanced Studies students will continue on to the residency program. After the ceremony and reception, friends and family were invited to classroom S300 to be presented their certificates as well as listen to final Grand Rounds presentations given by four of the students.
The day after, the entire graduating class was invited to the annual Graduate Luncheon held at Presidential Catering in Norristown, Pa., where they had a chance to socialize and celebrate their accomplishments while acknowledging their fellow students who received awards across all programs.
On Wednesday evening, the Lombardi Classroom was officially dedicated in honor of Dr. Lorraine Lombardi, with a reception and an unveiling of her portrait. The largest and newest classroom on the University’s Elkins Park campus was full of individuals that had been positively impacted by Dr. Lombardi during her fifty years of teaching neuro-anatomy and optometry at PCO and Salus. The audience told stories about their relationship with Dr. Lombardi, whether as a professor, a colleague, friend, or family member. “The naming of this classroom acknowledges and gives testament to Dr. Lombardi’s lasting legacy at Salus and PCO, her lasting impact, and dedication to thousands of students and professionals who have been privileged to witness her energy and passion for teaching, and to her colleagues who are most fortunate to call her a friend,” said Dr. Mittelman. A flattered, yet humble, Dr. Lombardi also addressed the audience saying, “You made my job easier and I hope I made your job easier and that I was gracious when I did it.” She also remarked that the last few years had been the happiest of her life as she watched former students giving her same lectures to newcomers.
Wednesday came to a close with the Occupational Therapy (OT) program Capstone presentations.
On Thursday, graduates saw their perseverance and sacrifices pay off as they received their diplomas at commencement, held at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. This was the largest graduation class in PCO and Salus University’s history, with 356 graduates, seventy five percent of which are female. This year was also the first Occupational Therapy Doctorate program included in Graduation.
The student speaker was Robert Andersson, MSc, FAAO, clinical instructor, who received his PhD in Biomedicine. Dr. Andersson is a native of Sweden and Finland and came to Salus to get additional competencies to provide the best care for his patients. As soon as he arrived, he “fell in love” with the University. Dr. Andersson reminded his fellow students that they have a long journey ahead and to, “love what we do, remain committed, [and] be resilient.”
In his introduction of the Commencement Speaker, and before bestowing the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science upon her, Dr. Mittelman again laid emphasis on the dedication to the students Dr. Lombardi had throughout her time at PCO and Salus, and gave glimpses of the admiration that students and colleagues have for her. “Her method of focusing on discovery and learning; breaking down the most complex subject matter so that each student owns the information that has been a hallmark of her teaching career,” he said.
As Dr. Lombardi delivered one last talk to the graduates, she focused on embracing change. During the speech, Dr. Lombardi threw in one more reference to a neurology concept, as one of her last gifts, to which the crowd laughed. She wrapped the speech with things that have not changed such as working hard, to always continue to be a student, and reminded everyone to practice what they learned when they were five – which is to give love.
As the week came to a close, it became clear that the Salus 2018 Spring graduates have exhibited all of the qualifiers for success and indeed have bright futures ahead.
Congratulations to all Salus 2018 Spring graduates!
