Centennial
Many people have been part of the proud history of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) and Salus University. Alumni, faculty, and friends of the College helped establish PCO as a pioneer and leader in the field of optometric education and the profession of optometry. The following people - highlighted on Medal Mondays - were honored on May 20, 1995 at the 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration for their outstanding contributions to the College and the field of optometry and vision care.
At the Centennial Gala Celebration on April 27, 2019, additional alumni, faculty, and friends will be honored.
Dr. George MacElree joined the faculty in 1924 and served as professor of Ocular Pathology and Therapeutics. He wrote and published the first text book in the field for optometrists, Manual of Ocular Pathology for Optometrists. He imparted his knowledge not only to students at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, but also to practitioners as a professor for the Extra-Mural Program from 1935 to 1941. In the 1930s and 1940s, he served as the coordinator of the “Majors,” a rigorous verbal examination which was the focal point of a student’s education. Dr. MacElree held the position of vice president of the Board of Trustees under founder and first president, Dr. Albert Fitch. He was a member of the College Board of Trustees from 1938 until his death in 1957. Throughout his 33-year tenure at the College, Dr. MacElree continually gained the respect and admiration of his students through his personal warmth and dignity. In recognition of his contributions and bequest to the College, a campus building was named in his honor.
