Centennial
Michael Cymbor, OD ‘96, and Jason Jedlicka, OD ’96, once spent the summer as members of Charlie’s Angels. No, not the television show, but a summer work-study experience with Charles “Charlie” Schweitzer, director of Institutional Services.
During the summer of 1993, approximately 15 students signed up to work with Schweitzer on projects around the Oak Lane campus ranging from maintaining the grounds to building retaining walls and painting dorm rooms – when the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) had dorms. Soon after, they became known as “Charlie’s Angels.”
Both Drs. Cymbor and Jedlicka signed up for the work-study program in an effort to make some additional money during the summer break and stay within the Philadelphia area.
While they weren’t chasing down “bad guys” like on the show, both Drs. Cymbor and Jedlicka agree that it was the most meaningful summer work experiences of their lives.
“We worked our tails off all year as students of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) and although Charlie’s Angels was also hard work, it was a different type - more relaxing and fun,” said Dr. Cymbor.
While Schweitzer was in charge, he would often let the Angels figure out a solution to any problem or job as he would lightly guide them in the process. Of course, he would always provide the resources needed to complete the job.
One of the projects entailed developing a much-anticipated sand volleyball court. The Angels figured out where the court would be on campus and what was needed to get it done, with help from contacts Schweitzer provided to the Temple Engineering Department. A few days later, Schweitzer showed up with a bulldozer to put the plan into action.
Being a part of the “Charlie’s Angels” made Dr. Cymbor think about the campus he visited daily a little bit differently. “It gave us a sense of ownership in a way,” he said. “We were the ones that took care of the place and it gave us a sense of pride.”
As the Angels continued to work together, they formed a bond that lasted beyond the summer. “I had no idea that it would build such a strong connection between us and Charlie, to the point where Charlie became like a father-figure to us and our time with him extended beyond work and PCO,” Dr. Jedlicka said.
When the summer came to an end, the Angels were invited to a barbeque at Schweitzer’s house. “The love that we had for Charlie was special,” said Dr. Jedlicka.
Dr. Jedlicka even met his future wife the summer he worked as an Angel, and both he and Dr. Cymbor still remain friends with many of the Angels to this day.
