Blindness and Low Vision Studies Alumna of the Year Reception 2018

On Thursday, July 12, Sister Lisa Ann Lettiere, IHM, MEd ’00, TVI, COMS was honored as the Blindness and Low Vision Studies (BLVS) Alumnus of the Year. The reception was held in the Hafter Student Community Center on the University’s Elkins Park campus.

Fabiana Perla, EdD, COMS, CLVR, chair of the Department of BLVS addressed the audience about the program’s focus on partnerships, including working among children with low vision impairments. She spoke about Sister Lettiere and her consistent smile throughout any situation.

Before presenting Sister Lettiere’s award, Merele Silverbook, MEd, TVI ‘08, O&M Specialist ‘10, vice president of the University’s Alumni Association, encouraged students to be active alumni after they graduate. “Once you become alumni, you can lead the way and, just like Sister Lisa, create collaboration,” Silverbook said. 

With her infectious smile, Sister Lettiere received her award. “Salus has prepared me for every challenge I have come across while working with individuals who are blind and visually impaired,” she said. “As I entered into the vision field upon graduation, it became apparent to me that I was totally ready to work with our students and meeting their needs in education.”

Alumni awards are given annually and the awardees are nominated by students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The final recipients are voted on by the Alumni Association Board. This particular award is presented to an alumnus 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.Sister Lettiere received her Master’s degree in Education in Blindness and Visual Impairment from Salus University, as well as a certificate in the University’s Orientation and Mobility program.

She is the principal of Saint Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairments in Philadelphia, Pa., where she works tirelessly to ensure her students’ success. This past August, when she was unable to recruit a middle school teacher in time for the start of the school year, she stepped into the role while also maintaining her administrative role as principal. Prior to becoming principal at St. Lucy’s, she taught every grade from first through eighth. In recognition of her commitment to the success of her students, the Salus University Alumni Association is proud to award Sister Lisa Ann Lettiere with the Blindness and Low Visions Studies Alumna of the Year award.